Oat Bran Muffins

Oat Bran Muffins

· · ·

There’s something so inviting about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, and one of my absolute favorites is Oat Bran Muffins. The moment those muffins hit the oven, it transforms my home into a cozy haven. I often whip up a batch when I’m in the mood to treat myself or when friends and family drop by unexpectedly. These muffins are not just easy to make, but they also carry a delightful combination of flavors that make them perfect for any occasion.

For me, it’s about more than just the taste; it’s about the memories associated with baking. I remember the first time I made Oat Bran Muffins, how I nervously waited for them to rise, and then the sheer joy of pulling them out of the oven, golden and perfect. Each bite is a blend of sweetness from the sweet potato and a wholesome heartiness from the oat bran that makes them satisfying. Whether enjoyed on a lazy Sunday morning with coffee or as a healthy snack throughout the week, these muffins have a special place in my heart.

What’s great about Oat Bran Muffins is their versatility. You can add in your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruits, to customize them to your liking. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll be planning your next batch in no time!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
158 kcal
Protein:
3.8 g
Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
Fat:
5 g
Tools Used:
Oven, Wooden Spoon, Peeler, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan

What Makes This Oat Bran Muffins Special

Wholesome Ingredients

The combination of oat bran and sweet potato not only adds great flavor but also packs these muffins with fiber and nutrients. The oat bran gives the muffins a hearty texture, while the sweet potato adds moisture and natural sweetness.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s fall or spring, these muffins are a perfect fit. They can be served warm with a touch of butter or enjoyed cold with a smear of nut butter.

Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins are suitable for bakers of all levels. You don’t need advanced skills or fancy equipment to whip them up successfully.

Healthier Alternative

Unlike many baked goods, Oat Bran Muffins are made with wholesome ingredients, making them a healthier option. You can indulge without the guilt!

Meal Prep Friendly

These muffins store well, making them an ideal option for meal prep. Bake a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a handy snack for the week ahead.

Kid-Friendly Treat

Kids will love these muffins, and they are a sneaky way to get some veggies into their diet with the sweet potato. They’re delicious and nutritious!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Oat Bran Muffins

Oat Bran Muffins

Every ingredient in Oat Bran Muffins plays a crucial role in creating that delightful balance of flavor and texture. The heart of the recipe lies in the oat bran and sweet potato, which together not only provide nutrition but also ensure a moist muffin. Other key players include almond flour for a gluten-free base and coconut sugar which adds a subtle sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors.

  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed – A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, it serves as a vegan binder in the absence of eggs.
  • 2 tablespoons water – Used to hydrate the flaxseed and create a gel-like consistency.
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plain applesauce – Adds moisture and sweetness without any added sugars.
  • 1/2 cup plain unsweetened soy milk – A dairy-free alternative that adds creaminess to the batter.
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar – It reacts with the baking soda to help create a light and fluffy texture.
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil – Adds richness and a subtle coconut flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 cup almond flour – Provides a gluten-free base that keeps the muffins tender.
  • 1 cup oat bran – The star ingredient, packed with fiber and nutrients.
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar – A natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than refined sugars.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works in conjunction with the vinegar to leaven the muffins.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice to the flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon and enhances the muffin’s aroma.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • 1/2 cup peeled and shredded raw sweet potato – Provides moisture and a great texture.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans – Adds crunch and nuttiness.
  • 1/2 cup pitted and chopped dates – Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture.
  • 1/4 cup shredded raw sweet potato – Used for the streusel topping, adding extra flavor and texture.
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans – Also used in the streusel topping for added crunch.
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar – Sweetens the streusel topping.
  • 1/4 cup old fashioned oats – Also known as rolled oats, great for texture in the streusel.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Added to the streusel for flavor depth.
  • dash salt – Enhances the sweetness of the streusel.
  • 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil – Keeps the streusel mixture moist and easy to sprinkle.

Recipe Directions for Oat Bran Muffins

Oat Bran Muffins

Making Oat Bran Muffins is an enjoyable experience that fills your kitchen with wonderful fragrances. Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious muffins that you’ll want to share with everyone.

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin with muffin liners or spray it with non-stick spray. This is an essential first step to ensure your muffins come out easily.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons water. Let this mixture sit for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens. This acts as a wonderful egg substitute, providing binding.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup unsweetened plain applesauce, 1/2 cup plain unsweetened soy milk, 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. It should be smooth and creamy.
  4. Once the flaxseed mixture has thickened, stir it into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. This mixture serves as a crucial element in creating the right texture.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup almond flour, 1 cup oat bran, 1/3 cup coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This is where you create the dry mix that balances the wet ingredients.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the muffins to rise nicely without being chewy or tough.
  7. Gently fold in 1/2 cup peeled and shredded raw sweet potato, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup pitted and chopped dates. The mix-ins add delightful textures and flavors.
  8. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup equally. This ensures they bake evenly and all come out perfect.
  9. Prepare the streusel topping by mixing together 1/4 cup shredded raw sweet potato, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1 tablespoon coconut sugar, 1/4 cup old fashioned oats, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, dash salt, and 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil. Mix until everything is well-coated.
  10. Sprinkle the streusel over the muffin batter in the muffin tin, dividing it equally between the 12 cups. This adds a delicious crunch to your muffins.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 37 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking.
  12. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 to 10 minutes on a wire cooling rack. After that, you can carefully remove them from the pan and let them cool completely on the rack.

Things Worth Knowing

Things Worth Knowing

  • Perfect Muffin Texture: The key to achieving light and fluffy muffins is to avoid overmixing the batter. Just stir until combined.
  • Cooling is Essential: Gluten-free baked goods benefit from cooling completely, as this helps set the crumb and prevents crumbling.
  • Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and better results.
  • Equal Distribution: Make sure to evenly distribute the batter and streusel topping for consistent baking.

Making Adjustments

Oat Bran Muffins

Here are some tips to help you make the best out of your Oat Bran Muffins experience. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients!

  • Storage: Cool the healthy bran muffins to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. They keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and up to 3 at room temperature.
  • Freezing: The muffins can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature for 1 hour or in the microwave on 30-second bursts of low heat until fully thawed.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can lead to dense, chewy muffins. Stir just until you see the last streaks of flour.
  • Divide Evenly: Use a measuring cup or a cupcake scooper to ensure each muffin gets equal batter for even baking.
  • Cool Completely: Gluten-free baked goods have the best texture when enjoyed cool. This allows the crumb to set, making them more tender.

Perfect Matches for Oat Bran Muffins

These Oat Bran Muffins pair wonderfully with various accompaniments and occasions. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience:

  • Warm with Butter: Nothing beats a warm muffin slathered with a bit of butter or dairy-free spread.
  • Morning Coffee Companion: Serve them alongside your favorite morning brew for a delightful breakfast.
  • Healthy Snack: Keep them in your bag for a nutritious snack during the day or after workouts.
  • Brunch Treat: Perfect for brunch gatherings, these muffins will impress your guests.
  • Seasonal Flavors: Consider adding spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice during fall for a seasonal twist.

FAQ

While you can use regular flour, it may change the texture and make the muffins less moist. Almond flour offers a unique flavor and moisture that’s hard to replicate with regular flour. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, stick with almond flour or try a gluten-free blend.

The best way to check if your Oat Bran Muffins are done baking is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If you see batter on the toothpick, they need more time in the oven. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary based on your oven.

You can customize your Oat Bran Muffins by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds. For a spicier flavor, consider adding grated ginger or a pinch of nutmeg. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect muffin!

Yes, Oat Bran Muffins are vegan! They’re made without any animal products, using ingredients like flaxseed and applesauce as substitutes for eggs. This makes them a great choice for anyone following a vegan diet or looking to reduce animal products in their meals.

Conclusion

In summary, Oat Bran Muffins are not just a delicious treat, but a wholesome option that combines nutritious ingredients to create a satisfying experience. They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthy dessert. I encourage you to try making these muffins; once you do, you’ll find them to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the comfort they bring!

Oat Bran Muffins

Oat Bran Muffins

The ultimate comfort food, Oat Bran Muffins are moist, fluffy, and packed with wholesome flavors. Made with healthy ingredients like sweet potato and oat bran, they offer the perfect balance of nutrition and taste. These easy-to-make muffins are a great addition to your breakfast or snack routine. Bake a batch tonight!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 158

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon Ground Flaxseed For binding
  • 2 tablespoons Water To mix with flaxseed
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Plain Applesauce Adds moisture
  • 1/2 cup Plain Unsweetened Soy Milk Dairy-free alternative
  • 1 tablespoon Distilled White Vinegar For leavening
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Coconut Oil Adds richness
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor
  • 1 cup Almond Flour Gluten-free base
  • 1 cup Oat Bran Main ingredient
  • 1/3 cup Coconut Sugar Natural sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Leavening agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda Helps muffins rise
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Spice for flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Enhances aroma
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness
  • 1/2 cup Peeled and Shredded Raw Sweet Potato Adds moisture
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans Adds crunch
  • 1/2 cup Pitted and Chopped Dates Natural sweetness
  • 1/4 cup Shredded Raw Sweet Potato For streusel topping
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans For streusel topping
  • 1 tablespoon Coconut Sugar Sweetens streusel
  • 1/4 cup Old Fashioned Oats For streusel topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Flavor for streusel
  • 1 dash Salt Enhances sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon Melted Coconut Oil For streusel topping

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Peeler
  • Whisk
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Frying Pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin with muffin liners or spray it with non-stick spray. This is an essential first step to ensure your muffins come out easily.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons water. Let this mixture sit for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens. This acts as a wonderful egg substitute, providing binding.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup unsweetened plain applesauce, 1/2 cup plain unsweetened soy milk, 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. It should be smooth and creamy.
  4. Once the flaxseed mixture has thickened, stir it into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. This mixture serves as a crucial element in creating the right texture.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup almond flour, 1 cup oat bran, 1/3 cup coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This is where you create the dry mix that balances the wet ingredients.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the muffins to rise nicely without being chewy or tough.
  7. Gently fold in 1/2 cup peeled and shredded raw sweet potato, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup pitted and chopped dates. The mix-ins add delightful textures and flavors.
  8. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup equally. This ensures they bake evenly and all come out perfect.
  9. Prepare the streusel topping by mixing together 1/4 cup shredded raw sweet potato, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1 tablespoon coconut sugar, 1/4 cup old fashioned oats, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, dash salt, and 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil. Mix until everything is well-coated.
  10. Sprinkle the streusel over the muffin batter in the muffin tin, dividing it equally between the 12 cups. This adds a delicious crunch to your muffins.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 37 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking.
  12. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 to 10 minutes on a wire cooling rack. After that, you can carefully remove them from the pan and let them cool completely on the rack.

Notes

  • Storage: Cool the healthy bran muffins to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. They keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and up to 3 at room temperature.
  • Freezing: The muffins can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature for 1 hour or in the microwave on 30-second bursts of low heat until fully thawed.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can lead to dense, chewy muffins. Stir just until you see the last streaks of flour.
  • Divide Evenly: Use a measuring cup or a cupcake scooper to ensure each muffin gets equal batter for even baking.
  • Cool Completely: Gluten-free baked goods have the best texture when enjoyed cool. This allows the crumb to set, making them more tender.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating