Introduction
If you’re someone who loves a healthy, yet delicious way to start your day, then Morning Glory Muffins should be at the top of your list. These muffins are packed with wholesome ingredients that will not only fuel your body but also satisfy your taste buds. They’re a perfect combination of sweetness from fruits like apple and pineapple, crunch from nuts, and a touch of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg. The best part is that Morning Glory Muffins are highly customizable, so you can tweak them to suit your dietary preferences or to include whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re looking to make a healthy breakfast, a midday snack, or something to pack in the kids’ lunchboxes, these muffins check all the boxes. They are easy to make, full of nutrients, and perfect for a busy lifestyle.
These muffins are much more than just a treat for your taste buds. They’re packed with fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for keeping your body energized and feeling good throughout the day. Not to mention, the natural sweetness from fruits and the moisture from applesauce makes them a healthier alternative to traditional sugary muffins. You can grab one in the morning and know that you’re giving your body a solid start. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and explore the steps for making these amazing healthy Morning Glory Muffins.
Ingredients Needed
Making healthy Morning Glory Muffins is simple with just a handful of ingredients that pack a big nutritional punch. You probably already have many of them in your pantry. The dry ingredients are a mixture of whole grains, and the wet ingredients include natural sweeteners and healthy fats to keep these muffins moist and delicious. Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
This forms the base of the muffins and is packed with fiber, helping to keep you feeling full.
Oats are a great source of soluble fiber and provide a soft texture to the muffins.
A great gluten-free option to add a nutty flavor and provide healthy fats.
Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
Adds that warm, comforting flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
A small amount of nutmeg complements the cinnamon and adds depth to the flavor.
Balances the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits.
Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide protein, which helps with muscle repair and growth.
A natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness without going overboard.
A healthy fat source that makes the muffins tender and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
This acts as a natural sweetener and keeps the muffins moist without extra added sugar.
Adds a rich flavor that complements the spices and fruit.
Packed with vitamins and minerals, carrots add a slight sweetness and extra nutrition.
Adds moisture and a fresh, fruity flavor to the muffins.
A tropical twist that gives a burst of sweetness and moisture.
These dried fruits are great for adding natural sweetness.
Nuts provide a satisfying crunch and are a good source of healthy fats.
A small addition that boosts fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
These ingredients combine beautifully to create a muffin that’s not just tasty but also full of nutrients that will give you the energy to tackle your day.
Ingredient Table with Estimated Calories (Per Batch)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Whole wheat flour | 1 cup | 400 |
| Rolled oats | 1/2 cup | 150 |
| Almond flour | 1/2 cup | 320 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Maple syrup | 1/4 cup | 210 |
| Coconut oil | 1/4 cup | 480 |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1/2 cup | 50 |
| Grated carrot | 1 cup | 45 |
| Grated apple | 1/2 cup | 30 |
| Crushed pineapple | 1/4 cup | 35 |
| Raisins | 1/3 cup | 130 |
| Chopped nuts | 1/3 cup | 230 |
| Ground flaxseed | 2 tbsp | 70 |
| Total Calories (batch) | 2,290 |
Yields approximately 12 muffins. ~190 calories per muffin.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making these Morning Glory Muffins is straightforward, and you’ll love how easy it is to throw everything together. Follow these simple steps to make the perfect batch:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to ensure easy removal later.
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oats, almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps ensure that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined and smooth.
Grate the carrot and apple using a box grater. This will add moisture to the muffins and keep them tender.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined.
Now, fold in the grated carrot, apple, crushed pineapple, raisins, chopped nuts, and flaxseed (if using). These add-ins will bring a lot of flavor and texture to your muffins.
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter. This helps the muffins rise properly while baking.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about these muffins is how versatile they are. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your tastes or dietary needs:
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp water) and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
Increase the amount of applesauce to replace the maple syrup or honey for a sugar-free muffin.
Add chia seeds, hemp seeds, or a scoop of protein powder for extra nutrients.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds to create a personalized version of these muffins!
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin, Estimated)
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per muffin to help you keep track of your healthy choices:
Calories: 190
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 120mg
These muffins provide a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a filling and satisfying snack or breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Morning Glory Muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
For Breakfast: Pair a muffin with a green smoothie or a protein shake to start your day off right.
As a Snack: These muffins make for a great afternoon pick-me-up. They’ll keep you full and energized until your next meal.
Kid-Friendly: Toss one of these in your child’s lunchbox for a tasty and nutritious treat. The sweet flavor will be a hit with little ones.
Warm It Up: Slice the muffin in half, toast it lightly, and add a little almond butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent breakfast.
Conclusion
Healthy Morning Glory Muffins are the perfect way to start your day with flavor and nutrition. With their mix of whole grains, fruits, nuts, and natural sweeteners, these muffins are an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy breakfast or snack. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also packed with nutrients that will keep you feeling full and energized. Make them ahead of time for the week or bake them fresh for a cozy morning treat. No matter how you enjoy them, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.