Are you looking for a quick and easy breakfast recipe that's also healthy and delicious? Look no further! These bran flakes muffins are the perfect solution for busy mornings. Packed with fiber and whole grains, they'll keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning. This recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, offering a delightful twist on traditional muffins. They're also incredibly versatile – perfect for meal prepping or a simple, satisfying snack. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup bran flakes, crushed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or less, to taste)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily.
-
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, crushed bran flakes, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients is crucial for a consistent texture.
-
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
-
Combine: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
-
Add-ins (Optional): If using raisins or nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
-
Fill the Muffin Tin: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
-
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary.
-
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 Bran Flakes Muffins:
- Crush those bran flakes: Crushing the bran flakes ensures they're evenly distributed throughout the muffins, preventing pockets of just bran.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with different add-ins like blueberries, cranberries, chocolate chips, or chopped apples.
Variations:
- Spiced Bran Muffins: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Savory Bran Muffins: Omit the sugar and add herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with shredded cheese and chopped vegetables for a savory breakfast or snack.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fiber: Good source of fiber from bran flakes and oats.
These bran flakes muffins are a delicious and healthy addition to your breakfast repertoire. They are perfect for busy week mornings, weekend brunches, or even a healthy afternoon snack. Enjoy!