Morning Glory Muffins are not only a delightful way to start your day, but they also bring together a unique combination of flavors and textures. These muffins are perfect for busy mornings, offering a nutritious blend of veggies and warm spices. With their moist texture and sweet taste, these muffins are suitable for breakfast, snacks, or even brunch gatherings. You’ll love having these on hand for a quick grab-and-go option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with zucchini, carrots, and coconut, these muffins provide a healthy start to your day.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Versatile Flavor: The blend of spices and natural sweetness from applesauce make each bite deliciously satisfying.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: These muffins store well, making them great for pre-prepared breakfasts throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly Treat: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and wholesome flavors.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Morning Glory Muffins, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tins
- Paper liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Grater
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tins: These are essential for shaping your muffins perfectly. They ensure even baking for all the muffins.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients gently without overmixing, maintaining the desired texture of the muffins.
Ingredients
Morning Glory Muffins require a mix of wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.
Dry 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)
Wet Ingredients
- 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. Line muffin tins with paper liners to make it easy to remove the muffins later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts until well combined.
2. Add the grated zucchini and grated carrots; stir until mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Combine the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture:
1. Pour in the wet ingredients.
2. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Muffins
Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins:
1. Fill each liner about 3/4 full.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let cool in the pan for about 7 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack:
– Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Enjoy your homemade Morning Glory Muffins as a tasty breakfast or snack!
How to Serve Morning Glory Muffins
Morning Glory Muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a delightful breakfast or snack, and you can serve them in a manner that suits any occasion.
With Fresh Fruit
- Add a side of seasonal fruits like berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast to the muffins’ warm spices.
With Yogurt
- Pair your muffins with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein, making it a more filling breakfast option.
Toasted with Butter
- Lightly toast the muffins and spread some butter on top for an indulgent treat. This enhances the flavors and adds richness.
Drizzled with Honey
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup on warm muffins brings out their sweetness, perfect for those who love extra flavor.
As a Grab-and-Go Snack
- Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper for a convenient snack option. Great for busy mornings when you need something quick!
How to Perfect Morning Glory Muffins
To ensure your Morning Glory Muffins turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce will make your muffins more flavorful and moist.
- Grate zucchini properly: After grating zucchini, wring it out in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Mix gently: Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed; overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
- Test doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool properly: Allow muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to maintain their texture.
- Store correctly: Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.
Best Side Dishes for Morning Glory Muffins
Pairing sides with your Morning Glory Muffins can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein that complements the muffin’s nutrients nicely.
- Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl packed with fruits adds freshness and balances the muffin’s warmth.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruit makes for a hearty breakfast alongside the muffins.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on whole grain toast creates a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
- Chia Pudding: Light and nutritious, chia pudding can be made ahead and served chilled for an easy pairing.
- Breakfast Sausages: Savory sausages add protein and contrast beautifully with the sweetness of Morning Glory Muffins.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides brightness and is an excellent complement to the rich flavors of the muffins.
- Nut Butter Dip: Serve nut butter as a dip on the side for those who enjoy an extra layer of taste with their muffins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Morning Glory Muffins, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the texture and flavor. Here are some mistakes to avoid.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough muffins. Stir until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your muffins. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Skipping the Grating Step: Large chunks of veggies can make muffins dense. Grate your zucchini and carrots finely for even distribution and moisture.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Ovens vary in accuracy. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct baking temperature.
- Underbaking or Overbaking: Both can lead to undesirable textures. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Morning Glory Muffins
- Freeze muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing quality.
Reheating Morning Glory Muffins
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm muffins for about 10 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat each muffin on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid, and heat each muffin for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Morning Glory Muffins.
Can I customize my Morning Glory Muffins?
Yes! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preference.
Are Morning Glory Muffins healthy?
Morning Glory Muffins are packed with veggies and healthy ingredients, making them a nutritious breakfast option.
How do I know when my muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the muffin; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.
Final Thoughts
Morning Glory Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily tailor them to suit your taste by adding different ingredients like nuts or spices. Whether you want a quick breakfast or a snack, these muffins are perfect. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love having them on hand!
Morning Glory Muffins
Morning Glory Muffins are the ultimate breakfast treat, blending wholesome ingredients like zucchini, carrots, and coconut with warm spices for a deliciously satisfying start to your day. Perfect for busy mornings, these muffins are not only nutritious but also easy to make. With a moist texture and a hint of natural sweetness from applesauce, they are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or brunch gatherings. Keep them on hand for a quick grab-and-go option that everyone in the family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 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 and line muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, coconut, and walnuts. Stir in zucchini and carrots.
- In another bowl, mix applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, avocado oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined.
- Fill each muffin liner about three-quarters full and bake for 25 to 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for about seven minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
