If you’re on the lookout for a deliciously wholesome treat to brighten your morning or power you through an afternoon slump, these Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe are a true game-changer. Bursting with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and shredded carrots, and spiced just right with cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re moist, hearty, and perfectly textured. Every bite is like a cozy hug that sneaks in nutrition while feeling utterly indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a quick breakfast or a delightful snack, these muffins bring wholesome goodness and comforting flavors together in one irresistible package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in the flavor and texture. From the blend of flours that provide structure and nuttiness to the warm spices that elevate every bite, each element adds something special to the final result.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides a tender crumb and the primary structure for the muffins.
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour: Adds a wholesome nuttiness and a bit more fiber for a hearty texture.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings natural caramel notes and moistness to the muffins.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise nicely and remain fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the acidic bananas for light, tender crumb.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle, aromatic spice that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed: Naturally sweet and moistens the muffins perfectly.
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots: Adds moisture, sweetness, and a lovely orange hue.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil): Keeps the muffins tender and rich.
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds just enough liquid for perfect batter consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional): Boosts natural sweetness and chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your muffins bake evenly from the very beginning. Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make for easy clean-up.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking these ingredients together first distributes the leavening agents and spices uniformly, so no single bite is overpowering.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the mashed bananas, finely shredded carrots, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is blended and smooth. This mixture brings moistness and sweet natural flavors to your muffins.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten and can make muffins tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Optional Raisins and Nuts
If you’re adding raisins and chopped walnuts or pecans, now’s the time to gently fold them into the batter. These add delightful bursts of texture and flavor, but you can skip them if you prefer a simpler muffin.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the muffin batter evenly among your prepared cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins will have a beautiful golden top that’s slightly firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the muffins rest in the pan for about 5 minutes—this helps them firm up slightly so they don’t crumble. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key to enjoying the full flavors and perfect texture.
How to Serve Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes, simple is best—serve these muffins as is with a pat of butter for richness. For a little extra flair, a light drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a smear of cream cheese makes a luscious topping that balances the natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your muffins with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of milk for a classic breakfast combo. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside yogurt with fresh berries or a fruit salad to round out your morning feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making these muffins for a gathering, try displaying them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for a charming presentation. Wrapping individual muffins in parchment with a tied ribbon makes a lovely gift or grab-and-go breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days — perfect for quick snacks or breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing
To keep your muffins fresh longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This method prevents them from sticking together and allows you to thaw only what you need. Frozen muffins maintain their quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated muffins, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds until warmed through. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and aroma, making every bite a delight.
FAQs
Can I use different types of flour?
Absolutely! While the recipe uses all-purpose and whole wheat flour for texture and flavor, you can substitute with gluten-free blends if needed. Just be mindful that different flours may alter the moisture and crumb slightly.
Are these muffins suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re a fantastic kid-friendly snack! The natural sweetness from bananas and carrots means you’re sneaking in nutritious ingredients without added refined sugars, making them a healthier treat everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make this Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe vegan, swap the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based milk. Coconut oil or vegetable oil works perfectly here.
What if I don’t have shredded carrots?
If you don’t have fresh carrots on hand, you can finely grate them yourself, or even substitute with shredded zucchini for a different twist that keeps the moisture and texture intact.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible with add-ins. Try dried cranberries, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added texture and flavor to make it your own.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in baking a batch of muffins that are bursting with wholesome ingredients and comforting spices, and this Morning Glory Banana Carrot Muffins Recipe delivers just that. The ease of preparing them combined with their incredible flavor and texture means you’ll want to keep these muffins in your rotation all year round. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite muffin recipe to share with friends, family, or enjoy as a cozy treat just for you.
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 are moist, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients like bananas, shredded carrots, and warm spices. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack, they balance sweetness with the nuttiness of walnuts or pecans and the chewiness of raisins, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, shredded carrots, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Add Raisins and Nuts: Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts if you are using them for added texture and flavor.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents sogginess and finishes the baking process.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure muffins remain light and fluffy.
- Substitute milk with any non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk as desired.
- Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Raisins provide natural sweetness, but feel free to swap in dried cranberries or omit entirely.
- For a healthier variation, consider using coconut oil or reducing sugar slightly.
