Are you looking for a quick and easy breakfast option that's also good for you? Look no further! These All-Bran muffins are packed with fiber, making them a healthy and satisfying start to your day. They’re surprisingly delicious too, with a delightful crumbly texture that's perfect for dunking in your morning coffee or tea. This recipe is a great example of how homemade cooking can be both simple and rewarding, offering a delicious alternative to store-bought baked goods. These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups All-Bran cereal
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the All-Bran: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the boiling water over the All-Bran cereal in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften completely. This step is crucial for the right texture of the muffins.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Add the softened All-Bran mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Add Mix-ins (optional): Stir in your choice of raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips.
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Fill Muffin Tins: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Fill each liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best All-Bran Muffins:
- Don't skip the soaking step: Soaking the All-Bran is essential for preventing dry muffins.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less honey/maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Experiment with different add-ins like dried cranberries, blueberries, or chopped apples.
Variations:
- Spiced All-Bran Muffins: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Banana All-Bran Muffins: Mash one ripe banana into the wet ingredients for added moisture and sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on add-ins)
- Fiber: High (due to the All-Bran)
These healthy and delicious All-Bran muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a delightful dessert. They're a versatile and satisfying addition to your baking repertoire – perfect for busy weeknights or as a special treat on the weekends. Enjoy!