Morning Glory Muffins are a delightful way to start your day. These muffins are not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients like veggies and warm spices. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, Morning Glory Muffins offer a unique flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. With their moist texture and bursts of sweetness, they are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with grated zucchini and carrots, these muffins provide an excellent way to sneak in some veggies.
- Easy to Make: The simple steps make baking these muffins a breeze, even for beginners.
- Versatile Options: Customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Make Ahead: Great for meal prep; they freeze well and can be enjoyed later.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love them, and they make for a great lunchbox treat.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make it easier to whip up these tasty muffins.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tins
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Grater
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tins: Essential for shaping the muffins and ensuring even baking.
- Mixing bowls: Large bowls help combine dry and wet ingredients efficiently.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly, especially the wet components.
Ingredients
Morning Glory Muffins are an easy breakfast, packed with veggies and warm spices. You’ll love having these on hand in the morning.
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 and set aside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, coconut, and walnuts until combined.
2. Stir in grated zucchini and carrot until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients:
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, avocado oil, and vanilla extract.
2. Pour the wet mixture into the well of dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Using a rubber spatula:
1. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Bake the Muffins
Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins:
1. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Allow muffins to cool:
1. Let them cool in the pan for about 7 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
2. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Enjoy your delicious Morning Glory Muffins!
How to Serve Morning Glory Muffins
Morning Glory Muffins are not just delicious; they are versatile too. You can enjoy them in various ways to enhance your breakfast experience.
With a Spread
- Cream Cheese: A smooth layer of cream cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor.
- Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter provides protein and a nutty taste that pairs well with the muffins.
As a Snack
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced apples or berries for a refreshing contrast.
- Yogurt: Pairing these muffins with yogurt creates a balanced snack that’s both filling and nutritious.
For Brunch
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the spices in the muffins beautifully.
- Salad: Add a light salad on the side for a refreshing brunch option that balances the sweetness.
How to Perfect Morning Glory Muffins
To achieve the ultimate Morning Glory Muffins, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh fruits and veggies for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Grate Zucchini Finely: This ensures it blends well into the batter without leaving large chunks.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly without compromising texture.
- Cool Thoroughly: Allow muffins to cool completely before storing for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Morning Glory Muffins
Pairing your Morning Glory Muffins with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and extra protein.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing, juicy complement.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal provides hearty goodness alongside your muffins.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl for a colorful presentation.
- Avocado Toast: The creamy texture of avocado toast contrasts nicely with muffin flavors.
- Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs make for a protein-packed breakfast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Morning Glory Muffins can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your muffins turn out perfectly.
- Skipping the grating: Failing to grate zucchini and carrots properly can lead to uneven texture. Ensure you use a fine grater and wring out excess moisture for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in dense muffins. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if there are still a few lumps.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your muffins. Use a kitchen scale for precision or spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Ignoring baking time: Baking times can vary by oven. Check your muffins a few minutes before the recommended time, as they should be golden brown on top and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
- Using old spices: Outdated spices lose flavor. Always check the freshness of your cinnamon and baking soda to enhance the taste of your muffins.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep them at room temperature for the best texture.
Freezing Morning Glory Muffins
- Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Morning Glory Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place muffins in for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time on high for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Morning Glory Muffins that you might find helpful.
Can I replace sugar with honey in Morning Glory Muffins?
Yes, you can substitute honey for sugar, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly since honey adds moisture.
How do I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Morning Glory Muffins, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What other ingredients can I add to Morning Glory Muffins?
Feel free to customize by adding raisins, cranberries, or even seeds like chia or flaxseed for added nutrition.
How do I know when my Morning Glory Muffins are done?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
Morning Glory Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite nuts or fruits. They offer a wonderful balance of flavors and nutrients, making them an ideal breakfast option. Try baking them this weekend and enjoy their cozy warmth!
Morning Glory Muffins
Morning Glory Muffins are the perfect way to kickstart your day with a burst of flavor and nutrition. These delightful muffins combine grated zucchini, carrots, and warm spices, making them a wholesome option for breakfast or a snack. With their moist texture and sweet bursts of coconut and walnuts, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. Ideal for meal prep, these muffins freeze well, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand. Easy to customize with your favorite nuts or fruits, Morning Glory Muffins are sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 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 cup grated zucchini
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt.
- Stir in grated zucchini and carrots until evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients: applesauce, eggs, avocado oil.
- Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture; fold gently until just combined.
- Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins and bake for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 212
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 153mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
