Hearty, nourishing, and bursting with vibrant flavors, these Morning Glory Muffins offer an absolutely delightful way to greet your day! More than just a breakfast treat, they’re a wholesome experience that promises a smile with every bite.

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Wake Up to Wholesome Goodness: The Ultimate Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

There’s something uniquely comforting about a freshly baked muffin, especially one packed with so much goodness. Today, we’re diving into the world of Morning Glory Muffins – a true classic that combines the best of a vegetable garden with the sweetness of fruit and the satisfying crunch of nuts. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a cherished family favorite, brimming with nostalgia and a flavor profile that stands the test of time.

A Taste of Childhood: The Story Behind These Beloved Muffins

Growing up by the beach, life had a certain rhythm, marked by the salty air and the comforting familiarity of local spots. One such place was the Normandy Beach Market, a charming little haven at the end of our street. It wasn’t just a market; it was a community hub, famous for its incredible array of prepared foods, perfect for any meal of the day. From breakfast pastries to hearty dinners, everything they offered was simply amazing. Sadly, like many treasured places, the market closed its doors after the devastating Hurricane Sandy in 2012, leaving behind a void but also a wealth of delicious memories.

The magic behind the market’s incredible baked goods came from Lynn, the owner’s wife. She was a truly fantastic baker, whose passion and skill transformed simple ingredients into irresistible treats. My mother, never one for an overly sweet dessert, would always make an exception for Lynn’s creations. Her cookies, muffins, cakes, and tarts were legendary – each bite a testament to Lynn’s mastery and an experience that was totally drool-worthy.

It’s with great joy that I share one of my mom’s absolute favorites from that beloved market today: Lynn’s special Morning Glory Muffins recipe. Lynn knew how much my mom adored them, and years ago, she generously shared her secret. Even though baking wasn’t typically my mom’s forte when I was growing up, this was one recipe she always made an effort to bake, knowing the sheer delight it brought to our home. It’s a recipe that transcends generations, bringing a piece of that cherished beachside market into our kitchens.

What Makes These Morning Glory Muffins So Irresistible?

Morning Glory Muffins are renowned for their incredible texture and a symphony of flavors. This recipe delivers just that – a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness, with an array of wholesome ingredients that make each bite a delightful surprise. They’re called “Morning Glory” for a reason; they bring glory to your morning and are a fantastic way to energize your day.

A Bounty of Flavorful Ingredients

These muffins are a delicious combination of freshly shredded carrots and apples, sweet crushed pineapple, aromatic coconut, plump golden raisins, and a satisfying crunch from two types of nuts – pecans and walnuts. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a muffin that is not only flavorful but also incredibly satisfying:

Shredded Carrots: They add natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful vibrant hue. Carrots are also packed with Vitamin A, making these muffins a secretly healthy treat.
Grated Apple: A crisp apple brings additional moisture and a subtle tang that complements the other sweet components. You can use any type of apple you prefer, but a Gala apple, as suggested by Lynn, offers a perfect balance of sweetness and firmness.
Crushed Pineapple: The tropical sweetness and juiciness of crushed pineapple elevate the flavor profile, adding a delightful zesty note and extra moisture. Be sure to drain it well!
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Coconut provides a wonderful chewiness and a distinctive tropical aroma that transports you to a sunny beach.
Golden Raisins: These plump, sweet raisins offer bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy texture, enhancing the overall experience.
Pecans and Walnuts: Lynn’s recipe calls for a mix of both, which provides a fantastic combination of buttery pecans and slightly more robust walnuts. This duo adds a crucial crunch and a dose of healthy fats and protein, contributing to the muffins’ hearty nature. If you have a preference, you can certainly use all pecans or all walnuts.
Warm Spices: A generous amount of cinnamon weaves all these flavors together, creating a comforting and inviting aroma.

The careful selection and combination of these ingredients result in muffins that are perfectly sweet, incredibly moist, and wonderfully textured. They are truly nourishing and hearty, making them a fabulous way to kickstart any day, or even enjoy as a wholesome snack or light dessert. Enjoy the process of baking them, and savor every glorious bite!

Expert Cook’s Notes for Baking Perfect Morning Glory Muffins

Even the simplest recipes benefit from a few expert tips. Here are some key considerations to ensure your Morning Glory Muffins turn out perfectly every time, just like Lynn used to make:

Nut Selection: Lynn’s original recipe cleverly uses a combination of pecans and walnuts for a richer, more complex flavor and texture. However, feel free to personalize this. If you have a strong preference or only one type on hand, using all pecans or all walnuts will still yield delicious results.
Apple Variety: While I opted for a Gala apple, known for its sweet and slightly tart profile, you can truly use any apple you love. Granny Smith will add more tartness, Honeycrisp offers a delightful crunch, and Fuji provides crisp sweetness. Choose what appeals most to your palate!
Don’t Overmix: This is the golden rule for tender muffins. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to tough, dense muffins.
Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Crushed pineapple adds wonderful moisture, but excess liquid can make your muffins soggy. Press out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the batter.
Grate Freshly: For the best texture and flavor, always grate your carrots and apples fresh. Pre-packaged shredded carrots can be drier and less flavorful.
The High-Heat Trick: Starting your muffins at a higher temperature (like 425°F for the first 5 minutes) helps create that beautiful, domed top and a light, airy texture. Then, reducing the temperature allows them to bake through evenly without drying out.

Recipe: Morning Glory Muffins

Hearty and nourishing, these Morning Glory Muffins are a delicious way to start your day!

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 18 muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 19 minutes

Total Time: 34 minutes

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Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups freshly grated carrots
1 apple, peeled, cored and grated (Gala recommended)
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained very well
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners or spray generously with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside your prepared muffin tin.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Ensure they are well combined.
Add the vibrant fresh ingredients to the dry mixture: carrots, grated apple, coconut, golden raisins, pecans, walnuts, and the thoroughly drained crushed pineapple. Stir everything together until the fruits and nuts are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the large bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in tender muffins.
Evenly spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups. For consistent sizing, a standard-size ice cream scoop works wonderfully. Fill each cup about two-thirds full.
Bake in the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for exactly 5 minutes. This initial high heat helps the muffins rise beautifully.
After 5 minutes, without opening the oven door unnecessarily, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 14 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly in the muffin pan on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring them directly to the wire rack to cool completely.
Store fully cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, transfer them to the refrigerator. These muffins also freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition (per serving)

Keyword: muffins

Cuisine: American

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!

If you make this delightful recipe, I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to follow and tag @thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen!

Variations to Customize Your Morning Glory Muffins

While Lynn’s original recipe is perfection, one of the joys of home baking is the freedom to experiment. Morning Glory Muffins are wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy substitutions and additions to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

Fruit Swaps: Not a fan of raisins? Try dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even a mix of dried cherries. For fresh additions, finely grated zucchini (ensure it’s well-drained) can be a delightful addition, making them even more moist and nutritious.
Nut Alternatives: While pecans and walnuts are classic, feel free to use other nuts like almonds (sliced or chopped) or even a mix of seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an extra health boost and textural variety.
Spice it Up: A pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or even a touch of allspice can enhance the warm, inviting flavors of these muffins. Experiment with your favorite autumnal spices.
Sweetener Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet muffin, you can slightly reduce the granulated sugar. Alternatively, for a touch more richness, a tablespoon or two of brown sugar can be substituted for some of the white sugar.
Gluten-Free Option: For those with dietary restrictions, a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can often be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Morning Glory Muffins are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:

Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them warm with your morning coffee or tea, or as part of a larger brunch spread. They pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Wholesome Snack: Their hearty and nourishing nature makes them an ideal pick-me-up during the day. Pack one for work or school.
Light Dessert: With just the right amount of sweetness, they make a fantastic lighter alternative to traditional desserts.

Proper storage ensures your muffins stay fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer freshness, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will keep for about a week. Morning Glory Muffins also freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds when you’re ready to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.

Embrace the Morning Glory!

Baking these Morning Glory Muffins is more than just following a recipe; it’s about bringing a little bit of history, comfort, and deliciousness into your home. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, a thoughtful gift, or simply to fill your kitchen with their wonderful aroma, these muffins are sure to become a cherished favorite, just as they are in my family. So gather your ingredients, enjoy the process, and get ready to savor every hearty, wholesome bite. Happy baking!