Have you ever woken up to the aroma of freshly baked Morning Glory Muffins wafting through the air? If not, you’re missing out on one of life’s simple pleasures. These muffins are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining the goodness of carrots, apples, raisins, and nuts.
Originally created by Chef Pam McKinstry, they make a perfect start to any morning, filling your kitchen with warmth and inviting smells.
The beauty of the recipe is in its versatility, allowing you to adapt ingredients to suit your taste. You can make them with whole wheat flour for an extra touch of health or add a handful of coconut for a tropical twist.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this as your first muffin recipe, following these steps will guide you to success while ensuring a satisfying treat.
When I first tried baking Morning Glory Muffins, I was amazed at how each bite offered a sweet and nutty surprise. The secret to their moist and chewy texture lies in the perfect balance of wet and dry ingredients. It’s these small details that elevate the humble muffin from being just another baked good to a standout breakfast option.
Grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into the world of Morning Glory Muffins.
Why You Will Love Morning Glory Muffins
I believe you’ll enjoy Morning Glory Muffins for their rich flavor and nutritional benefits. These muffins are packed with tasty ingredients like grated carrots, apple, and pineapple, offering a boost of vitamins and fiber.
The blend of cinnamon, vanilla, pecans, coconut, and raisins creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
On Nantucket Island, there’s charm associated with these muffins. The Morning Glory Cafe showcases how these muffins effortlessly suit breakfast or snack time. They capture a cozy and inviting feeling that reminds me of slow mornings on the island.
For those interested in making these muffins at home, I recommend using whole-wheat flour or White Whole Wheat flour if available. These flours add a bit more nutrition and fiber.
Make sure to fill muffin cups two-thirds full for even baking, and let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. This ensures a perfect texture each time.
Feel free to include your own mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruit, if you want to personalize the recipe. Since these muffins are quite versatile, they can easily adapt to your specific tastes.
If you’re new to baking or looking for a healthy treat, I think Morning Glory Muffins offer a delicious and satisfying option. They are not only healthy but also easy to make, making them a great addition to anyone’s recipe collection.
How To Make Morning Glory Muffins
Creating Morning Glory Muffins is a rewarding process that incorporates a delightful mix of fruits and spices to yield delicious and moist treats. Let me walk you through the key components you’ll need and how to bring it all together.
Ingredients
To make these muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 tart apple, grated
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
These ingredients come together to form a batter that is rich and full of flavors.
Instruments
You’ll require several kitchen tools:
- Muffin tin or muffin pan
- Paper liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
These instruments make mixing and baking a smooth process, ensuring each ingredient is properly incorporated and baked.
Step By Step Instruction
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Fold in the grated carrots, grated apple, raisins, shredded coconut, nuts, and crushed pineapple into the batter.
- Fill each cup of the muffin tin about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These muffins are now ready to enjoy, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredient Substitute
When making Morning Glory Muffins, there are several ingredients you can swap out to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Below, I share some versatile substitutions.
For the flour, if you want a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds a nutty taste and more fiber. If you’re going for a gluten-free option, there are plenty of gluten-free blends available.
If you’re out of butter, try using vegetable or canola oil. Applesauce can also substitute for oil or butter, offering moisture with reduced fat. It’s best to use the same amount as the original ingredient.
For those looking to sweeten naturally, replace sugar with honey or coconut sugar. Each offers a different flavor profile, with honey adding a slight floral taste and coconut sugar contributing a caramel-like richness.
Instead of using eggs, consider flax or chia seeds. Mix one tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds with two and a half tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
Need more moisture in the batter? Try apple butter or extra applesauce. Orange juice is another option, adding a citrusy zing while keeping the muffins moist and tender.
Adding texture and nutrition, wheat germ or shredded zucchini can mix things up. You can increase the quantity of grated carrots or double the apples if preferred. This will boost the flavor and make the muffins more filling.
By mixing and matching these substitutes, it’s easy to create a personalized batch of muffins that suits your taste and dietary needs.
What To Serve With Morning Glory Muffins
When I serve Morning Glory Muffins, I like to offer a variety of tasty pairings to enhance their flavors.
A hot drink makes a great companion. I recommend a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The warmth is comforting, and both drinks balance the muffins’ sweetness delightfully.
For a fresh touch, I enjoy a mix of fresh fruits on the side. Blueberries are a favorite. Their tartness contrasts nicely with the muffins’ richness, making each bite refreshing.
Yogurt is also a wonderful addition. I prefer Greek yogurt for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. It’s a great way to boost the meal’s protein content.
Sometimes, I like to spread a bit of cream cheese on the muffins. This adds a rich, creamy layer that complements the muffins’ hearty ingredients.
For special occasions, I’ve served muffins with a light drizzle of honey. It’s a sweet treat that highlights the muffins’ natural flavors.
When planning a complete breakfast, I often include eggs. Scrambled or boiled, they bring an extra layer of protein to the table. This makes the meal satisfying and keeps energy levels high throughout the morning.
These pairings not only enrich the experience but also cater to diverse tastes, ensuring that everyone finds something they love along with their Morning Glory Muffins.
How To Store Morning Glory Muffins
After baking, I let the Morning Glory Muffins cool completely on a wire rack. This helps prevent the bottoms from becoming soggy. Once they’re cool, I use several methods to keep them fresh.
When I plan to eat them within a few days, I place the muffins in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, I pop them into the refrigerator, where they last around a week.
If I want to keep the muffins fresh for a longer time, I choose to freeze them. I first wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, they can last for up to 3 months.
Thawing is easy. I just take the muffins out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. If I’m in a hurry, I warm them up slightly in the oven.
To keep the tops moist and flavorful, I avoid wrapping them too tightly. A toothpick can help check their moisture levels before packing them up, ensuring each bite is delicious.
Is Morning Glory Muffins Healthy
I always find Morning Glory Muffins to be a great option when I’m looking for something tasty yet wholesome. These muffins are packed with healthy and nutritious ingredients like fruits and vegetables. This makes them a smart choice for a balanced diet.
The use of whole wheat flour adds extra fiber, which is important for digestion. Ingredients like flax, apples, and carrots enhance both nutritional value and flavor.
Protein is another component these muffins can include, depending on the recipe variations. Adding nuts such as walnuts or almonds can give these muffins a nice protein boost, helping to keep me full longer.
Moisture is key to a delicious muffin, and these don’t disappoint. Ingredients like applesauce, carrots, and sometimes a touch of honey or maple syrup contribute to the moist texture and natural sweetness.
One thing I enjoy is how these muffins remind me of carrot cake in flavor but with a healthier twist. The combination of spices, raisins, and nuts really makes each bite delightful.
These muffins are quite versatile. They’re a quick breakfast or a snack that travels well. They’re a great way to incorporate more fruits and veggies in a pleasing way!
My Morning Glory Muffins offer a nice blend of taste and health benefits, which is why I often choose them to kickstart my day.
Nutrition Fact
Here are the nutrition facts for Morning Glory Muffins:
- Calories: A single muffin can range from about 177 to 310 calories, depending on the recipe.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 58% of the total caloric content comes from carbs.
- Fats: Total fat can be around 4.9g to 18g, with saturated fat around 1g.
- Proteins: Contains about 6% protein.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Often a good source of Vitamin A, providing about 33% of your daily value.
Morning Glory Muffins
Equipment
- Muffin tin or muffin pan
- Paper liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 tart apple grated
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring gently. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in grated carrots, apple, raisins, shredded coconut, nuts, and crushed pineapple.
- Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Calories: 177-310
- Carbohydrates: 58% of total calories
- Fats: 4.9g to 18g, with saturated fat around 1g
- Protein: About 6% of total calories
- Vitamin A: 33% of your daily value
