Make-Ahead Morning Glory Muffins – 8 Powerful Reasons These Wholesome Breakfast Gems Are Absolutely Irresistible

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By Gianna Poulef

Morning Glory Muffins

Oh my dear friends… thank you for being here. If there’s one muffin that makes me feel like I’ve done something truly good for my family before 9 a.m., it’s these Make-Ahead Morning Glory Muffins.

They’re hearty, naturally sweet, warmly spiced, and packed with apples, carrots, raisins, and just enough honey to make them feel like a treat. I love baking a batch on Sunday afternoon — the house fills with cinnamon and ginger — and knowing breakfast is ready for the week.

They’re soft. They’re nourishing. They feel homemade in the best way.

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Now let’s get those muffins in the oven.

Overview of Make-Ahead Morning Glory Muffins

Morning Glory Muffins are classic American breakfast muffins filled with fruits, vegetables, and warm spices. They’re hearty but tender, sweet but balanced.

Why You’ll Love Them

  • Naturally sweetened with honey & applesauce
  • Loaded with carrots and apple
  • Warm cinnamon and ginger flavor
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Freezer-friendly
  • Kid-approved and adult-loved

What They Taste Like

They’re moist and tender with cozy spice notes. The carrots add softness, the apple brings subtle sweetness, and the raisins give little bursts of chewiness.

It’s like carrot cake met breakfast — but lighter.

Full Ingredients (Complete & Detailed)

This Now, Make It Later!
  • 1 cup finely grated apple (about 1 medium apple, peeled if preferred)
  • 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ cup raisins
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened smooth applesauce
  • ¼ cup pure honey
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional but lovely)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil (for moisture)

Tools You’ll Need

  • Muffin tin (12-cup)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Box grater
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

How to Make Make-Ahead Morning Glory Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line or grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Eggs
  • Applesauce
  • Honey
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil

Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Add Fruits & Vegetables

Stir in:

  • Grated apple
  • Grated carrots
  • Raisins

Mix well.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Baking soda
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Salt

Step 5: Combine

Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in nuts if using.

Do not overmix.

Step 6: Fill & Bake

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

Bake 20–24 minutes, until tops are set and toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve with Morning Glory Muffins

These muffins pair beautifully with:

  • Greek yogurt
  • Fresh berries
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Almond butter
  • Hot coffee or chai

For a balanced breakfast spread, try:

Breakfast can be both comforting and nourishing.

Tips for Making Them Perfect

  • Finely grate carrots for soft texture.
  • Don’t squeeze moisture from carrots — it keeps muffins moist.
  • Let batter rest 5 minutes before baking.
  • Add shredded coconut for extra texture.
  • Underbake slightly for softer centers.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: 2 days airtight.
Refrigerator: 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months.

Reheat 15–20 seconds in microwave.

General Information

Morning Glory Muffins originated in the 1970s as a health-conscious bakery item packed with fruits and vegetables. They’ve become a beloved make-ahead breakfast option for busy families.

This version balances wholesome ingredients with just enough sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes — use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I replace honey?

Maple syrup works well.

Can I add pineapple?

Yes — ¼ cup crushed pineapple adds moisture.

Why are my muffins dense?

Overmixing the batter.

Can I make mini muffins?

Yes — bake 12–15 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin – 12 muffins)

NutrientAmount
Calories240 kcal
Carbohydrates32g
Sugar16g
Protein5g
Fat10g
Saturated Fat1.5g
Fiber3g
Sodium290mg

Interactive Element

If you bake these Make-Ahead Morning Glory Muffins, I would absolutely LOVE to see them!

Save and share your version on Pinterest here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Leave a comment below — do you add coconut or keep them classic?

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Make-Ahead Morning Glory Muffins – 8 Powerful Reasons These Wholesome Breakfast Gems Are Absolutely Irresistible


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: PT37M
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Make-Ahead Morning Glory Muffins are moist, warmly spiced, and packed with apples, carrots, and raisins. A wholesome, meal-prep-friendly breakfast option perfect for busy mornings.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup grated apple

2 cups grated carrots

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ cup raisins

3 large eggs

⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce

¼ cup honey

2 teaspoons baking soda

½ cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup whole wheat flour

⅓ cup vegetable oil

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare muffin tin.

2. Whisk eggs, applesauce, honey, brown sugar, and oil.

3. Stir in grated apple, carrots, and raisins.

4. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.

5. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

6. Add nuts if using.

7. Divide batter into muffin cups.

8. Bake 20-24 minutes until set.

9. Cool before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix batter.

Store airtight up to 2 days.

Freeze up to 3 months.

Add shredded coconut if desired.

  • Prep Time: PT15M
  • Cook Time: PT22M
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
Make-Ahead Morning Glory Muffins – 8 Powerful Reasons These Wholesome Breakfast Gems Are Absolutely Irresistible
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

Let’s be friends!

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