Sweet Morning Glory Muffins Recipe: Ina Garten’s Cozy Brunch Win

Morning glory muffins burst with unexpected flavor combinations that elevate breakfast from mundane to magnificent.

Carrots, nuts, and fruits weave together creating a symphony of taste and nutrition.

Each bite promises a delightful adventure for adventurous palates.

Wholesome ingredients transform simple batter into something extraordinary and memorable.

Bakers rejoice in how effortlessly these muffins come together with minimal preparation.

Fragrant spices and natural sweetness make these muffins an irresistible morning companion.

You’ll fall in love with this rustic, soul-warming recipe that turns ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments.

Check out this culinary journey and let your taste buds dance!

How Ina Keeps Her Muffins Moist for Days

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooled carrot apple muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain soft texture and prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Extend shelf life by refrigerating muffins up to one week. Place in sealed container or wrap individually in plastic wrap to preserve moisture and prevent flavor absorption.
• Freeze for Later: Pack muffins in freezer-safe bags or containers. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in microwave for quick enjoyment.
• Revive Stale Muffins: Bring day-old muffins back to life by warming in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle with water before reheating to restore softness and refresh flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Morning Glory Muffins

• Eggs: Choose fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Vegetable Oil: Select a neutral-flavored oil for light texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla for rich, authentic flavor.
• Carrots: Pick firm, bright orange carrots for maximum sweetness.
• Apple: Use crisp, sweet varieties like Gala or Fuji for best results.
• Crushed Pineapple: Select well-drained, natural canned pineapple.

• All-Purpose Flour: Look for unbleached flour for better nutrition.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar works perfectly for even sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Choose fresh, fragrant ground cinnamon.
• Baking Soda: Ensure it's fresh and not expired for proper rising.
• Kosher Salt: Use for balanced flavor enhancement.

• Pecans, Shredded Coconut, Raisins: Select fresh, high-quality nuts and dried fruits for maximum flavor and texture contrast.

Tools to Get Started on Ina’s Morning Muffins

• Mixing Bowls: Large, sturdy bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending eggs and creating smooth mixtures.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Muffin Trays: Standard 12-cup tray for baking perfect muffins.
• Ice Cream Scoop: Helps evenly distribute batter into muffin cups.
• Grater: For shredding carrots and apples with ease.
• Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are well-mixed and lump-free.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Toothpicks: Quick way to check muffin doneness.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking trays.

How to Bake Morning Glory Muffins with Ina’s Flair

• Fire Up the Oven Prep Preheat the oven and prepare your baking surface by coating muffin trays with non-stick spray or placing paper liners for easy removal.
• Whip Together Wet Components In a spacious mixing bowl, blend eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in grated carrots, apple, pineapple, pecans, coconut, and raisins to create a rich, textured base.
• Sift Dry Ingredients Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of all elements.
• Merge Mixtures Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a light, fluffy texture. Mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent tough muffins.
• Fill and Bake Distribute batter evenly using a scoop, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Place in preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, typically 30-35 minutes.
• Cool and Serve Allow muffins to rest in the pan for a short while, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy these delectable treats warm or at room temperature for a perfect breakfast or snack.

Pro Tips to Elevate Ina’s Muffins

• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust ground cinnamon quantity to match your taste preferences. More cinnamon creates a warmer, deeper flavor while less keeps the taste mild and subtle.
• Swap Nuts Creatively: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for different crunch and nutritional profiles. Each nut brings unique texture and subtle flavor variations.
• Make Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend or almond flour. Ensure baking soda remains consistent for proper rising and texture.
• Boost Moisture Techniques: Add an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil or replace some oil with applesauce to maintain soft, tender muffin consistency. Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a moisture-rich alternative ingredient.

Presenting Ina’s Muffins for Breakfast Guests

• Pair with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip up a smooth, tangy frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread generously on top of cooled muffins for an indulgent touch.
• Create a Breakfast Platter: Arrange muffins alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. The combination offers a balanced and satisfying morning meal that highlights the muffins' rich flavors.
• Pack for On-the-Go Snacking: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper for a convenient breakfast or afternoon treat. Perfect for lunch boxes, road trips, or quick energy boosts during busy days.
• Add a Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle additional chopped pecans or toasted coconut flakes over the muffins before serving. This extra layer adds delightful texture and enhances the overall taste experience.

Wholesome Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Morning glory muffins by Ina Garten blend wholesome ingredients from carrots, apples, and coconut into a hearty breakfast treat. Warm spices and rich textures create a delightful morning indulgence for you to savor with coffee or tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¼ cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 3 extra-large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots, unpeeled and grated on a box grater
• 1 Granny Smith apple, unpeeled and grated on a box grater
• 1 (8 oz / 227 g) can crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup (60 g) pecans, roughly chopped
• ½ cup (40 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup (75 g) raisins
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsps baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Ignite the oven to 350°F and outfit muffin trays with paper liners or a light grease coating to prevent adhesion.
2. Craft Wet Foundation: Vigorously whisk eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a generous mixing vessel until achieving a harmonious, silky consistency.
3. Integrate Textural Elements: Fold grated carrots, apple, pineapple chunks, pecans, coconut, and raisins into the wet mixture, ensuring comprehensive ingredient integration and balanced distribution.
4. Formulate Dry Composite: Meticulously sift flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, eliminating potential clumping and creating a uniform dry foundation.
5. Merge Mixtures: Delicately combine dry ingredients with wet components, stirring with minimal manipulation to maintain batter integrity and prevent potential toughness.
6. Portion & Position: Deploy an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute batter into muffin cavities, filling each approximately three-quarters full to accommodate rising during thermal transformation.
7. Thermal Treatment: Slide trays into preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a rich golden exterior and confirming doneness through strategic toothpick testing.
8. Cooling Protocol: Allow muffins to stabilize within the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete temperature equalization and structural refinement.
9. Serve & Savor: Present muffins warm or at room temperature, maximizing sensory experience and textural brilliance.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and minimally to maintain tender, soft muffin texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Moisture Management: Grated fruits and vegetables contribute natural sweetness and keep muffins incredibly moist and packed with authentic flavor.
• Ingredient Distribution: Fold mix-ins carefully to ensure even spread of carrots, apples, nuts, and coconut throughout the entire batch for consistent taste.
• Precise Baking Technique: Fill muffin cups only 75% full to allow proper rising and prevent overflow, creating perfectly shaped breakfast treats.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg