Are you looking for a quick and easy breakfast recipe that's also incredibly healthy and delicious? Look no further! These Yogurt Bran Muffins are the perfect solution for busy mornings. Packed with fiber from bran and the creamy goodness of yogurt, these muffins are a guilt-free way to start your day. They're incredibly versatile, perfect for meal prepping, and adaptable to your favorite add-ins. Get ready to enjoy a homemade breakfast that tastes better than anything you'll find at the bakery!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat bran cereal
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works wonderfully)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins (or other dried fruit, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This simple step ensures your muffins won't stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk, egg, honey (or maple syrup), oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined for even distribution of flavor throughout the muffins.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the bran cereal, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent distributes evenly, resulting in fluffy muffins.
Step 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so be careful not to mix excessively.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins
Fold in your chosen mix-ins (raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.). Gently distribute them throughout the batter.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This leaves room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary, so start checking around the 18-minute mark.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your delicious and healthy Yogurt Bran Muffins!
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For a sweeter muffin: Increase the honey or maple syrup to 1/3 cup.
- Add some spice: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Make them nuttier: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Boost the fruit: Use a combination of dried cranberries and blueberries for a burst of flavor and color.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free bran cereal for the whole wheat bran cereal. Ensure your other ingredients also meet gluten-free requirements.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fiber: Approximately 3-4g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
These Yogurt Bran Muffins are a fantastic addition to any healthy eating plan. They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, a healthy snack, or even a delightful addition to a brunch spread. Enjoy the deliciousness and the ease of this simple yet rewarding recipe! Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed them and any variations you tried!