Whisk: Blends ingredients thoroughly and breaks up any clumps.
Muffin-Making Instructions by Barefoot Contessa
Tropical Morning Sunrise Muffins
Oven Preparation Cozy kitchen setup with warm, welcoming atmosphere. Preheat oven to a gentle 350 degrees, creating a perfect baking environment. Position two racks evenly to ensure consistent heat distribution.
Wet Ingredient Fusion Blend eggs, oil, and vanilla in a spacious mixing bowl. Introduce a colorful medley of chopped pineapple, crunchy pecans, shredded coconut, grated carrots, and sweet raisins. Mix until ingredients dance together harmoniously.
Dry Ingredient Symphony Carefully sift flour, sugar, fragrant cinnamon, baking soda, and a pinch of salt into a separate bowl. Gently fold wet and dry mixtures together, stirring just enough to combine without overworking the batter.
Muffin Pan Magic Scoop the batter into lined muffin cups, creating perfect rounded mounds that promise delightful texture and flavor.
Baking Transformation Place muffin pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean, signaling perfectly baked golden treats. Allow muffins to cool on a rack, ready to be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Variations for Morning Glory Muffins by Ina Garten
Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch and nutritional boost.
Add ground flaxseed or chia seeds to increase fiber and omega-3 content without changing the muffin’s texture.
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining a similar soft texture.
Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to create a more complex and warming taste profile.
Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick breakfast or snack is always within reach.
Serving Up Barefoot Contessa’s Muffins
Serve with Morning Delight: Pair these warm muffins with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea for a cozy breakfast experience.
Create Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh fruits and a small jar of honey for an inviting brunch spread.
Pack Perfect Snack: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go treat during afternoon work breaks or school lunches.
Elevate Dessert Plate: Dust the muffins with powdered sugar and serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elegant dessert option.
Storing Morning Glory Muffins for Later
Maximize Freshness: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and delicious.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to enjoy up to 2 months later – perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Revive Day-Old Muffins: Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their just-baked texture and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a batch on Sunday and pack them in grab-and-go containers for easy weekday breakfast or afternoon treats – a lifesaver for busy mornings.
Morning glory muffins from Barefoot Contessa embody wholesome breakfast comfort with rich carrot, apple, and coconut flavors. Home bakers appreciate this hearty recipe’s balanced sweetness and satisfying texture that ensures delightful morning indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
2 ¼ cups (540 ml) all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups (250 g) sugar
2 cups (480 g) grated carrots, unpeeled and grated on box grater
1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
3 extra-large eggs
1 Granny Smith apple, unpeeled and grated on box grater
½ cup (60 g) pecans, roughly chopped
½ cup (40 g) sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup (80 g) raisins
1 (8 oz / 225 g) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsps baking soda
2 tsps pure vanilla extract
1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation: Position oven racks equally and preheat to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners.
Wet Mixture: Whisk eggs, oil, and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Incorporate pineapple, pecans, coconut, carrots, and raisins into the liquid base.
Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Create a central well and pour wet ingredients into dry components.
Mixing Technique: Gently fold ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined, maintaining a delicate muffin consistency. Avoid aggressive stirring to prevent tough texture.
Portioning and Baking: Utilize an ice cream scoop to distribute batter evenly, filling muffin cups approximately two-thirds full. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, rotating pans midway to ensure uniform browning.
Doneness Check: Verify muffins are fully cooked by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge completely clean without any wet batter.
Cooling Process: Allow muffins to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. This prevents continued cooking and maintains optimal moisture.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy muffins warm or at room temperature to experience the most vibrant flavors and tender crumb.
Notes
Prep Like a Pro: Line muffin cups with paper liners evenly to prevent sticking and ensure uniform baking.
Mixing Magic: Fold wet ingredients gently to maintain a light, tender texture and prevent overmixing, which can make muffins tough.
Baking Brilliance: Use an ice cream scoop for perfectly portioned, consistent muffins that bake evenly.
Cooling Countdown: Let muffins rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent crumbling and maintain shape.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.