Morning Glory Muffins Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 260g whole wheat flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 35g ground flaxseed (optional)

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 3 large eggs, at room temperature
08 - 100g packed light or dark brown sugar
09 - 85g honey
10 - 80ml vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil
11 - 80g unsweetened smooth applesauce
12 - 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
13 - 80ml orange juice or pineapple juice
14 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Mix-ins

15 - 260g shredded carrots (about 4 large)
16 - 140g shredded/grated apple (about 1 large)
17 - 75g raisins
18 - 64g unsalted chopped pecans

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or use greased/sprayed cupcake liners. Since this recipe yields 14–16 muffins, prepare a second muffin pan or bake in batches. Reserve leftover batter at room temperature for the next batch.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and flaxseed.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, honey, oil, applesauce, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the shredded carrots and grated apple.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in the raisins and chopped pecans, ensuring no pockets of flour remain.
05 - Spoon the batter into the prepared liners, filling them to the top. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F (218°C). Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for an additional 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
06 - Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

# Notes:

01 - The initial high baking temperature of 425°F (218°C) helps the muffin tops rise quickly and stay tall.
02 - For mini muffins, bake at 350°F (177°C) for 13–14 minutes total.
03 - Muffins freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave before serving.