If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, flavorful start to your day, the Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe will quickly become your new breakfast hero. These muffins combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the vibrant freshness of grated carrots, and a blend of warm spices, all baked into moist, tender bites that feel like a morning hug. Loaded with wholesome ingredients like nuts, shredded coconut, and raisins, they’re not just delicious but also packed with nutrients to fuel your day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or sneaking one for yourself, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment in every crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, combining simplicity with the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the soft bananas that bring moisture and sweetness to the warm spices that create an inviting aroma, each component is essential to the magic of these muffins.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Provides natural sweetness and keeps the muffins moist.
- 1 cup grated carrots: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins tender without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey: Enhances the sweetness with a natural touch.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a mild molasses flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, fragrant background note.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and lightness needed.
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour: Adds a hearty texture and nutty taste.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Assists with lifting and fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings cozy spice and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds subtle, aromatic depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Introduces crunch and richness.
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut (optional): Offers tropical flair and extra texture.
- 1/3 cup raisins (optional): Adds bursts of sweetness and chewiness.
How to Make Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to ensure your muffins pop out easily when they’re done. This little prep step helps make cleanup a breeze and keeps your muffins intact.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed ripe bananas, grated carrots, eggs, vegetable oil, maple syrup (or honey), brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This mixture is the heart of the recipe and brings together sweetness, moisture, and flavor, so whisk it until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures that your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your batter for a uniform taste and perfect rise.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep those muffins tender and soft. Then, stir in the chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and raisins if you’re using them — these little additions add delightful bursts of flavor and texture that make these muffins extra special.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Your muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
While these muffins shine all on their own, a little garnish can elevate their charm. Try topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin smear of cream cheese frosting for a luscious morning treat. A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey over warm muffins also adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your muffins with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a vibrant smoothie to make a balanced breakfast experience. For a heartier meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to add refreshing contrast and more nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe on a colorful platter with seasonal fruit slices around them. You can also slice muffins in half and toast lightly to bring out their flavors, then serve with a pat of butter or nut butter for an inviting spin on the classic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These muffins stay fresh and moist when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them covered prevents them from drying out, so you can enjoy their softness morning after morning.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze your muffins individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature or in the microwave before enjoying.
Reheating
Reheat your Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe gently by microwaving for 20 to 30 seconds or warming in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will refresh their texture and release their inviting aromas, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the oil with something healthier?
Absolutely! You can swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat and add natural sweetness, but keep in mind this might slightly change the texture of your muffins.
Are these muffins gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose and whole wheat flours, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free baking mix, but results may vary, especially in texture and rise.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! These muffins are versatile, so feel free to add things like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots or fully browned skins are super sweet and soft, which will give your muffins the best flavor and moisture.
What makes these muffins healthy?
Besides being naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup, they incorporate whole wheat flour, carrots, nuts, and optional raisins—ingredients that add fiber, vitamins, and beneficial fats, making these muffins a balanced breakfast choice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe that feels like it was designed just for mornings filled with warmth and energy. With wholesome ingredients, simple steps, and a flavor profile that delights, these muffins make a fantastic companion to your breakfast table or afternoon snack. Give them a try—you might just find your next favorite go-to recipe for a joyful start or a little pick-me-up anytime.
Print
Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and maple syrup with wholesome grated carrots and nuts for a deliciously moist and nutritious breakfast or snack option. Packed with wholesome flours, warm spices, and optional add-ins like shredded coconut and raisins, these muffins offer a flavorful and healthful way to start your day or enjoy on-the-go.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins (Optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, grated carrots, eggs, vegetable oil, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure tender muffins.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in the chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and raisins if you are using them, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess at the base.
Notes
- These muffins are naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup, but you can adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze muffins individually wrapped for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
