Morning Glory Muffins
Start your day with a burst of flavor and nutrition with these morning glory muffins! Bursting with carrots, apples, and nuts, they offer a delicious blend of sweetness and spice. These muffins are not only easy to make but also a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your morning routine. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1 cup shredded apple
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 cup raisins or currants
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 muffins. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 muffin) contains approximately: 180 calories, 7g fat, 25g carbohydrates, 3g protein, 2g fiber, and 10g sugar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, mix the sugars and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, whisking until smooth.
5. Stir in the grated carrots and shredded apple.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
7. Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want to make these muffins gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. For a vegan option, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
Serving and Pairings
These morning glory muffins pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They can also be enjoyed with a dollop of yogurt or a smear of nut butter for added richness.
Storage and Reheating
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins; mix until just combined.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the texture.
- Skipping the cooling step can make the muffins soggy.
- Using old spices can diminish flavor; check freshness.
- Opening the oven door too early can cause muffins to sink.
Helpful Tips
- For extra moisture, add a bit of crushed pineapple to the batter.
- Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits based on your preference.
- Let the muffins cool completely before storing them to prevent sogginess.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized muffins.
FAQs
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, morning glory muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They remain fresh for several days and can be frozen for longer storage.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you have nut allergies, you can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Are morning glory muffins healthy?
Yes, they are packed with fruits and vegetables, providing fiber and essential nutrients. They can be a wholesome addition to your breakfast or snack options.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute apples with other fruits like mashed bananas or pears to change up the flavor.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this will dry them out.
Conclusion
Morning glory muffins are a delightful way to start your day, combining the sweetness of fruits and the heartiness of whole grains. They are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast on the go or a midday snack. Enjoy these muffins fresh, or store them for later indulgence!
Morning Glory Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup shredded apple
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix the sugars and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in the grated carrots and shredded apple.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
