Morning Glory Muffins are incredibly simple to make, with a soft, tender texture and plenty of moisture. Packed with shredded carrots, fresh apple, crunchy walnuts, wholesome whole wheat flour, and coconut oil, they’re a delicious choice for a nutritious breakfast or a satisfying snack.
Looking to make these gluten free? Try my Flourless Morning Glory Muffins!

These muffins come out soft and tender on the inside with the crispy golden brown muffin top and edges on the outside. These healthy morning glory muffins remind me of my Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins. They are the perfect combination of carrot cake and apple spice cake!
Kelley’s Tips
Tips To Make The Best Morning Glory Muffins
- Save time and shred in the food processor: Just like my carrot cake recipe I suggest shredding up the carrots and apples in a food processor versus a grater. It saves a lot of time and is less of a mess. You can also skip peeling the carrots and apples. I like to leave the skin on for added fiber!
- Add what you have: Raisins, flax seed or wheat germ would also be great additions to these muffins! Orange zest would also be great for a hint of orange flavor!
- Make sure not to over mix: The muffin batter. This will lead to a denser tougher muffin. I only mix the dry ingredients just until combined.
Ingredients For Morning Glory Muffins
- Flour: I used all purpose flour in this recipe however white whole wheat flour or gluten free flour can be used to make gluten free morning glory muffins! I have also done half whole wheat and half all purpose flour and that works really well.
- Honey or maple syrup: Are used to sweeten the muffin in place of granulated or light brown sugar. Coconut sugar can also be substituted.
- Coconut oil: Is used in place of oil or butter. Just make sure to melt the coconut oil before adding it with the rest of the ingredients. If you are not a fan of coconut try using canola oil or light olive oil instead!
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds so much moisture to these muffins. Make sure to use unsweetened applesauce.
- Shredded apples: Add a nice sweetness and moisture to the muffins. Feel free to substitute with zucchini or extra carrot if you don’t have any apples on hand. Drained crushed pineapple can also be used in place of the apples.
- Shredded carrots: The shredded carrots keep the muffins moist and tender without having to add extra oil or butter! Just like the apples feel free to replace the carrots with apples or zucchini.
- Walnuts: Give these muffins a nice crunch. Feel free to substitute whatever nuts you have on hand.
- Shredded Coconut: I love the hint of coconut in the muffins. It’s not too strong or overpowering. Just a subtle hint of coconut flavor.

How to Make Morning Glory Muffins
- Combine dry ingredients: Start by combining flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.

- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl combine honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, applesauce, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Fold in apples and carrots.

- Mix batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients making sure not to over mix. Fold in walnuts and shredded coconut.

- Bake: Divide batter among muffin tins filling each almost to the top. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

- Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a couple minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Looking for more healthy grab and go breakfasts or snacks? Then give my Peanut Butter Energy Balls a try!

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Morning Glory Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cup apple, shredded
- 1 1/4 cup carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray two muffin tins with cooking spray. (This recipe makes about 16 muffins)
- In a medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, applesauce, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Fold in apples and carrots.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients making sure not to over mix. Fold in walnuts and shredded coconut.
- Divide batter among muffin tins filling each almost to the top. Bake in for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool in pan for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Save time and shred in the food processor: Just like my carrot cake recipe I suggest shredding up the carrots and apples in a food processor versus a grater. It saves a lot of time and is less of a mess. You can also skip peeling the carrots and apples. I like to leave the skin on for added fiber!
- Substitute what you have: Raisins, flax seed or wheat germ would also be great additions to these muffins! Orange zest would also be great for a hint of orange flavor!
- Make sure not to over mix: The muffin batter. This will lead to a denser tougher muffin. I only mix the dry ingredients just until combined.
Nutrition Information

Did You Make This?
I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.
Julie
Soooooooo Good.
One of my favourite recipes!
Susan Nabal
Easy to make. I added raisins and made as mini muffins. So good. I have the original recipe from Sconset Cafe. Like the no sugar version.
Alexis
So tasty! I subbed the applesauce for banana and it didn’t overpower the taste at all. They truly are my favorite muffins to make! Thank you!
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed these!!