These whole wheat morning glory muffins are healthy breakfast treat. Made with ground flaxseed, grated carrots, raisins, dried pineapple chunks, and pumpkin seeds, it’s a medley of flavors and textures.
“What’s the story, morning glory? What’s the word, hummingbird? Have you heard about Hugo and Kim?” It’s from the musical Bye Bye Birdie.
That song has nothing to do with these morning glory muffins, but I can’t help by sing that Telephone Hour song whenever I hear or read the word “morning glory.”
Table of Contents
The Story Behind Morning Glory Muffins
Morning glory muffins date back to the 1970s. Story has it that it originated from the Morning Glory Cafe in Nantucket.
Over the years numerous variations of this breakfast muffin has surfaced. Typically these muffins are made with grated carrots, grated apples, dried coconut, raisins, and nuts.
We call it “the healthy kitchen sink muffins” at my house.
Healthy Breakfast Muffins
These breakfast muffins are super versatile.
It’s quite similar to carrot cake. Mix and match all sorts of dried fruits and nuts into the batter.
I diverted from the original mixture of toppings. I stuck with the grated carrots, raisins, and dried coconuts. In place of grated apples, I used applesauce. This helps to add moisture and sweetness.
To cut back on sugar, I added pineapple juice. There is a little addition of ground flaxseed for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.
For an added sweet surprise, I tossed in some dried pineapple chunks. And for crunch, I mixed in a mixture of toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
Don’t feel limited by the toppings and mix-ins I used. Experiment and explore!
Instead of raisins and dried pineapple, you can focus on adding antioxidants.
Use a medley of dried berries (blueberries, cranberries, cherries) or amp up the variety of nuts by including pistachios, almonds, cashews, etc.
For a tropical morning glory muffin, add in dried papaya chunks, dried mango, toasted coconut, and macadamia nuts.
If you’re interested in fresh fruit muffins, I suggest trying these out:
- Banana blueberry muffins– Bursting with blueberries and loaded with mashed bananas, these moist banana blueberry muffins are a great anytime snack!
- Almond streusel peach muffins– Perfect during the height of peach season, these muffins use a vanilla based batter mixed with fresh peaches and topped with almond oat crumble.
- Banana jackfruit muffins – These banana jackfruit muffins are far from ordinary. They are loaded with tropical flavors and topped with a buttery almond coconut crumble.
Muffin Storage & Leftovers
These morning glory muffins are super moist. They keep well for several days at room temperature.
For longer storage, individually wrap muffins in plastic wrap and keep frozen. They will keep in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. Allow muffins to thaw and come to room temperature before enjoying.
Morning Glory Muffins
Ingredients
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, (150 g) packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil, (102 ml)
- ½ cup apple sauce, (114 g)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pineapple juice, (101 ml)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour, (180 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, (6 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, (4 g)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, (7 g)
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed, (26 g)
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots, (150 g)
- ½ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped, (65 g)
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes, (58 g)
- ¼ cup raisins, (40 g)
- ¼ cup dried sweetened pineapple chunks, (52 g)
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds, (41 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 12 cup muffin tins or line with paper wrappers. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, apple sauce, eggs, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ground flaxseed. Add half of dry mixture to mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Add grated carrots, followed with remaining dry mixture. Combine until there are no longer any dry streaks of flour.
- Add in walnuts, coconut, raisins, pineapple chunks, and pumpkin seeds. Fold in until well distributed. Distribute batter among 16 muffins. (Cupcake liners will be almost full to the top.)
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until toothpick inserted in center of muffins comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in tin for 5-8 minutes before unmolding. Allow muffins to finish cooling on wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Instead of raisins and dried pineapple, you can focus on adding antioxidants. Use a medley of dried berries (blueberries, cranberries, cherries) or amp up the variety of nuts by including pistachios, almonds, cashews, etc.
- For a tropical morning glory muffin, add in dried papaya chunks, dried mango, toasted coconut, and macadamia nuts.
- These morning glory muffins are super moist. They keep well for several days at room temperature.
- For longer storage, individually wrap muffins in plastic wrap and keep frozen. They will keep in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. Allow muffins to thaw and come to room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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