Delicious & Healthy Vegan Morning Glory Muffins: Your Ultimate Go-To Breakfast & Snack Recipe
Say goodbye to boring breakfasts and hello to these incredibly satisfying Morning Glory Muffins! Bursting with wholesome fruits and vegetables, these delightful vegan muffins are designed to please palates of all ages, from picky toddlers to health-conscious adults. Whether you need a quick grab-and-go breakfast on a busy morning, a nutritious addition to a school lunchbox, or a hearty snack to power you through the day, this recipe delivers on all fronts. They’re super healthy, entirely vegan, and incredibly easy to make, often requiring just one bowl for mixing – making cleanup a breeze and instantly elevating them to a favorite in any household.
After a string of sweeter indulgences, a truly healthy and wholesome snack often feels like a breath of fresh air. This Morning Glory Muffins recipe is exactly that – a refreshing change that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. These muffins are an excellent choice for meal prepping on a Sunday afternoon, ensuring you have healthy and delicious snacks or breakfasts ready for the entire week. The harmonious blend of natural sweetness from fruits, the rich crunch of nuts, and the earthy goodness of vegetables creates a muffin that is both sweet and wonderfully hearty. Best of all, they are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your family’s unique tastes and dietary needs, making them a true kitchen hero.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Morning Glory Muffins
Morning Glory Muffins have a long-standing reputation for being a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition, and this vegan version lives up to the hype! There are countless reasons why these muffins will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Their delightful texture, packed with moisture from applesauce and tender shredded ingredients, offers a satisfying bite. The vibrant mix of carrots and apples not only adds essential vitamins and fiber but also contributes a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the subtle spices. They are incredibly filling, making them ideal for sustained energy without the sugar crash often associated with typical breakfast pastries. Plus, their ‘hidden veggie’ quality makes them a brilliant way to sneak in extra nutrition for those who might be a bit more selective about their greens.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Muffin Making
Making a batch of these glorious muffins doesn’t require an arsenal of fancy kitchen gadgets. With just a few basic tools, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying these wholesome treats. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process.
- A Muffin Pan: Essential for baking perfectly shaped muffins. A standard 12-cup pan is usually sufficient.
- Baking Cups or Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Silicone cups or parchment liners are great alternatives to traditional paper cups.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking to ensure the correct texture and flavor.
- A Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining all the wet and dry ingredients without making a mess.
- A Sturdy Spoon or Spatula: For thoroughly mixing the batter. Avoid overmixing to keep your muffins tender.
- A Paring Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing apples and any other fresh ingredients.
- A Veggie Slicer or Cheese Grater (Optional but Recommended): Makes shredding carrots quick and effortless. A food processor can also be used for speed.
What Wholesome Goodness Is Inside?
This Morning Glory Muffins recipe is a treasure trove of tasty and healthy ingredients, carefully selected to create a hearty and utterly delicious snack, breakfast, or brunch option. The combination of wholesome components and just a hint of sweetness results in a perfectly balanced flavor profile that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Here’s a closer look at what makes these vegan morning glory muffins so special:
- Healthful Fruits and Veggies: The stars of the show are fresh, crisp carrots and juicy apples. Carrots provide a boost of Vitamin A and natural sweetness, while apples add fiber, moisture, and a subtle tang. Shredding them finely ensures they blend seamlessly into the muffin batter.
- Sweet Dried Cranberries: These vibrant berries bring a delightful chewiness and a burst of tart-sweet flavor, complementing the other ingredients beautifully. They are also packed with antioxidants.
- Crunchy Pistachios: Offering a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, pistachios elevate the texture and nutritional value of these muffins. You can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or pecans if preferred, or omit them entirely for a nut-free option.
- A Touch of Coconut and Brown Sugar: Shredded coconut adds a delicate tropical note and extra moisture, while brown sugar provides a deeper, more caramelized sweetness than white sugar, enhancing the overall flavor without being overly sugary.
- A Hint of Spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger creates that comforting, inviting aroma and flavor profile that makes these muffins truly irresistible, reminiscent of spiced apple desserts.
- Smooth Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a fantastic natural sweetener and fat replacer, contributing to the muffins’ moist texture while keeping them healthy and low in added oils.
- All the Baking Musts: Whole wheat flour provides a nutritious base, while baking powder and baking soda ensure a perfect rise and fluffy texture. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
How to Make These Effortlessly Easy Morning Glory Muffins
Creating these delightful vegan muffins is remarkably straightforward, taking approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. These delectable treats are ideal for a speedy snack on the go or for efficient Sunday meal prep, guaranteeing an easy, wholesome breakfast throughout the week. Honestly, the most time-consuming part of this vegan recipe is the initial prep work: dicing, shredding, and crushing your ingredients. Once that’s complete, it’s as simple as tossing everything into a single bowl and giving it a good stir. The ‘one-bowl’ method minimizes dishes and maximizes convenience, making this recipe a true winner for busy individuals and families.
Recipe Step By Step Guide
- First, you’ll need to meticulously prep and measure out all your ingredients. For the apple, begin by removing its peel using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Once peeled, dice the apple flesh into small, uniform pieces. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly identical; a little rustic charm is perfectly fine! Set the diced apple aside.
- Next, turn your attention to the carrots. For this recipe, I highly recommend using baby carrots, which are often sweeter and easier to handle. Finely shred them using a cheese grater or a food processor fitted with a shredding disc. After shredding, give them a rough chop to make them even tinier. This finer consistency not only improves the muffin texture but also ingeniously hides the veggies, a great trick for convincing even the pickiest eaters. To save time, pre-packaged shredded carrots from your grocery store are a fantastic shortcut.
- Now, it’s time to prepare the nuts. Place your whole pistachios (or any preferred nut like walnuts or pecans) into a sturdy zip-top bag. Using a heavy, robust object such as a rolling pin, meat tenderizer, or the bottom of a heavy pan, carefully crush the nuts until they are reduced to tiny, manageable pieces. You want texture, not large chunks. If you’re opting for a nut-free version, simply skip this step.
- Once all your fresh ingredients are prepped, the easy part begins: measuring and combining everything. In your large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients first (flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, salt). Stir them together well to ensure they are evenly distributed. Then, add all the wet ingredients (applesauce, vanilla extract, coconut oil, water) along with the prepped apples, carrots, cranberries, coconut, and crushed nuts. Stir everything until it’s just combined. The mixture should be quite thick and clumpy, yet still stir-able. If the batter seems too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach that perfect balance of smooth and chunky consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
- Finally, prepare your muffin pan by lining each cup with baking liners or generously spraying them with cooking spray. Spoon the batter evenly into each cup, filling them almost to the top. If you desire, sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top of each muffin before baking for added flavor and visual appeal. Bake the muffins on the center rack of your preheated oven for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Serve these morning glory muffins warm, perhaps with a touch of vegan butter alternative, for an ultimate comforting experience. Enjoy!
Common Questions About Morning Glory Muffins
Absolutely not! While pistachios add a wonderful crunch and nutritional boost, they are completely optional. I understand that many people, especially children, might not be fond of nuts, or you may have allergy concerns. If you prefer to omit them, simply leave them out. To compensate for the missing texture and volume, you could add a bit more dried cranberries, diced apple, or shredded carrots to the muffin batter. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) can also be a great nut-free alternative for a similar crunch, just ensure there are no allergy concerns.
Yes, they certainly can! Mini muffins are fantastic for portion control, snacks for toddlers, or serving at gatherings. The preparation and oven temperature for the mini morning glory muffins remain exactly the same as for the regular-sized ones. The only adjustment you’ll need to make is to the baking time. Reduce the baking time to approximately 9-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the mini muffins to be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, just like their larger counterparts.
To maintain their freshness and delicious texture, these morning glory muffins are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. When stored correctly, they typically stay fresh for up to 7 days. If you live in a humid environment or plan to keep them longer, refrigeration can extend their shelf life, though it might slightly alter the texture. I personally love to enjoy them warm, replicating that “fresh out of the oven” experience. To do this, simply pop a muffin into the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until it’s gently warmed through, but not steaming hot.
Absolutely! Freezing muffins is a fantastic way to prepare a batch ahead of time for quick breakfasts or snacks whenever you need them. To freeze the baked muffins, first allow them to cool completely to prevent ice crystals from forming. Then, wrap each individual muffin tightly in parchment paper, aluminum foil, or cling wrap. Once wrapped, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, you can either let the muffin thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm it directly from frozen in the microwave using the defrost setting, or a few seconds on high power, until heated through.
More Delicious & Easy Breakfast Recipes to Try
Easy 10 Minute Homemade Jam
Freezer Breakfast SandwichesBacon Stuffed French Toast
Breakfast Tacos Recipe
Pumpkin Spice GranolaPoppy Seed & Almond Muffins
Creative Substitutions for Your Morning Glory Muffins
One of the best aspects of this Morning Glory Muffins recipe is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic substitution ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
Flour Options: While whole wheat flour provides a hearty, nutritious base, you have several alternatives. All-purpose flour can be used for a lighter, fluffier muffin, though it will slightly reduce the fiber content. For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be substituted. Almond flour can also work, but keep in mind that it tends to absorb more moisture and may result in a denser texture. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly if using alternative flours.
Nut Options: If pistachios aren’t your favorite or you want to try something new, nearly any nut can be a great substitute. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans are excellent choices that complement the flavors beautifully. Ensure they are crushed into small pieces to avoid large, uneven chunks in your vegan muffins. If you prefer no chunks at all, you could even use nut powder or a nut butter swirled into the batter. For a nut-free option, consider pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even a sprinkle of rolled oats for added texture.
Additional Fruit & Veggie Options: The beauty of morning glory muffins lies in their packed fruit and veggie content. Get creative with your additions! Sometimes, I enjoy replacing the apple and pistachios with a peanut butter and banana combo, which creates a whole new flavor profile. During the fall season, adding a half cup of pumpkin puree can give these muffins a wonderful seasonal twist. Another easy swap is to use finely shredded zucchini instead of carrots, or a mix of both. Other delicious ideas to try include mini chocolate chips (check for vegan brands), golden raisins, shredded pineapple, or even parsnips for a unique earthy sweetness. You can also vary the dried fruit – chopped dried apricots or cherries would be lovely!
The Incredible Health Benefits of Morning Glory Muffins
Beyond their delicious taste, these vegan Morning Glory Muffins are a nutritional powerhouse, making them an ideal choice for a healthy lifestyle. Loaded with natural ingredients, they offer a range of benefits that support overall well-being. The inclusion of whole wheat flour means you’re getting essential dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, vital for vision and immune function. Apples contribute further fiber and antioxidants, supporting gut health and fighting oxidative stress. Dried cranberries add more antioxidants and a touch of natural sweetness, while pistachios (or other nuts) provide healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and potassium, crucial for heart health and energy. Using unsweetened applesauce as a base significantly reduces the need for added oils and sugars, keeping the calorie count reasonable without sacrificing moisture. These muffins truly embody clean eating, offering sustained energy and essential nutrients in every bite.
Tips for Perfect Morning Glory Muffins Every Time
Achieving perfectly baked, moist, and delicious Morning Glory Muffins is simple with a few key baking tips. First and foremost, resist the urge to overmix your batter. Once the wet and dry ingredients are just combined and there are no large pockets of flour, stop mixing. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy muffins. A slightly lumpy batter is actually ideal! Secondly, ensure your ingredients, especially applesauce and coconut oil, are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly and creates a more uniform batter. When measuring your dry ingredients, especially flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag; this prevents compacting the flour and using too much. Lastly, don’t overcrowd your muffin pan in the oven, as this can affect even baking. If you’re baking multiple batches, ensure the oven has enough time to return to its set temperature between batches. Following these simple guidelines will ensure your Morning Glory Muffins are consistently excellent.
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Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Caitlyn Erhardt
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Ingredients
- 2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
- ¾ Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Cup Carrots Shredded
- 1 Apple Peeled and Diced
- ½ Cup Pistachios Crushed
- ½ Cup Dried Cranberries
- ⅓ Cup Shredded Coconut Plus More for Top
- ¾ Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoon Water
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Using either a knife or peeler, remove the skin from the apple then finely dice it, set aside. Using a veggie peeler, knife, or cheese grater finely dice or shred the carrots. If shredding rough chop after shredding, set aside. Place pistachios in a zip lock bag then using something heavy and sturdy, like a rolling pin, crush until no large pieces remain, set aside.
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Combine flour, baking soda and powder, brown sugar, salt and spices in a large bowl and stir together until combined. Add all remaining ingredients and stir until well combined. See Notes for Water Tips*
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Line muffin pan with cups or spray with cooking spray. Fill each cup to the top and sprinkle with additional shredded coconut if desired. Bake on the center rack for 15-18 minutes until golden and a tooth pick comes out clean. Serve warm, enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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