My Favorite Morning Glory Muffins

Get ready for incredibly moist, flavorful Morning Glory Muffins packed with wholesome goodness like carrots, apple, pineapple, and crunchy nuts. I think these muffins are the perfect way to start any day, offering a burst of sunshine in every bite. They are wonderfully satisfying and remind me a bit of carrot cake but in a convenient, handheld form.

What Exactly Are Morning Glory Muffins?

This recipe is my take on a classic that gained fame thanks to Gourmet magazine. It was actually one of their most popular recipes for decades, and it’s easy to see why. These muffins are ideal as a fulfilling breakfast, a lovely mid-morning pick-me-up, or even a satisfying treat after some exercise.

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

These muffins are truly special, and I find myself making them again and again.

• Packed with Goodness: They are light, moist, and absolutely brimming with flavor that everyone seems to enjoy. I often compare them to my favorite carrot cake recipe, just transformed into a muffin.
• Healthy and Hearty: Loaded with fiber from healthy fruits, vegetables, and nuts, they help keep you feeling full, happy, and energized for hours.
• Super Versatile: Feel free to customize them. You can add your preferred nuts, seeds, or even some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries if you like.
• Freezer-Friendly: Just like many quick breads, these morning glory muffins freeze exceptionally well. I recommend making a double batch and freezing half for quick breakfasts later.

Ingredients Explained

Let’s look at what makes these muffins so delicious.

• The Batter Base: We use standard all purpose flour, eggs, vegetable oil, and baking soda to create the foundation for these muffins. To make them a bit lighter and add moisture without too much extra fat, I substitute some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer, you could even swap half the all purpose flour for whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
• Fruit Power: Crushed pineapple and applesauce are key players here, ensuring the muffins stay incredibly moist. Grated fresh apples and shredded carrots add even more moisture, natural sweetness, and flavor. Don’t hesitate to add other dried fruits like raisins if that’s something you enjoy in your muffins.
• Nutty Crunch: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a wonderful textural contrast. Toasted nuts often have a deeper flavor. Feel free to use almonds, pistachios, or even pumpkin seeds (pepitas). Any mix usually works out great.
• Flavor Boosters: Cinnamon adds warmth, vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness, and a little salt balances everything out. Unsweetened coconut flakes contribute texture and a subtle tropical note.

Simple Steps to Perfect Morning Glory Muffins

You’ll find these muffins come out delightfully moist and tasty when you follow these easy steps.

1. First, prepare the wet ingredients. Combine the eggs, drained crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until well combined.
2. Next, handle the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and spice evenly.
3. Combine the wet and dry mixtures. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir gently only until the flour mixture is just moistened. It’s important not to overmix at this stage.
4. Fold in the extras. Gently stir in the shredded carrots, grated apple, coconut flakes, and chopped nuts (plus sunflower seeds if using). Fold just until everything is incorporated.
5. Fill the muffin cups. Divide the batter evenly among your prepared muffin cups (use liners or grease the pan well). They should be quite full.
6. Bake to perfection. Bake in your preheated oven until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remember the two-temperature baking step detailed in the recipe card for that perfect rise and texture. Let them cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Keeping Your Muffins Fresh

Because these morning glory muffins are extra moist, they store quite well.

• Room Temperature: They will stay fresh for about two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: If you need them to last longer, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezer: For long-term storage, place the cooled muffins in a large zippered freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 4 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature overnight or place them in the fridge. You can also warm them gently in the microwave if you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

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