Are you looking for a quick and easy breakfast or snack that's both healthy and delicious? Look no further! These bran muffins, made with All-Bran, are the perfect solution. Packed with fiber and bursting with flavor, they're a fantastic way to start your day or satisfy a midday craving. This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering a simple yet satisfying homemade treat. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups All-Bran cereal
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bran: In a large bowl, pour boiling water over the All-Bran cereal. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften. This step is crucial for creating moist and tender muffins.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the cereal has softened, add the vegetable oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir well to combine.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): Stir in the raisins and/or nuts if desired.
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Fill Muffin Tins: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well. Fill each cup about 2/3 full.
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Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) 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 Bran Muffins:
- Don't Skip the Soaking: Soaking the All-Bran is key to preventing dry muffins. Make sure the cereal is thoroughly softened before adding the other ingredients.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the muffins are baked through. If it comes out clean, they're ready.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: Experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut.
Variations:
- Spiced Bran Muffins: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Blueberry Bran Muffins: Replace the raisins with 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fiber: High in fiber due to the All-Bran
- Protein: Moderate
Enjoy these wholesome and delicious bran muffins! They're perfect for a healthy breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a delightful addition to your lunchbox. This easy recipe is a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Making these homemade muffins is a simple way to elevate your everyday cooking. They're truly among the best recipes for a reason!