Healthy Bran Muffins Applesauce

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These Healthy Bran Muffins with Applesauce are a perfect balance of health and taste. The All Bran cereal provides plenty of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, while the applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture without the need for added sugar or butter. These muffins are easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for a busy morning or an afternoon snack. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak some extra fiber into your diet without compromising on flavor!

Ingredients

For a batch of 12 muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups of All Bran cereal (such as Kellogg’s All Bran)
  • 1/2 cup applesauce (preferably unsweetened)
  • 1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (you can substitute with all-purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional, for added texture and flavor)

Method

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups with cooking spray.
  2. Soak the Bran Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, add the All Bran cereal and pour in the milk. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the cereal to soften and absorb the liquid.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Once well combined, add this to the soaked bran mixture and stir until smooth.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
  6. Optional Add-ins: If you’re adding raisins, chopped nuts, or any other mix-ins, fold them into the batter at this point.
  7. Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
  8. Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Variations & Tips

  1. Swap the Flour: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with structure.
  2. Flavor Additions: To enhance the flavor, try adding spices such as nutmeg or ginger. These spices complement the cinnamon and can give your muffins a warm, cozy taste.
  3. Fruit Add-ins: If you like fruity muffins, you can fold in diced apples, blueberries, or dried cranberries into the batter. These additions can boost both the flavor and nutritional value of your muffins.
  4. Sugar-Free Option: To make these muffins even healthier, you can reduce or eliminate the honey/maple syrup. Use more applesauce or another fruit puree (like mashed banana) to add sweetness naturally.
  5. Make Them Vegan: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk.
  6. Storage Tips: Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.

Conclusion

These Healthy Bran Muffins with Applesauce are a great option for those looking to incorporate more fiber and healthy ingredients into their diet without sacrificing taste. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings. They are also highly customizable to suit your dietary preferences and can easily be made gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free. Plus, they are a fantastic way to give your morning routine a healthy boost. Enjoy these wholesome muffins fresh from the oven or as a meal prep item to keep on hand throughout the week.

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