Name: Morning Glory Muffins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups grated carrots (about 2 medium); 1 large apple, peeled and grated; ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut; ½ cup raisins; ½ cup chopped walnuts; 3 large eggs; ⅔ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil); ¼ cup orange juice; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

If you love a muffin that's impossibly moist, delightfully hearty, and brimming with flavor, these Morning Glory Muffins are the very best way to start your day! Each bite is packed with sweet carrot, tart apple, juicy raisins, and nutty coconut for a wholesome breakfast treat that feels like a little celebration.

A favorite from neighborhood bakeries and family kitchens alike, this recipe makes it easy to bake a dozen delicious muffins in no time. They're perfectly spiced, just sweet enough, and so satisfyingly tender-plus, you can whip them up with simple pantry staples.

Morning Glory Muffins are ideal for busy mornings, leisurely brunches, or packing in school lunches. I find they disappear fast at potlucks or weekend get-togethers. Inspired by classic bakery-style muffins, these have become a cherished tradition in my home.

Give this easy recipe a try and see why it's sure to become your new go-to!

Freshly baked golden brown Morning Glory Muffins cooling on a wire rack

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Moist, flavorful, and packed with texture thanks to carrots, apples, coconut, and raisins.
Quick, one-bowl prep with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Customizable and versatile-swap in your favorite mix-ins or make them dairy-free.
Perfect for meal prep-they stay delicious for days and freeze beautifully.

Key Ingredients for Morning Glory Muffins

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Carrots

Freshly grated carrots are the star of these muffins, lending sweetness, color, and moisture. For best results, grate them finely by hand or with a food processor just before mixing-you want about two medium carrots. Pre-shredded carrots can be used in a pinch, but they may be drier.

Apples

Apple brings a bright, juicy sweetness and helps keep the muffins incredibly tender. Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness, but any firm baking apple-like Fuji or Honeycrisp-works well. Peel and grate the apple, or finely chop it if you prefer pockets of fruit in your muffins.

Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

Coconut adds irresistible chew and subtle tropical flavor. Look for unsweetened shredded coconut so the muffins aren't overly sweet. If you only have sweetened coconut, you can reduce the sugar slightly in the recipe.

Raisins

Raisins offer pops of natural sweetness and a chewy texture. Golden or regular raisins both work. Not a fan of raisins? Try dried cranberries or chopped dates instead-they're just as delicious!

Walnuts

Chopped walnuts provide crunch and balance the softness of the muffins. Toast them briefly for extra depth of flavor, or substitute with pecans. To keep the recipe nut-free, simply leave them out or use pumpkin seeds.

Instructions for Morning Glory Muffins

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the rising agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Add the Mix-Ins

Stir in the grated carrots, grated apple, shredded coconut, raisins, and walnuts. Tossing the mix-ins with the flour helps them stay evenly suspended in the batter, so every bite is bursting with goodness.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs with the oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined. The orange juice adds brightness and helps keep the muffins extra moist.

Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula just until there are no streaks of flour. Be careful not to over-mix-the batter will be thick and chunky!

Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm, or let them cool completely for easy storing.

Recipe Variations

Make It Whole Grain

Swap up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. The muffins may be slightly denser, but you'll still get that irresistibly moist crumb.

Vegan Morning Glory Muffins

To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (3 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes), and use melted coconut or canola oil. Check that your sugar is vegan, too.

Switch Up the Fruits and Nuts

Feel free to use pears instead of apples, or dried cranberries or chopped dates instead of raisins. Try pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different nutty element-or go seed-based for a nut-free version.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Morning Glory Muffins adapt beautifully, just be sure not to over-mix and check for doneness as gluten-free baked goods may need an extra minute or two in the oven.

Citrus Twist

Add the zest of one orange or even a lemon for an extra burst of citrusy aroma. It really brightens up the whole batch!

Serving Suggestions

Morning Glory Muffins are wonderful on their own, but they pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries. Add a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a smear of cream cheese for a decadent touch-these muffins are great for brunch spreads or easy grab-and-go snacks.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap muffins individually and freeze for up to 2 months-just thaw overnight or microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy warm. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) for that fresh-baked flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Morning Glory Muffins (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Morning Glory Muffins ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! These muffins are perfect for meal prep. Bake a batch, cool completely, and store them for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Q: Are Morning Glory Muffins healthy?

A: Morning Glory Muffins pack in fruits, veggies, and nuts without relying on tons of sugar or butter. They're a wholesome, filling choice-especially with some whole wheat flour or added seeds.

Q: Can I freeze Morning Glory Muffins?

A: Yes! Freeze individually wrapped muffins in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw or reheat in the microwave whenever you need a quick treat.

Ready to start your morning on the right (and tastiest) foot? Give these Morning Glory Muffins a try-your kitchen will smell amazing, and your tastebuds will thank you! If you bake a batch, I'd love to hear your thoughts-please leave a comment or rating below!