The Best Morning Glory Muffins for a Healthy Start

Morning Glory Muffins are the ultimate way to start your day on a nourishing, delicious note. These wholesome muffins are packed with shredded carrots, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts, creating the perfect balance of natural sweetness, heartiness, and warm spice. What sets them apart is their nutritional punch—rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats—all while tasting just as indulgent as classic bakery muffins!

We developed this healthy morning glory muffin recipe to satisfy your cravings for a hearty breakfast or snack without compromising your wellness goals. After testing several variations, we landed on the perfect formula that delivers tender, moist muffins every time. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead lunchbox treat, a post-workout pick-me-up, or a naturally sweet snack, this recipe has got you covered.

Why These Morning Glory Muffins Are Good for You

• Rich in fiber: With whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and vegetables, these muffins support your digestive health and keep you full longer.
• Natural sweetness: Coconut sugar and applesauce replace refined sugar, offering a low-glycemic sweetener alternative for sustained energy.
• Healthy fats: Avocado oil and walnuts provide nourishing, heart-healthy fats.
• Vitamins and minerals: Carrots and apples supply beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Diet-friendly: Adaptable for vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-sugar lifestyles (see dietary modifications below).

Wholesome Ingredients for These Morning Glory Muffins

Here’s what makes this easy morning glory muffins recipe shine, along with tips for substitutions and ingredient quality:

• Whole wheat pastry flour: A lighter, more tender alternative to regular whole wheat flour, perfect for soft, fluffy baked goods. If gluten-free, swap with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Rolled oats: These add texture and a boost of heart-healthy fiber. Choose old-fashioned oats for the best consistency (avoid quick oats, which are too processed).
• Applesauce: This unsweetened ingredient keeps the muffins moist while reducing the need for added fat. Mashed banana or plain pureed pumpkin can work well, too.
• Carrots and apples: Grated fresh carrots and apples provide natural sweetness, moisture, and vitamins. We recommend Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples for their crisp, juicy sweetness.

Morning Glory Muffins Recipe Details

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Morning Glory Muffins Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 medium crisp sweet apple, peeled and grated
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped

How to Make Morning Glory Muffins

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or silicone liners.
2. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let cool and chop into small pieces.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, coconut sugar, applesauce, avocado oil, vanilla extract, grated apple, and grated carrots. Stir well until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently fold until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the shredded coconut, raisins, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
7. Spoon the batter evenly into each of the muffin cups, filling them about three-quarters full.
8. Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Customize This Morning Glory Muffins for Your Diet

• Gluten-Free: Substitute whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour mix.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water).
• Low-Sugar: Reduce coconut sugar or swap with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Nut-Free: Leave out walnuts and replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
• Higher Protein: Add 2 tablespoons of protein powder (reduce flour slightly to compensate).

Our Team’s Tips for the Best Morning Glory Muffins

• Make sure to grate the carrots and apples finely for even texture throughout the batter.
• Toast walnuts ahead of time—this small step adds a deeper nutty flavor and crispness.
• Avoid overmixing the batter! Mix until just combined to ensure light and fluffy muffins.
• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Serve warm with a dollop of almond butter for added protein.

Morning Glory Muffins FAQs

Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water). Leave the mixture to sit for 5 minutes before using.

Are these muffins gluten-free?

You can easily make them gluten-free by substituting the whole wheat pastry flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

How do I store these muffins?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

What other add-ins work well?

You can mix in dried cranberries, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, or even dark chocolate chips for some variety!

These homemade morning glory muffins are everything you need in a nutritious snack: wholesome, delicious, and so simple to make! What’s your favorite way to customize these muffins? Share your tips and tweaks in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!