Are you looking for a quick and easy breakfast or snack that's both delicious and good for you? Look no further! These honey-bran muffins are the perfect solution. Packed with the wholesome goodness of bran and the sweetness of honey, these muffins are a delightful way to start your day or satisfy a midday craving. They're also incredibly versatile – perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend brunch. This recipe is a simple example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat bran
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) or raisins
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper muffin liners. This simple step ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat bran, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents clumps and ensures even baking.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. This step creates a smooth, consistent batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins (Optional)
If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts or raisins. Adding mix-ins at this stage prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This allows room for the muffins to rise during baking.
Step 7: 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 to prevent over-baking.
Step 8: 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 your delicious and healthy honey-bran muffins!
Tips and Variations:
- For a sweeter muffin: Increase the honey to ¾ cup.
- For a nuttier flavor: Add a tablespoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract.
- Make it a breakfast power-up: Add ½ cup of rolled oats for added fiber.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the milk with almond milk or soy milk.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Protein: 3-4 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, making them an ideal addition to your quick dinner ideas. This homemade cooking adventure offers delicious dishes that are both satisfying and healthy, making them some of the best recipes for a balanced diet. Enjoy!