Start your day with a burst of flavor and nutrition by baking these delightful morning glory muffins. Packed with grated carrots, grated apple, raisins, and chopped walnuts, these muffins are a wholesome treat that will keep you energized throughout the morning. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, they combine the sweetness of fruits with the crunch of nuts.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items if you don't already have them. Grated carrots and grated apple add moisture and natural sweetness, while raisins and chopped walnuts provide texture and a nutritional boost. Make sure to check the produce section for fresh carrots and apples, and the baking aisle for raisins and walnuts.
Ingredients for Morning Glory Muffins
Flour: The base of the muffin, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the muffins.
Baking soda: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Grated carrots: Provide moisture and a slight sweetness.
Grated apple: Adds moisture and a fruity flavor.
Raisins: Add sweetness and a chewy texture.
Chopped walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Technique Tip for Perfect Muffins
When grating the carrots and apple, use the finer side of the grater to ensure they blend seamlessly into the batter. This will help distribute their moisture evenly, resulting in a more tender and flavorful muffin.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, giving the muffins a heartier texture.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides natural sweetness and moisture, though you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda, but be aware this may slightly alter the texture.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral profile.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that adds fiber.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can reduce the fat content while keeping the muffins moist.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the muffins.
grated carrots - Substitute with grated zucchini: Zucchini has a similar moisture content and texture, making it a good alternative.
grated apple - Substitute with crushed pineapple: Crushed pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and moisture, similar to grated apple.
raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries offer a tart flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the muffins.
chopped walnuts - Substitute with chopped pecans: Pecans provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Muffins
- To keep your morning glory muffins fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days.
- If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate the muffins. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They will last for about a week in the fridge.
- For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, let the muffins cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
- Once cooled, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to preserve their texture and flavor.
- Place the wrapped muffins in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date so you can keep track of their freshness.
- When you're ready to enjoy a frozen muffin, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For a quicker option, you can microwave the muffin for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, reheat the thawed muffin in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will give you that freshly-baked feel.
- Remember, frozen muffins can be stored for up to 3 months without losing their delightful taste and texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Morning Glory Muffins on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.
For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals.
If you have a toaster oven, it can be a great option. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a steam reheat, place a muffin in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the muffins moist and soft.
If you prefer a stovetop method, you can use a skillet. Heat the skillet over low heat and place the muffins in it. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
Essential Tools for Baking
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the muffins.
Muffin tin: Use a 12-cup muffin tin to hold the muffin batter.
Paper liners: Line the muffin tin to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Large bowl: Mix the dry ingredients together.
Whisk: Combine the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Medium bowl: Beat the eggs and mix the wet ingredients.
Spatula: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix in the add-ins.
Grater: Grate the carrots and apple for the batter.
Measuring cups: Measure out the flour, sugar, oil, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure the baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
Toothpick: Check for doneness by inserting into the center of a muffin.
Wire rack: Cool the muffins completely after baking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-grate ingredients: Grate the carrots and apple the night before and store them in the fridge to save time in the morning.
Use a food processor: Speed up the process by using a food processor to quickly chop the walnuts and grate the carrots and apple.
Measure ahead: Measure out all your dry ingredients and wet ingredients the night before and keep them in separate bowls.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven as soon as you begin gathering your ingredients to save waiting time later.
Use muffin liners: Line your muffin tin with paper liners to avoid the extra step of greasing the tin.
Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 units eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup grated apple
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the oil and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, grated apple, raisins, and chopped walnuts.
- Fill the muffin cups about ¾ full with the batter.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Value
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