Morning Glory Muffins
Morning Glory Muffins are a delightful and nutritious way to start your day! These muffins combine the goodness of vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With their unique blend of flavors and textures, these muffins will appeal to both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are easy to prepare ahead of time, ensuring you have a healthy option ready whenever you need it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: Morning Glory Muffins are packed with veggies like zucchini and carrots, providing essential nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: These muffins make a great breakfast, snack, or even a lunchbox treat for kids.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners and busy individuals alike.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake a batch and freeze them! You can enjoy fresh muffins anytime by simply thawing them out.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to personalize these muffins to your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Morning Glory Muffins, gather the essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tins
- Paper liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Grater
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tins: Essential for shaping your muffins perfectly. They provide uniform cooking for even results.
- Mixing bowls: A must-have for combining dry and wet ingredients without spilling. Large bowls help keep things tidy.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients together gently. It ensures you don’t overmix the batter.
Ingredients
Morning Glory Muffins are a healthy, easy breakfast! Packed with veggies, you’ll love having these on hand.
Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
– 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut (shredded)
– 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
– 1 cup zucchini (grated and wrung out)
– 2 cups carrot (grated)
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup avocado oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Morning Glory Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tins with paper liners to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the following:
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Cinnamon
Baking soda
Salt
Unsweetened coconut
Chopped walnuts
Make sure everything is combined well. Then add in the grated zucchini and grated carrots, stirring until mixed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture. In another bowl, whisk together:
Unsweetened applesauce
Maple syrup
Large eggs
Avocado oil
Vanilla extract
Pour the wet ingredients into the well of dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Tins
Scoop the batter into prepared muffin tins using an ice cream scoop or spoon, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
Step 5: Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for about seven minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Store in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Enjoy your delicious Morning Glory Muffins!
How to Serve Morning Glory Muffins
Morning Glory Muffins are a versatile breakfast option that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delightful addition to your brunch, these muffins are sure to please.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Pair your muffins with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Banana Slices: Add slices of banana on top or beside the muffins for added sweetness and nutrition.
Spread with Nut Butter
- Almond Butter: Spread almond butter on a warm muffin for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
- Peanut Butter: The classic choice that complements the flavors of the muffins perfectly.
As Part of a Breakfast Platter
- Cheese Cubes: Include some cheese cubes next to your muffins for a savory touch.
- Yogurt: A small bowl of yogurt can balance the sweetness of the muffins and add creaminess.
With Coffee or Tea
- Coffee: Enjoying these muffins with your morning coffee enhances their rich flavors.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea pairs well and adds a calming element to your breakfast.
How to Perfect Morning Glory Muffins
To ensure your Morning Glory Muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh carrots and zucchini for optimal moisture and flavor in your muffins.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain fluffy muffins. Overmixing can lead to dense baked goods.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to prevent sogginess.
- Substitute Wisely: If you want to reduce sugar, try using more applesauce, but adjust liquid ingredients accordingly.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Morning Glory Muffins
Serving Morning Glory Muffins alongside complementary dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here’s a list of perfect pairings.
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy option that adds protein and tanginess, making it a great match for sweet muffins.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the muffins.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and vitamins, enhancing the breakfast experience.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal brings heartiness and fiber, perfect for those who love filling breakfasts.
- Smoothie: Pair with a refreshing smoothie packed with greens for an energizing start to your day.
- Granola Parfait: Layer granola with yogurt and fruits in a parfait glass for an appealing presentation that complements the muffins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Morning Glory Muffins can be simple, but small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Skipping the moisture wringing: Many forget to wring out the grated zucchini, which can lead to soggy muffins. Always remove excess moisture for better texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make muffins tough. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined for a light muffin.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your muffins. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.
- Ignoring baking time: Muffins can overbake quickly. Start checking them at 25 minutes and remove them when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Storing incorrectly: Improper storage can dry out your muffins. Keep them in an airtight container or freeze for longer freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Morning Glory Muffins
- Freeze muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating Morning Glory Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm muffins for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual muffins on high for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Morning Glory Muffins.
Can I customize my Morning Glory Muffins?
Absolutely! You can add different nuts, dried fruits, or even swap out the applesauce for mashed bananas.
How do I ensure my Morning Glory Muffins are fluffy?
Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients. This keeps your muffins light and fluffy.
What makes Morning Glory Muffins healthy?
They include whole ingredients like carrots and zucchini, providing fiber and essential nutrients without excessive sugar.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Final Thoughts
Morning Glory Muffins are not only delightful but also versatile. With their mix of vegetables and wholesome ingredients, they make a perfect healthy breakfast option. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins and enjoy this nutritious treat any time of the day!
Morning Glory Muffins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Morning Glory Muffins are the perfect way to kickstart your day with deliciousness and nutrition. Bursting with a medley of flavors from carrots, zucchini, and wholesome ingredients, these muffins are not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. Make a batch in advance and freeze them for a quick grab-and-go option whenever you need a healthy treat. With endless possibilities for customization, such as adding nuts or dried fruits, these muffins are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut (shredded)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (wrung out)
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup avocado oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, coconut, and walnuts. Stir in grated zucchini and carrots.
- In another bowl, combine applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
- Fill each muffin liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 25–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool for seven minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
