Healthy Morning Glory Muffins with Veggies & Fruit

These healthy morning glory muffins are packed with whole grains, veggies, and fruit — making them one of the best wholesome breakfast muffins you can make ahead for busy mornings. With carrots, apples, pineapple, walnuts, and optional protein powder, this healthy morning glory muffins recipe is flavorful, nutrient-rich, and perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.
[wprm-recipe-jump] In college I would occasionally get up for “grab-and-go” breakfast from our school cafeteria. Basically it was a brown bag breakfast that you could eat as you walked to class. One of the main dish choices were these delicious muffin called “Morning Glory Muffins”. It almost tasted like a carrot cake muffin and everything in it sounded very healthy: carrots, nuts, raisins, and pineapple.

It quickly became my breakfast of choice and I gobbled them up as I speed walked to class quite frequently. Until one morning one of my friends told me she looked up the nutritional value of them online and they were ONE OF THE WORST choices on the breakfast menu! I couldn’t believe it!

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They seemed so healthy, but my morning glory muffins had almost the same amount of fat as the sausage and cheese sandwiches AND a lot more sugar! Learn from my mistake and don’t assume because something looks or sounds healthy that it actually is! The good news is I’ve learned to recreate the Morning Glory Muffin, but tweaked to be a healthier option than the one served in my college cafeteria!

What makes this recipe healthier than classic muffins?

Instead of relying on refined ingredients, these muffins are made with whole wheat flour, naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syru, and packed with simple add-ins like flaxseed and fresh fruits and veggies—giving them more fiber and nourishment without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients for Healthy Morning Glory Muffins

• Walnuts (an amazing healthy fat!)
• Applesauce (to reduce the oil but still make sure they aren’t dry!)
• Flaxseed (a great source of fiber)
• Apples
• Carrots
• Pineapple pieces (for all natural sweetness!)
• And even a little optional scoop of protein powder!

How to Make Morning Glory Muffins (Healthy Breakfast Recipe)

These healthy morning glory muffins are easy to make ahead and perfect for busy mornings or quick snacks. They’re a simple, nourishing option you can feel good about keeping on hand.

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Healthy Morning Glory Muffins

Yield: 18 muffins

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

These Healthy Morning Glory Muffins are moist and delicious! They are an amazing healthy breakfast or snack since they are packed with whole grains, fruits and veggies!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups white whole wheat flour
• 3 Tablespoons flaxseed
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 scoop protein vanilla powder
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 apple diced, cored, but peeling is optional
• 2 cups diced carrots, approximately 3 medium carrots
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup pineapple, crushed and drained
• ½ cup walnuts, diced
• 3 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Place raisins in small bowl covered in warm water. (This will help them be plump and juicy, not dry and shriveled.)
3. Meanwhile stir flour, protein powder, baking powder, flax, and cinnamon together in mixing bowl.
4. Shred apple, carrots, and pineapple (if in pieces or fresh, not crushed in can) with food processor.
5. Stir apple, carrots, pineapple, raisins, coconut, and walnuts into the flour mixture.
6. In separate bowl combine butter, eggs, vanilla, apple sauce and maple syrup until well blended.
7. Form small well in center of flour mixture. Pour in wet ingredients. Stir just until combined.
8. Drop by 1/3 cup into greased muffin tin or muffin cups.
9. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Tops should be brown and knife inserted in the center will come out clean.
10. Serve warm or freeze, once cooled, in a freezer bag or airtight container. Keep in refrigerator.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1 muffin
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Morning Glory Muffins

Kitchen tools for making morning glory muffins

• 12 Cup Muffin Pan – I love this brand! I rarely use muffin cups, I just lightly grease my non-stick pan and they come out excellently.
• Sturdy Wire Whisk – Use a whisk to be sure the muffin batter combines in as few strokes as possible-this helps keep muffins from over-peaking or under-peaking.
• Colorful Mixing Bowls – Because baking should make you happy!
• My favorite vanilla protein powder – I have tried many and this is the one for me!

Tips for Perfect Healthy Morning Glory Muffins

• Don’t over mix the batter. Just mix until the ingredients are incorporated. Mixing longer will lead to your muffins not rising as well. 
• Follow the steps for combining the ingredients! The order helps make sure you can get the muffins mixed well enough, but not over-mixed. 
• Check the muffins for doneness using a toothpick. When the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they are done! 

One thing that didn’t change is how moist and flavorful these muffins are! They are great for a quick breakfast, whether you are commuting to work or just hoping to grab a bite between getting your kids breakfast!

Storage & Meal Prep: Healthy Breakfast Muffins

If stored properly these muffins make the perfect meal prep breakfast option. Here’s how you can make them last!

How to freeze morning glory muffins

To freeze these healthier morning glory muffins, first allow to cool to room temperature on the counter. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then place all of them in large freezer bag with air removed.

To de-thaw place on the counter overnight or in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave heating for 30 second increments until warm. 

How to store morning glory muffins

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one week. 

RELATED: HEALTHY ZUCCHINI MUFFINS

These healthy morning glory muffins are perfect to make ahead for busy mornings or easy, wholesome snacks. Having them ready in the fridge or freezer means you’ll always have a nourishing healthy breakfast muffin waiting when life gets hectic — and that feels like one less thing to worry about.

I’d love for you to try these sunrise muffins and let me know how they fit into your week! If you enjoy them, go ahead and save the recipe or share it with a friend who loves healthy, grab-and-go breakfasts too.