Best Morning Glory Muffins – Easy Homemade Breakfast Muffins

There is something comforting about the smell of freshly baked muffins drifting through the kitchen in the early morning light. Morning Glory Muffins are the kind of breakfast treat that feels just right on a quiet weekend, a busy school morning, or even as a nourishing afternoon snack with tea. Packed with wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and nutritious. The inspiration behind Morning Glory Muffins comes from the idea of starting the day with something vibrant and energizing. Traditionally filled with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and warm spices, these muffins were created to be hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. This version keeps that tradition alive while focusing on moisture, texture, and balanced sweetness, making them a recipe you will return to again and again.

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Why You’ll Love These Morning Glory Muffins

Morning Glory Muffins are not your average breakfast muffin. They are:

• Incredibly moist thanks to grated carrots, apple, and crushed pineapple
• Naturally sweetened with brown sugar and fruit
• Loaded with texture from shredded coconut and chopped nuts
• Gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg
• Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead breakfasts

Unlike overly sugary bakery muffins, these are wholesome enough to fuel your morning while still feeling like a treat. They are sturdy yet tender, hearty yet soft, and flavorful in every bite.

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What Makes a Morning Glory Muffin Special?

Morning Glory Muffins stand out because they combine a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients into one delicious batter. Each element plays a role:

• Carrots add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Apples provide fresh fruit flavor and softness.
• Crushed pineapple ensures a juicy, tender crumb.
• Whole wheat flour contributes a hearty texture.
• Coconut and nuts bring crunch and richness.
• Warm spices tie everything together.

The result is a muffin that feels satisfying and substantial without being heavy.

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Ingredients for Morning Glory Muffins

Here is everything you will need to make 12 standard muffins:

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 g) grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup (120 g) grated apple (about 1 large apple)
• 1/2 cup (120 g) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and fully combined.

4. Add Fruits and Vegetables

Fold in:

• 1 cup (120 g) grated carrots
• 1 cup (120 g) grated apple
• 1/2 cup (120 g) crushed pineapple
• 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins

Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the muffins dense. The batter will be thick and textured.

6. Fill the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

7. Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips for Extra Moist Muffins

• Do not squeeze excess moisture from the grated carrots or apple.
• Drain the pineapple lightly but leave some juice for added softness.
• Avoid overbaking; check at the 20-minute mark.
• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.

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How to Store Morning Glory Muffins

These muffins store beautifully:

• Room temperature: In an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

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Delicious Variations

Add Seeds

Include 2 tablespoons (20 g) sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

Make Them Lighter

Replace half of the oil (90 ml) with unsweetened applesauce.

Add Zest

Stir in 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a bright citrus note.

Make Them Gluten-Free

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of both flours.

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Nutritional Benefits

Morning Glory Muffins are packed with:

• Fiber from whole wheat flour, carrots, apple, and raisins
• Healthy fats from nuts and coconut
• Natural sweetness from fruit
• Antioxidants from cinnamon and nutmeg

They provide sustained energy without the crash of heavily refined pastries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Morning Glory Muffins ahead of time?

Yes, these muffins are ideal for meal prep. Because they are naturally moist from the carrots, apple, and pineapple, they stay soft for several days. You can bake them on Sunday evening and enjoy them throughout the week. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to five days. If you prefer freshly warmed muffins, simply microwave one for 15 to 20 seconds before serving. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm directly from frozen.

2. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar without sacrificing too much flavor or texture. You may decrease the brown sugar from 1 cup (200 g) to 3/4 cup (150 g). Keep in mind that sugar contributes to moisture and browning, so reducing it significantly may result in a less tender muffin. Because this recipe already includes naturally sweet ingredients like apple, pineapple, and raisins, it remains flavorful even with less sugar. Avoid removing sugar entirely, as that will impact the structure of the muffins.

3. Why are my muffins dense instead of fluffy?

Dense muffins are usually caused by overmixing or measuring flour incorrectly. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing activates gluten in the flour, leading to a heavier texture. Another common issue is packing flour too tightly into the measuring cup. Always spoon flour into the cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly. Finally, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can prevent proper rise.

4. Can I substitute ingredients?

Morning Glory Muffins are very adaptable. You can swap walnuts for pecans or omit nuts entirely. If you do not like raisins, substitute dried cranberries or chopped dates. For a lighter option, replace half of the 3/4 cup (180 ml) oil with 1/2 cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce. You can also use only all-purpose flour instead of combining it with whole wheat flour, though the texture will be slightly less hearty. Small substitutions work well, but try to keep the total amount of grated fruits and vegetables the same to maintain moisture balance.

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Serving Ideas

Morning Glory Muffins pair beautifully with:

• A cup of hot coffee or tea
• Greek yogurt and fresh berries
• A smoothie for a complete breakfast
• Nut butter spread on a warm muffin

They are also perfect for brunch tables, school lunches, road trips, and holiday mornings.

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Final Thoughts

Morning Glory Muffins are more than just a baked good; they represent a wholesome, nourishing way to start the day. With their combination of grated carrots, fresh apple, crushed pineapple, coconut, and nuts, they deliver texture, sweetness, and warmth in every bite. They feel indulgent but are made with real, nourishing ingredients that provide lasting energy. What makes this recipe especially wonderful is its flexibility. You can adapt it to suit your family’s tastes, dietary preferences, or what you already have in your pantry. Whether you add seeds, swap the nuts, or slightly reduce the sugar, the core of the recipe remains dependable and delicious. These muffins also freeze beautifully, making them a practical option for busy mornings when time is limited. Baking a batch fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and warm spices. It is the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table, even on the busiest days. Children love the natural sweetness, and adults appreciate the hearty texture and balanced flavor. If you are looking for a breakfast that feels homemade, nourishing, and satisfying, Morning Glory Muffins are an excellent choice. Once you try them, they are likely to become a staple in your kitchen, ready to brighten your mornings whenever you need something wholesome and delicious. Print