Name: Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup water (or your choice of unsweetened almond milk); 3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup); 1 cup wholewheat flour; 1/2 cup buckwheat flour (or spelt flour); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon allspice (or nutmeg); 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1/4 of an orange peel); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 apples (chopped into small cubes); 1 carrot (grated); 1/4 cup sliced almonds (or chopped walnuts); 3 tablespoons rolled oats; 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 59 reviews

If you’re searching for a wholesome, delightfully textured treat that feels like a warm hug with every bite, then this Morning Glory Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. Packed with naturally sweet apples, grated carrot, and a wonderful blend of flours and spices, these muffins are a perfect way to kick off your day or brighten up an afternoon snack. They strike that beautiful balance between moist and crumbly, subtly spiced and sweet, with a delightful crunch from nuts and oats. Trust me, once you try this Morning Glory Muffins Recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to for breakfast or anytime munching.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three separate containers placed on a white marbled surface. In the lower part, a large glass bowl contains a mound of white flour with specks of darker grain mixed in, giving it a textured look. On the left, there is a metal bowl filled with a yellowish liquid that has small bubbles on the surface, appearing smooth and shiny. On the right, there is a white plate filled with uneven small pieces of pale yellow apple with some light brown edges, and one small bright red apple peel visible among the pieces. The setup looks like ingredients being prepared for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that are both nourishing and delicious. Each element plays a key role, from the moistening apple sauce and juice to the warmth of cinnamon and the brightness of orange zest, making this recipe truly special.

3/4 cup water (or your choice of unsweetened almond milk): Adds moisture and helps create a soft crumb while keeping the batter dairy-free if you opt for almond milk.
3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce: Naturally sweetens and moistens the muffins without extra sugar.
1/4 cup vegetable oil: Contributes tenderness and richness for that perfect muffin texture.
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the muffins rise beautifully.
1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup): Infuses natural sweetness with a subtle floral undertone.
1 cup whole wheat flour: Adds nutty, robust flavor and dense texture packed with fiber.
1/2 cup buckwheat (or spelt flour): Provides an earthy nuttiness and wholesome nutrients.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Keeps the muffins light and fluffy for the perfect bite.
1 teaspoon baking powder: One of the leavening agents to give the muffins lift.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the vinegar to ensure airy muffins.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers warm spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon allspice (or nutmeg): Adds depth and complexity with a touch of autumnal flavor.
1 tbsp orange zest (1/4 of an orange peel): Brightens the muffins with fresh citrus aroma.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors for a balanced taste.
4 apples (chopped into small cubes): Bring juicy bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
1 carrot (grated): Adds moisture, natural sugar, and a subtle earthiness.
1/4 cup sliced almonds (or chopped walnuts): Provides satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
3 tablespoons rolled oats: Perfect for sprinkling on top for added texture.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps create a lightly crisp topping.

How to Make Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to a lively 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to work its magic right when your batter is set. Grease your muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners to ensure your muffins come out easily—no sticking or crumbling here!

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, gently whisk together the water or almond milk, apple sauce, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Combining these first ensures a smooth, well-incorporated wet base that adds both moisture and a touch of natural sweetness.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, bring together all your flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and zesty orange peel. Then stir in the chopped apples and grated carrot. This gives your muffins that signature Morning Glory mix of fruity, spicy, and fresh flavors all in one bite.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold gently until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll lose the tender crumb you’re aiming for. Then lovingly fold in the nuts for crunch and flavor. This is where your muffins start coming to life!

Step 5: Fill and Top the Muffin Tins

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Sprinkle each generously with rolled oats and a touch of brown sugar—this topping caramelizes in the oven, giving an irresistible crunch on top.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your muffins for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell that fills your kitchen will be heavenly. Once out of the oven, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Your Morning Glory Muffins Recipe is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

A stack of eight muffins is shown on a wooden surface with a white marbled background. Each muffin is in a white paper liner and is topped with rolled oats, giving a rough texture with a golden brown and slightly darker toasted color on top. The muffins are a warm brown color with visible bits of darker ingredients, creating a rustic and hearty look. The muffins are piled unevenly with some leaning and overlapping each other, showing different angles and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, try garnishing your muffins with a light smear of creamy butter, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. These small details can elevate the experience and invite your loved ones to savor every nibble.

Side Dishes

Morning Glory Muffins are fantastic paired with a hot cup of black or herbal tea to balance sweetness with a bold or soothing sip. For a heartier breakfast, offer alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try warming the muffins slightly and serving them with a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone for a luxurious twist. You might also slice them in half to make mini breakfast sandwiches with nut butter or jam. Presentation is all about making these muffins look as inviting as they taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay moist and tender, making them easy to grab for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your muffin in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or briefly warm in a toaster oven. This refreshes their soft texture and brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling you love.

FAQs

Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?

Absolutely! Pears, grated zucchini, or even mashed banana can work well in place of apples, offering different textures and sweetness levels while still keeping that moist crumb.

Is it necessary to use both whole wheat and buckwheat flours?

Using a mix of flours adds depth in flavor and texture, but if you don’t have buckwheat or spelt, feel free to swap it for extra whole wheat or all-purpose flour. Your muffins will still turn out delicious!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Just substitute honey with pure maple syrup or agave nectar and ensure your milk choice is plant-based. This recipe is friendly and adaptable for a vegan diet.

What makes this a Morning Glory Muffins Recipe?

The key signature is the combination of shredded carrot, chopped apples, warming spices, nuts, and oats all in a lightly sweetened, wholesome muffin—creating a layered, textured bite that wakes up your senses beautifully.

How long do these muffins last?

Stored well, they keep their freshness for about three days at room temperature, or a week in the fridge. Freezing extends their life up to three months without losing much flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Morning Glory Muffins Recipe is a keeper for anyone who loves baking food that’s both nourishing and irresistibly tasty. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a comforting ritual—sharing warmth through every muffin, whether at your breakfast table or as a thoughtful snack. So don’t wait to try it yourself and enjoy those lovely layers of flavor and texture that make Morning Glory Muffins so special.