Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 1½ cups grated carrots
- 1 cup grated apple (peeled or unpeeled)
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup crushed pineapple, well drained
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
- Light sprinkle of coarse sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Fold in the grated carrots, grated apple, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Mix only until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
If desired, sprinkle the tops with rolled oats, chopped walnuts, and a little coarse sugar for extra texture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Morning Glory Muffins
- Grate the carrots and apple fresh for the best moisture and flavor.
- Drain the crushed pineapple well to prevent a soggy batter.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the muffins dense.
- Toast the walnuts or pecans before adding them for a richer flavor.
- Fill the muffin cups evenly so they bake uniformly.
- Add a handful of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
- Let the muffins cool slightly before serving to allow the crumb to set.
- Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and moist.
Variations
Whole Wheat Morning Glory Muffins
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Cranberry Morning Glory Muffins
Substitute dried cranberries for the raisins for a sweet-tart twist.
Tropical Morning Glory Muffins
Add chopped dried mango and use pecans instead of walnuts.
Orange Spice Muffins
Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest for a bright citrus flavor.
Nut-Free Morning Glory Muffins
Omit the walnuts and add sunflower seeds or extra raisins instead.
Maple Morning Glory Muffins
Replace the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup and reduce the oil slightly for a naturally sweet variation.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these Morning Glory Muffins with:
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Honey
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruit
- Smoothies
- Coffee
- Hot tea
Storage
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Freshly grated carrots and apples give these muffins their signature moist texture and natural sweetness.
- Crushed pineapple adds extra moisture and a subtle tropical flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Feel free to customize the mix-ins with your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or seeds.
- These muffins are ideal for breakfast meal prep, school lunches, road trips, or an afternoon snack.
- For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle the tops with oats, chopped nuts, and coarse sugar before baking for extra crunch and a beautiful golden appearance.
