Are you looking for a quick and easy breakfast or snack that's also good for you? Look no further! These all-bran muffins are packed with fiber, making them a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. They're surprisingly delicious, moist, and perfect for busy mornings or a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up. Forget those store-bought muffins laden with sugar and preservatives – this homemade recipe is simple, customizable, and utterly irresistible. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-bran cereal
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or less, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 cup raisins (or other dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This is a crucial step for easy removal and perfectly shaped muffins.
Prepare the All-Bran:
- In a large bowl, pour the boiling water over the all-bran cereal. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to soften. This step is key to achieving a moist and tender muffin.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, egg, sugar, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved for even sweetness.
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In another bowl, gently whisk together the flour and any mix-ins like raisins or chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix the flour; this can lead to tough muffins.
Bring it All Together:
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Add the wet ingredients to the softened all-bran mixture. Stir until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay.
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Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Again, avoid overmixing.
Bake to Perfection:
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Fill each muffin liner about 2/3 full. This prevents overflow during baking.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for All-Bran Muffin Success:
- Don't skip softening the all-bran: This is essential for achieving a moist texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough muffins.
- Use fresh baking powder and soda: These leavening agents are crucial for a light and fluffy texture. Check their expiration dates.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: Reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet muffin.
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with different dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Spiced All-Bran Muffins: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the batter.
- Apple Cinnamon All-Bran Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of chopped apples and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Blueberry All-Bran Muffins: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on added ingredients)
- Fiber: High (due to all-bran)
These delicious and healthy all-bran muffins are a perfect addition to your easy recipes collection. They are a great quick dinner idea for a simple yet nutritious meal. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and the satisfaction of homemade cooking. This recipe is among the best recipes for those seeking a healthy and easy-to-make treat.