Bran Muffins with Applesauce Recipe

There’s nothing like the nostalgic taste of Grandma’s Healthy Bran Muffins to start your day on the right foot. These wholesome muffins are a delightful blend of whole grains, enriched with the deep, rich sweetness of blackstrap molasses and kept wonderfully moist with applesauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a nutritious snack, these bran muffins will satisfy your cravings and keep you fueled throughout the day.

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What makes Grandma’s Healthy Bran Muffins so special is their perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. The wheat bran and whole wheat flour provide fiber and heartiness, while the cinnamon adds a touch of warmth. Applesauce gives them a tender crumb without the need for excessive fat, and molasses brings a unique, earthy sweetness that sets these muffins apart. They’re ideal for a busy lifestyle, easy to freeze, and even easier to grab and go!

If you’re searching for a muffin recipe that combines tradition with a healthy twist, these muffins are a must-try. They are adaptable to different dietary needs, freezer-friendly, and a great base for adding your favorite mix-ins like blueberries, raisins, or nuts. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re the ultimate treat with a touch of nostalgia.

The Essential Ingredients for Grandma’s Healthy Bran Muffins

• Wheat Bran – Adds fiber and a hearty texture, making these muffins nutritious and filling.
• Whole Wheat Pastry Flour – Lighter than regular whole wheat flour, giving the muffins a tender texture without compromising on whole grain goodness.
• Blackstrap Molasses – Provides a deep, rich sweetness with added iron and minerals.
• Unsweetened Applesauce – Keeps the muffins moist while reducing the need for extra fat.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the muffins’ light and fluffy structure.
• Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk – Adds a mild sweetness and moisture, with the option to use any milk of choice.
• Coconut Oil – Offers a subtle coconut flavor while adding moisture, or substitute with butter or vegan butter for a different twist.
• Cinnamon – Infuses the muffins with a warm, comforting spice.
• Optional Mix-ins (raisins, blueberries, walnuts) – Personalize the muffins with your favorite fruits or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Quick and Simple Steps to Make Grandma’s Healthy Bran Muffins

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with 10 liners, lightly spraying them with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
2. Combine all dry ingredients – wheat bran, whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon – in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients – brown sugar, molasses, applesauce, eggs, almond milk, and apple cider vinegar – until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Stir in the melted coconut oil (or butter) until fully incorporated. If desired, mix in any additional fruits or nuts.
5. Evenly distribute the batter into the 10 prepared muffin liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm with a pat of butter!

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Tips for Perfect Bran Muffins

• Don’t Overmix: To avoid tough muffins, fold the ingredients gently until just combined.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and muffin texture.
• Freezer-Friendly: These muffins freeze well. Wrap individually and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How to Store and Enjoy Leftovers

To keep Grandma’s Healthy Bran Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to keep them longer, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a muffin for about 20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to enjoy that freshly baked taste.

These muffins are delicious warm, especially with a dab of butter or a drizzle of honey, and they make a satisfying, wholesome breakfast or snack anytime you need a quick energy boost.

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Bran Muffins with Applesauce Recipe

Wholesome bran muffins inspired by Grandma, packed with whole grains and a touch of natural sweetness from blackstrap molasses. These muffins are tender and moist, thanks to applesauce, and make a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack. They freeze well, making them a convenient option for meal prep.

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bran Muffins with Applesauce Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 Muffins

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup wheat bran
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
• 2 eggs at room temperature
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or substitute coconut sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or milk of choice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or substitute melted butter or vegan butter

Optional Mix-Ins:

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining 10 cups with paper liners and lightly spraying them with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking.
• In a large bowl, combine the wheat bran, whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
• In another large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, blackstrap molasses, applesauce, eggs, almond milk, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined.
• Gently stir in the melted coconut oil (or butter) until just incorporated. If desired, fold in any mix-ins like raisins, blueberries, or walnuts.
• Evenly distribute the batter among the 10 prepared muffin liners. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are best enjoyed warm, with a touch of butter.

Notes

Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with two flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons of cold water).
Gluten-Free Note: This recipe has not been tested with gluten-free alternatives, as it relies on wheat bran for its primary texture.
For additional tips and customization ideas, refer to the full recipe post.
Enjoy these delicious and wholesome muffins, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack!