Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins That Will Brighten Your Breakfast!

Have you ever bitten into a muffin that tastes like fall wrapped in paper, bursting with spices and wholesome ingredients? That’s exactly what these pumpkin morning glory muffins deliver. When September rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a pumpkin-scented haven, and these muffins become my go-to breakfast for busy mornings and lazy weekends alike. I first stumbled upon morning glory muffins years ago at a small bakery in Vermont, but it wasn’t until I added pumpkin to the classic recipe that they became a staple in our home.

These pumpkin morning glory muffins combine the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the traditional carrots, apples, nuts, and spices that make morning glory muffins so beloved. They’re hearty enough to keep you full until lunch but sweet enough to feel like a treat with your morning coffee. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients that make them a genuinely good-for-you option in a world of sugary breakfast foods.

Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

Pumpkin morning glory muffins require a beautiful medley of wholesome ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Each component adds its own texture, flavor, and nutritional benefit to these fall favorites.

For the dry ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a less refined option)

For the wet ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the mix-ins:

• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons pepitas (optional, for topping)

Don’t have all these ingredients? No worries! You can swap honey or maple syrup for the sugar (reduce other liquids slightly), use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat, or skip the coconut if it’s not your thing. The beauty of pumpkin morning glory muffins is their flexibility.

Timing for Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

• Prep time: 20 minutes (grating carrots and apples takes the most time)
• Cook time: 22-25 minutes
• Total time: Under 45 minutes from start to finish

One of the things I love about these pumpkin morning glory muffins is that despite their ingredient list, they come together much faster than most homemade breakfast options. They’re about 30% quicker to make than pancakes when you factor in the standing-by-the-stove time!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. The aroma of these spices combined will give you that perfect fall feeling! Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Add the pumpkin puree, applesauce, oil, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Mix-ins

Grate the carrots and apple. If you have a food processor, this takes seconds. By hand, it’s about 5 minutes of work, but absolutely worth it for the moisture and natural sweetness they bring to these pumpkin morning glory muffins.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined – don’t overmix! Fold in the grated carrots, apple, raisins or cranberries, nuts, and coconut until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. They should be nearly full – these muffins don’t rise dramatically. Sprinkle with pepitas if using.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the pumpkin morning glory muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (though they’re amazing still warm!).

Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

Each pumpkin morning glory muffin contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 18g (mostly from natural sources)
• Fat: 11g

These muffins are nutritional powerhouses thanks to the beta-carotene from pumpkin and carrots, fiber from whole wheat flour and fruits, and healthy fats from nuts. They’re significantly more nutritious than store-bought muffins, which often contain up to twice the sugar and far fewer nutrients.

Equipment Needed for Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

You don’t need fancy equipment to make these pumpkin morning glory muffins, but here’s what will help:

• Standard 12-cup muffin tin
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Box grater or food processor with grating attachment
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

I’ve made these with just a hand grater and wooden spoon when staying at a vacation rental with limited kitchen tools, and they still turned out great!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

These aren’t just any muffins – they’re little powerhouses of flavor and nutrition that have earned a permanent spot in my recipe collection, and here’s why they’ll earn one in yours too:

1. They’re truly make-ahead friendly – bake once, enjoy all week! These pumpkin morning glory muffins actually taste better on day two when the flavors have had time to meld.

2. They’re a legitimate breakfast – with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, these muffins provide sustained energy rather than a quick sugar rush and crash.

3. Kids gobble them up – despite being packed with vegetables and whole grains, the natural sweetness makes them kid-approved. My picky 5-year-old doesn’t even notice the carrot shreds!

4. They’re adaptable to what you have – no carrots? Double the apple. Out of walnuts? Use sunflower seeds instead. These pumpkin morning glory muffins are forgiving.

5. They freeze beautifully – make a double batch and freeze half for busy mornings when you need a grab-and-go option.

Healthier Alternatives for Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

Looking to make these pumpkin morning glory muffins even more suited to your dietary needs? Here are some simple swaps:

Gluten-free version: Replace the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

Lower sugar option: Reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup and use unsweetened dried fruit. The natural sweetness from carrots, apple, and pumpkin means you can cut back without sacrificing flavor.

Egg-free adaptation: Substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to gel for 5 minutes).

Higher protein twist: Add 1/4 cup hemp seeds and replace 1/4 cup of the flour with protein powder.

I’ve tried the reduced-sugar version many times, and honestly, I prefer it to the original! The natural sweetness of the fruits and vegetables really shines through.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

While these pumpkin morning glory muffins are perfect on their own, here are some ways to turn them into a more substantial meal or special treat:

• Spread with a thin layer of almond butter or cream cheese for extra protein
• Serve alongside Greek yogurt drizzled with honey for a complete breakfast
• Pair with fresh fruit and a hard-boiled egg for a balanced breakfast-on-the-go
• Warm slightly and top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a healthier dessert
• Crumble over a bowl of yogurt with extra nuts and seeds for a hearty breakfast parfait

For a festive fall brunch, I love serving these alongside Harmony Meal’s Pumpkin Spice Latte for the ultimate autumn experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

Even simple recipes have pitfalls. Here are the most common mistakes people make with pumpkin morning glory muffins:

1. Overmixing the batter – This develops the gluten and makes tough muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, and embrace the rustic look.

2. Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin – These are totally different products! Pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, which will throw off the recipe’s balance.

3. Skipping the paper liners – These muffins stick more than most due to their fruit content. If not using liners, grease the pan very thoroughly.

4. Not measuring the pumpkin puree – Canned pumpkin comes in 15-oz cans, which is about 1¾ cups. Don’t dump in the whole can without measuring!

5. Forgetting to squeeze excess moisture from the apple – If your apple is particularly juicy, give it a gentle squeeze after grating to avoid overly wet muffins.

Storing Tips for Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

These pumpkin morning glory muffins keep beautifully, making them perfect for batch cooking:

Counter storage: Place in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.

Refrigerator method: In an airtight container, they’ll keep for up to a week in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before eating, or warm for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.

Freezer storage: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

For maximum freshness: If you’re planning to keep them more than 2 days, I recommend freezing some right after they’ve cooled completely.

Conclusion

Pumpkin morning glory muffins have become my fall baking tradition, combining the best of harvest flavors with truly nourishing ingredients. They represent everything I love about seasonal cooking – making the most of abundant ingredients when they’re at their peak flavor while creating something that brings comfort and joy to everyday moments.

Whether you’re rushing out the door on a busy weekday, looking for a nutritious option to pack in lunchboxes, or want something special to serve weekend guests, these muffins rise to every occasion. The combination of pumpkin, spices, and add-ins creates a breakfast treat that feels indulgent while actually supporting your health and energy goals.

Don’t forget to check out Harmony Meal’s guide to baking with whole grains for more tips on creating healthier baked goods your family will love. And please, drop a comment below to let me know how your pumpkin morning glory muffins turn out!

FAQs About Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins

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