I absolutely love this recipe because it’s like a cozy hug on a chilly morning – the cinnamon and applesauce combo is seriously nostalgic and perfect for fall vibes. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and enjoy fresh muffins in under 30 minutes, fulfilling my baked goods cravings without a fuss!
I adore devising recipes that are not just delectable but also healthful, and these Applesauce Bran Muffins fit the bill perfectly. They fuse together the chaste structure of the muffins—so hearty, thanks to wheat bran—with the quasi-pudding-like sweetness of applesauce and brown sugar.
To me, the muffins’ flavor is beautifully accented by the not-so-wild warmth of cinnamon. Plus, they’re perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack, thanks to options like raisins or nuts.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour: Supplies the framework; offers carbohydrates.
Wheat bran: Fiber content is high; digestion is helped.
Applesauce: The muffins’ natural sweetness and moisture come from the applesauce.
Brown sugar: Contributes sweetness and a touch of molasses.
Oil derived from vegetables: Maintains the tenderness and moisture of muffins.
Egg: Binds together components; gives protein.
Cinnamon: Intensifies taste with warmth and spice.
Ingredient Quantities
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- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup wheat bran
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
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Instructions
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by either placing paper liners in it or lightly greasing each cup.
2. In a big mixing bowl, put together the all-purpose flour, wheat bran, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg. Use a whisk to beat the mixture until it is smooth and well blended.
4. The wet ingredients should be added to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, and take care not to overmix.
5. If you are using them, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins until they are evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Distribute the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each to about 2/3 full.
7. Put the muffin tin in the oven that has been preheated and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. When the muffins are finished baking, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
9. Cool the muffins completely on a wire rack.
10. Serve the muffins at room temperature or warm, and enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Muffin tin
3. Muffin liners (optional) or cooking spray
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Spatula or spoon
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Toothpick
11. Wire rack
FAQ
- Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative. The texture may be slightly denser. - Q: Are there any substitutes for the vegetable oil?
A: You can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for vegetable oil to reduce fat content. - Q: How long should I bake these muffins, and at what temperature?
A: Bake the muffins at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?
A: You can use pureed fresh apples, but ensure they are smooth to retain moisture in the muffins. - Q: Can I freeze the muffins for later?
A: Yes, these muffins freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. - Q: What can I add for extra flavor besides raisins and nuts?
A: Try adding shredded coconut, chopped dates, or a dash of nutmeg for more depth of flavor. - Q: Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
A: To make it vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal combined with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based substitutes for sugar and oil.
Substitutions and Variations
1 cup all-purpose flour
– swap out for 1 cup whole wheat flour for a much healthier option
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed—substitute with 1/2 cup of coconut sugar or 1/4 cup of honey for a naturally sweet treat.
1/4 cup vegetable oil – you can replace this with 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce to cut back on fat.
1 large egg – substitute with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
1 cup applesauce – for a different flavor profile, substitute with 1 cup mashed bananas
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Flavor and Moisture: Consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients. This can enhance the muffins’ moisture and richness without impacting the overall taste too much.
2. Even Distribution of Add-ins: Before adding raisins and nuts, toss them in a little bit of flour. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins as they bake.
3. Optimal Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined to ensure the muffins remain tender and don’t become too dense.
4. Extra Spice: For added depth of flavor, experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dry ingredients.
5. Check Doneness Accurately: Ensure muffins are done by checking that they spring back lightly when touched, in addition to the toothpick test. This helps avoid over-baking, which can dry them out.
Applesauce Bran Muffins Recipe
My favorite Applesauce Bran Muffins Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Muffin tin
3. Muffin liners (optional) or cooking spray
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Spatula or spoon
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Toothpick
11. Wire rack
Ingredients:
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- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup wheat bran
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
“`
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by either placing paper liners in it or lightly greasing each cup.
2. In a big mixing bowl, put together the all-purpose flour, wheat bran, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg. Use a whisk to beat the mixture until it is smooth and well blended.
4. The wet ingredients should be added to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, and take care not to overmix.
5. If you are using them, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins until they are evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Distribute the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each to about 2/3 full.
7. Put the muffin tin in the oven that has been preheated and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. When the muffins are finished baking, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
9. Cool the muffins completely on a wire rack.
10. Serve the muffins at room temperature or warm, and enjoy!
