Ah, Morning Glory Bread! This delightful creation brings together all the delicious flavors you crave for breakfast, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy weekend at home, and I couldn’t resist trying it out after spotting a particularly ripe bunch of bananas on my countertop. It was a hit! Bursting with the goodness of fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and a touch of sweetness, it quickly became a breakfast staple in my house.
What I love most about this bread is how versatile it is. You can whip it up as a quick breakfast or enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee. Plus, it gives me the perfect excuse to clean out my fridge—no more lingering carrots or sad apples! This gluten-free version is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any time of day. Now, let’s get baking!
What’s in Morning Glory Bread?
Let’s break down the star ingredients that come together in this scrumptious loaf:
Ripe Bananas: These add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots—they are perfect for baking!
Grated Carrots: Carrots not only lend a lovely color but also give a subtle sweetness and crunch. Freshly grated is the way to go; it makes a world of difference.
Apples: I recommend using a sweet and tart variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji. They melt into the bread and add another layer of flavor.
Gluten-Free Flour: A good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works wonders here. I love Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s gluten-free flour.
Baking Powder: This is essential for giving our bread that beautiful rise. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best results!
Cinnamon: Ah, the warm, inviting spice that elevates this bread and gives it that signature aroma as it bakes.
Sweetener (Honey or Maple Syrup): I often switch between honey and maple syrup depending on my mood. Both add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Oats: Rolled oats provide great texture and a chewy bite. Make sure they are certified gluten-free if you’re strictly avoiding gluten.
Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts): A handful of chopped nuts adds crunch and a nutty flavor. Pecans are my personal favorite, but walnuts work just as well!
Dried Fruits (Raisins or Cranberries): A little sweet surprise in every bite! I love the burst of flavor raisins give, but feel free to mix it up.
Is Morning Glory Bread Good for You?
Absolutely! This bread is packed with health benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients.
Bananas: Full of potassium and vitamin C, they help keep your heart healthy and your skin glowing.
Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, which helps with vision and is an antioxidant powerhouse.
Apples: Known for their fiber content and vitamin C, they aid digestion and may help keep you feeling full longer.
Gluten-Free Flour: A good gluten-free mix can be a great source of energy and contains essential nutrients without the gluten.
Nuts: They are packed with healthy fats and proteins, so they support heart health and keep you satisfied.
Dried Fruits: They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, though be mindful of portion sizes since they’re concentrated in sugars.
While there are plenty of health benefits, if you’re watching your sugar intake, you might want to go a little lighter on the sweetener or even reduce the amount of dried fruits.
Ingredients
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped apples
– 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free)
– 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
– ½ cup dried fruits (raisins or cranberries)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
*Servings: Approximately 8 slices*
How to Make Morning Glory Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, grated carrots, and chopped apples. Mix well.
3. Add the gluten-free flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the fruit mixture. Stir until just combined.
4. Fold in the honey or maple syrup, oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Make sure everything is evenly mixed through.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Slice and enjoy! A smear of butter is wonderful, but this bread stands alone beautifully too.
A Slice of Advice
Experiment with different add-ins if you’re feeling adventurous! I sometimes toss in shredded coconut, or swap some of the nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. It’s also terrific if you bake this in muffin tins—perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts!
Feel free to store any leftovers wrapped in foil or in an airtight container. You can even freeze slices for later!
I hope you’re as excited to try this Morning Glory Bread as I was the first time I made it! It’s such a rewarding recipe that fills your home with uplifting aromas and your belly with pure happiness. Don’t forget to come back and share your thoughts or any fun variations you tried. Happy baking!
