Let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about biting into these Best Morning Glory Muffins. They’re loaded with bright carrot, tart apple, plump raisins, crunchy walnuts, and a fragrant cloud of cinnamon and ginger — all brought together in a moist, hearty crumb. Whether you’re after a nourishing grab-and-go breakfast or an afternoon treat with coffee, these muffins will quickly become your go-to. Plus, there’s just enough wholesome flair with whole wheat flour and coconut to keep things interesting and full of flavor. You’re about to fall in love with your new favorite muffin.

Best Morning Glory Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This marvelously simple recipe comes together with a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each bringing its own charm to the muffin party. Let’s see what goes into the Best Morning Glory Muffins, and why every bit matters for flavor, moisture, or a little morning magic!

Whole wheat flour: Adds wholesome texture and a nuttier, heartier flavor that perfectly balances sweet mix-ins.
All-purpose flour: Keeps the crumb soft and tender, preventing the muffins from getting too dense.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a wonderful caramel depth that complements the warming spices.
Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo that lifts and lightens each muffin, so they’re wonderfully fluffy.
Ground cinnamon & ground ginger: Provide warmth and spice for that classic morning glory aroma.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors.
Unsweetened applesauce: Makes the muffins irresistibly moist and adds subtle fruitiness without extra fat.
Melted coconut oil: Gives a hint of tropical flavor and richness while keeping the muffins dairy-free.
Shredded apple: Offers pops of natural sweetness and keeps the crumb light and juicy.
Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and brings all the flavors together in harmony.
Grated carrot: The star of the show! Brings vibrant color, sweetness, and a bit of crunch.
Raisins: Bring chewy bites of concentrated sweetness in every mouthful.
Flaked coconut: For delicate texture and even more tropical notes.
Chopped walnuts: Lend nutty crunch and a lovely contrast to softer mix-ins.

How to Make Best Morning Glory Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Start by lining a muffin tin with paper liners, which makes cleanup a breeze and lets the muffins release like a dream. Go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready when the batter is done.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly incorporated — this keeps the crumb beautifully uniform and infuses every bite with spice and sweetness. Whisking well now means less mixing later, helping your muffins stay tender.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

To the bowl of dry ingredients, add the applesauce, melted coconut oil, shredded apple, and vanilla extract. Stir just until everything is combined; you don’t want to overmix here, or your muffins may turn out dense. At this point, your kitchen already smells incredible with all those apples and spices opening up!

Step 4: Incorporate the Add-Ins

Gently fold in the grated carrot, raisins, flaked coconut, and chopped walnuts. These colorful mix-ins are what really set Best Morning Glory Muffins apart — every spoonful of batter should be filled with bits of carrot, apple, and crunchy nuts so each muffin comes out perfectly loaded.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about three-quarters of the way to the top. This will give you beautifully tall muffins with those signature domed tops. Don’t be shy with the batter; packed muffins bake up wonderfully moist and hearty.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes. This two-stage baking helps you achieve muffins with high, bakery-style tops and a tender, even crumb inside. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let your muffins cool in the pan for five minutes so they finish setting up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sneak one warm (I always do!) or let them come to room temperature. Either way, the flavors of these Best Morning Glory Muffins are out of this world.

How to Serve Best Morning Glory Muffins

Garnishes

Dress up your Best Morning Glory Muffins by sprinkling a little extra flaked coconut or a pinch of chopped walnuts on top before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty (and irresistible) finish if you want to make things extra special for brunch or a holiday morning.

Side Dishes

These muffins are satisfying on their own, but they’re even better with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a handful of fresh berries, or a fruit salad for a lively breakfast plate. For an indulgent treat, enjoy them warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey alongside your morning coffee or tea.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, try arranging your Best Morning Glory Muffins in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin, or stack them high on a cake stand for an impressive display. For afternoon gatherings, slice them in half and offer little bowls of jam or flavored butter for everyone to customize their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Best Morning Glory Muffins keep beautifully at room temperature for up to two days. Just tuck them into an airtight container once completely cooled, and they’ll stay moist and fresh. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to five days—just bring them to room temp before serving for best texture.

Freezing

If you want homemade muffins on hand for busy mornings, you’re in luck! These freeze wonderfully. Once cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready for you whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap a frozen muffin and microwave it on low for about 30 seconds, or until just warmed through. Alternatively, you can thaw muffins on the counter and then reheat them in a toaster oven for that fresh-baked feel. Serve warm for the absolute best flavor and texture!

FAQs

Can I use only all-purpose flour instead of mixing with whole wheat?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter, fluffier muffin or don’t have whole wheat flour on hand, feel free to use all-purpose flour for the entire amount. Your Best Morning Glory Muffins will still be delicious and tender, just a touch less hearty.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, you can! Since the only animal product is the egg, simply swap it for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to gel for a few minutes) and make sure your brown sugar is vegan. The muffins will still bake up beautifully.

Can I use different nuts or dried fruits?

Definitely! Walnuts pair especially well with the warm spices, but pecans or almonds are great too. Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chopped dates can take the place of raisins for a new twist every time you bake these Best Morning Glory Muffins.

Why do you bake at two different temperatures?

Starting the muffins at a higher temperature helps give them a quick rise, creating those glorious domed tops. Dropping the temperature after 10 minutes ensures they cook through gently without drying out, giving you perfectly soft and moist Best Morning Glory Muffins.

Can I grate the apple and carrot ahead of time?

Yes, but keep in mind that they’ll start to release moisture and may brown if left too long. If prepping ahead, pop the grated apple and carrot in separate airtight containers and store them in the fridge. Add them right before you assemble the batter for the freshest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never baked Best Morning Glory Muffins before, get ready for a new classic in your kitchen! With every bite, you’ll taste the perfect blend of fruits, veggies, nuts, and spice. They’re simple, nourishing, and guaranteed to please everyone lucky enough to snag one. Try them soon and make your mornings a little brighter and a lot tastier!