If you’re the kind of person who believes breakfast should be both nourishing and delicious, Morning Glory Muffins are about to become your new morning obsession. These hearty, bakery-style muffins are packed with wholesome ingredients like shredded carrots, sweet apples, juicy raisins, and crunchy nuts — making each bite a perfect blend of moisture, texture, and comfort. They’re subtly spiced with cinnamon, just sweet enough, and incredibly satisfying. Ideal for slow weekend brunches or grab-and-go weekday snacks, they taste like a hug in muffin form.

Originally created in the 1970s by a chef in Nantucket, Morning Glory Muffins were designed to be a “kitchen sink” style breakfast treat. Over the years, they’ve been embraced by home bakers for their adaptability, warmth, and rustic charm. Whether you’re baking a batch for the family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this is one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell like love.

What Makes Morning Glory Muffins So Special?

It’s the mix-ins that make the magic. Morning Glory Muffins are known for their chunky texture and bold flavor profile. The carrots and apples bring moisture and natural sweetness. Raisins add chewiness, while nuts give that toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb. Plus, a touch of coconut and spice pulls everything together into one unforgettable muffin. This isn’t your average bland bran muffin — this is full-on breakfast glory.

Ingredients for the Morning Glory Muffins

Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide natural sweetness and a soft texture. They’re the base of the moisture in this muffin.

Apples: Choose tart, firm apples like Granny Smith for balance. The grated apple melts into the muffin, adding subtle fruitiness and moisture.

Raisins: Classic for a reason, raisins give a sweet chew that pairs beautifully with the spiced batter.

Nuts: Walnuts or pecans both work well. Toast them for extra depth of flavor.

Shredded Coconut: This adds a tropical hint and more texture.

All-Purpose Flour: The structure-builder of the muffin. You can sub half with whole wheat for a nuttier bite.

Brown Sugar: Rich and caramelly, it deepens the flavor more than white sugar.

Eggs: These bind the muffin and add a fluffy lift.

Vegetable Oil: Moisture is key here. You can also use melted coconut oil for a hint of extra coconut flavor.

Cinnamon + Nutmeg: These spices make the muffins warm and cozy.

Baking Soda + Baking Powder: Both leavening agents help the muffins rise high and stay fluffy.

Salt + Vanilla Extract: A touch of both enhances and rounds out all the flavors.

How To Make the Morning Glory Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it with baking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in the shredded coconut, raisins, and chopped nuts so they get evenly coated.

Step 3: Stir Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Then, fold in the grated carrots and apples.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are totally fine.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Scoop the batter evenly into your prepared muffin pan. Fill each cup almost to the top for a beautifully domed muffin. Bake for 22-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a pat of butter or smear of jam.

How to Serve and Store Morning Glory Muffins

These muffins are perfect with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or fresh juice. They’re hearty enough to be a standalone breakfast or an energy-boosting snack any time of day.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag and thaw individually in the microwave or at room temperature. They reheat beautifully!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to peel the apples and carrots?

You don’t have to peel the carrots, especially if they’re organic. Apples are best peeled for a smoother texture, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately.

What kind of oil works best?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil all work well. Coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can cut the brown sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet muffin, especially if your apples are extra sweet.

Are these muffins freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Can I make these as mini muffins?

Yes! Reduce the baking time to about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick.

Want More Muffin & Breakfast Ideas?

If you’re a fan of these Morning Glory Muffins, your breakfast game is about to level up. Here are more creative and cozy ideas to fill your mornings with flavor:

Easy Pumpkin Muffins are full of fall spice and come together in minutes.
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake for a protein-packed, fruity start to the day.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups for those who love indulgent brunch.
Breakfast Roll Ups Recipe that are perfect for on-the-go.
Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes if you love a citrus twist in your morning treat.

These recipes bring a mix of classic comfort and modern twists to your breakfast table.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so it’s ready for your next weekend baking session.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add pineapple? Swap the raisins for cranberries? Bake them into mini muffins?

I’d love to hear how you made these your own. Share your tips, questions, and tasty spins — let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.

Looking for more daily inspiration? Follow my Pinterest board where I share cozy, fun, and creative recipes every week: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Morning Glory Muffins are hearty, moist, and packed with wholesome goodness — like carrots, apples, raisins, coconut, and warm spices. A perfect balance of nutrition and comfort, they’re ideal for breakfast, snacks, or brunch.