Name: Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485740H16M9S
Total time: PT-485740H16M9S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup oil (any preferred variety); ¼ cup honey; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons orange zest; ¼ cup orange juice; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup grated carrot (peeled); 1 cup grated apple (peeled); ½ cup raisins; ½ cup shredded coconut; ½ cup chopped pecans; 1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum); 2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon salt

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a one-bowl wonder, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of fruits, vegetables, and nuts provides a delightful texture and natural sweetness. Plus, the use of applesauce keeps the muffins moist without needing a lot of oil.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup oil (any preferred)
¼ cup honey
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons orange zest
¼ cup orange juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup grated carrot (peeled first)
1 cup grated apple (peeled first)
½ cup raisins
½ cup shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pecans
1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, honey, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Stir in the grated carrot, grated apple, raisins, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
Add the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to allow the gluten-free flour to hydrate.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Dried Fruit: Swap raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth.

Storage/Reheating

I store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, I place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses oil and applesauce instead of butter or milk.

What type of gluten-free flour works best?

I recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts for honey.

How do I prevent the muffins from being too dense?

Letting the batter rest for 15 minutes before baking allows the gluten-free flour to hydrate, resulting in a lighter texture.

Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to customize the muffins to your liking.

Conclusion

These gluten-free morning glory muffins are a delightful and nutritious option for breakfast or a snack. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. I enjoy making a batch at the start of the week to have a convenient and tasty treat on hand.

Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins