These Morning Glory Muffins are a fantastic way to start your day, packed with wholesome ingredients that make healthy breakfast muffins truly delicious. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare and how much energy they give you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can use all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- Carrots: Shredded zucchini works well here too.
- Apples: Pears or even crushed pineapple (drained) are great alternatives.
- Raisins: Dried cranberries or chopped dates can be used instead.
- Walnuts: Pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds are good swaps.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups shredded carrots (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup shredded apple (about 1 medium)
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 240 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, grater.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for even baking.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. This ensures your wet ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until moistened; do not overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine and prevent tough muffins.
5. Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the shredded carrots, shredded apple, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Distribute these healthy additions evenly throughout the batter.
6. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. You can use an ice cream scoop for consistent sizing.
7. Bake Your Muffins
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These healthy breakfast muffins are delicious warm or at room temperature.
Variation Ideas:
- Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
- Extra Spice: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of cardamom.
- Seed Power: Mix in 2 tablespoons of flax seeds or chia seeds for added nutrition.
- Citrus Zest: Include 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Morning Glory Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or warm gently in a microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, but the muffins will be slightly less dense.
Q: Are these muffins suitable for meal prepping?
A: Absolutely! They store well and are perfect for grab-and-go healthy breakfast muffins.
Q: What if I don’t have applesauce?
A: You can use mashed banana or plain yogurt as a substitute for applesauce.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup without significantly impacting the texture, though the flavor will be less sweet.
Q: How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
A: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the tops will be lightly golden brown.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to these muffins?
A: You can certainly add chocolate chips if you like, though they will make the muffins less “healthy breakfast muffins” and more of a treat.