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Morning Glory Muffins with Candied Pecan Topping

This is one of those "never-fail"  muffin recipes that everyone loves. They are delicious; but also loaded with healthy ingredients. The candied pecan topping is the crowning glory!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 16
Calories: 290 kcal
Course: Breakfast , Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • For the candied pecan topping:
  • ¾ cup Chopped Pecans
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • For the muffins:
  • 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups shredded carrot
  • ½ cup shredded coconut sweetened or unsweetened
  • 1 large red, crisp apple cored and diced into small, approximate ¼-inch
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 3 large eggs
  • ⅔ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • turbinado sugar for topping

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease 16 muffin cups* or line them with papers. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray or rub with a paper towel and a bit of oil.
  2. Combine pecans, sunflower seeds, honey and olive oil on the prepared sheet pan. Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 4 minutes. Stir to redistribute and bake another 2-3 minutes or until pecans are light golden brown. Remove from oven, spread apart and set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, spices, and salt. Stir well.
  4. Add the carrots and coconut, apples and dried cranberries. Stir and then run your hands through the mixture, breaking up any small clumps of brown sugar, coconut or cranberries that remain.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, orange juice and vanilla. Stir till smooth.
  6. Add egg mixture to the flour mixture, and stir until evenly moistened (mixture will be quite thick).
  7. Divide the batter among the cups of the prepared pans, filling almost to the top (about ⅞ full).
  8. Divide the candied pecan mixture over the tops. Sprinkle each muffin with about ½ teaspoon of Demerara sugar.
  9. Bake the muffins for 25 to 28 minutes, until they're nicely domed and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then remove from pans and cool on a rack. 
  10. Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap or a zippered storage bag, and store at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • See Café Tips above for detailed instructions and additional tips.
  • Adapted from King Arthur Flour.

Nutrition Information

Calories 290kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Cholesterol 30mg (10%) Sodium 244mg (10%) Potassium 201mg (6%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 21g (42%) Vitamin A 2735IU (55%) Vitamin C 3.5mg (4%) Calcium 35mg (4%) Iron 1.2mg (7%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 290

% Daily Value*

Calories 290kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 244mg 10%
Potassium 201mg 4%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 21g 42%
Vitamin A 2735IU 55%
Vitamin C 3.5mg 4%
Calcium 35mg 4%
Iron 1.2mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.