Morning Glory Muffins

There are few things I love more than a really good homemade muffin and I’m happy to report that these Morning Glory Muffins are the perfect way to start the day. They’re equal parts easy and delicious and every batch bakes up delightfully moist, packed full of flavor and perfectly sweet (but not too sweet!).

Why you’ll love these morning glory muffins

At first glance, these hearty homemade muffins might not look like much. But, one bite and you’ll set your alarm clock early just to savor one of these delightful breakfast treats. Slathered with a smear of salted butter or honey, these morning glory muffins are a tasty way to start the day. Here’s a few reasons why you’ll love these muffins:

• Wholesome and hearty – these muffins are nourishing and healthy(ish) without sacrificing flavor.
• Better than a bran muffin – Imagine carrot cake meets apple spice cake meets bran muffin. SO GOOD!
• Amazing flavor and texture – loaded with carrots, apples, coconut, walnuts and cinnamon, these muffins are loaded with amazing taste and texture. They bake up perfectly moist and just sweet enough.
• Easy to make and freeze – make warm from the oven muffins in about 30 minutes with no fancy equipment.
• A glorious way to start the day! A delicious breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

First thing’s first. Don’t let the long list of ingredients scare you off. These muffins are chock full of goodies but many of the ingredients are basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Flour – regular all-purpose flour gives the muffins structure. For a healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Butter – adds richness and flavor.
• Oil – provides moisture that keeps the muffins soft. I’m using canola oil but any neutral oil will work.
• Sugar – light brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness. Brown sugar works too!
• Eggs – make sure your eggs are at room temperature for best results.
• Carrots – for a breakfast baked good you can feel good about! For the best texture, use freshly grated carrots rather than the shredded store-bought ones sold in a bag.
• Apples – Any apple variety will work but we love Honeycrisp. Use the same box grater to grate both the apples and carrots.
• Coconut – shredded, sweetened coconut makes these muffins extra delicious.
• Nuts – chopped walnuts or pecans are delicious and add extra crunch. Feel free to omit the nuts if you prefer.
• Cinnamon – just a dash adds a warm, cozy flavor.
• Vanilla – a splash of high quality vanilla is always a good idea!
• Orange zest – the hint of orange in the muffins really makes them shine.
• Sour cream – for a soft and fluffy muffin, sour cream is a must! Sub with Greek yogurt in a pinch.

How to make morning glory muffins

Homemade muffins are one of my favorite things to bake. Whip up a dozen of these bakery-worthy muffins in minutes with just a bowl and a whisk. No mixer required! Follow this step-by-step guide and check the recipe card below for ingredients and detailed instructions.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line every other muffin cup in a 12-cup muffin tin with a paper liner.

Step 2: Whisk together the melted butter, oil, eggs, sour cream, orange zest and vanilla.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix together using a large spatula or wooden spoon.

Step 5: Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin cups. Fill them almost to the top.

Step 6: Bake at 400°F for 6 to 7 minutes. Reduce the oven to 350°F and continue baking for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops are set in the center and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center of the of muffin should come out clean or with a few crumbs remaining.

Variations

These morning glory muffins are easily customizable to suit your sweet tooth. Make them your own by subbing something you don’t have on hand with one of the ingredients below.

• Raisins. If you’re not a big raisin fan (raises hand!), dried cherries or cranberries would be a delicious addition.
• Blueberries. Add a delicious flavor burst with a cup of fresh blueberries.
• Dates. For extra sweetness and nutritious fiber, add a handful of chopped dates to the batter.
• Almond butter. Top your muffin with a dollop of almond or peanut butter for extra flavor and protein.
• Coconut sugar. For a healthier muffin, substitute some or all of the brown sugar with coconut sugar.
• Sour cream. If you don’t have sour cream in the fridge, subtitute with full fat Greek yogurt.

How to store

I’ll never say no to baked goods for breakfast. I love to make a batch of these scrumptious muffins on Sundays and enjoy them for breakfast on-the-go all week long. Store the muffins tightly covered at room temperature for up to 4 days. They freeze beautifully and can be easily defrosted at room temperature or 30 seconds in the microwave.

FAQ’s

Happy muffin making!

Looking for more easy and delicious breakfast recipes? You’ll love these:

• Best Banana Bread Recipe
• The Best Blueberry Streusel Muffins
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
• Pumpkin Bread Recipe
• Raspberry Streusel Muffins