Moist Morning Glory Muffins

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1. Prepare the oven and pan. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

Step 2

2. Soak the raisins. Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Let stand while preparing the batter.

Step 3

3. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat pastry flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Step 4

4. Add the fruit and vegetables. Add the grated carrots, grated apple, applesauce, and chopped pecans to the flour mixture. Stir gently to coat. Do not squeeze the moisture out of the apple or carrots.

Step 5

5. Mix the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, olive oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.

Step 6

6. Make the batter. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir gently just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 7

7. Add the raisins. Drain the raisins thoroughly and gently fold them into the batter.

Step 8

8. Fill the muffin cups. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Fill generously.

Step 9

9. Bake. Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 16–20 minutes, checking for doneness toward the earlier end of the range. The muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 10

10. Cool. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Tips for Moist, Delicate Muffins

Step 12

- Use a juicy Gala or Fuji apple.

Step 13

- Grate the apple using the large holes of a box grater and keep all the juice.

Step 14

- The applesauce helps replace the moisture and tenderness traditionally provided by ingredients such as coconut and wheat germ.

Step 15

- The 75% all-purpose and 25% whole-wheat pastry flour blend helps create a lighter, softer crumb while retaining a subtle whole-grain flavor.

Step 16

- Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

Step 17

- Check early and avoid overbaking; a few moist crumbs on the toothpick are ideal.

Step 18

- Once completely cool, store in an airtight container. The muffins are especially moist and flavorful the next day.