Raisin Bran Muffins: Healthy, Fluffy, and Packed with Flavor
Start your day with a wholesome and satisfying breakfast by baking Raisin Bran Muffins. These muffins are the perfect combination of tender crumb, natural sweetness from raisins, and the hearty crunch of bran cereal. Ideal for busy mornings or a nutritious snack, Raisin Bran Muffins offer a delicious way to get fiber, energy, and flavor all in one bite.
Raisin Bran Muffins are more than just a convenient breakfast; they are a comforting, homemade alternative to store-bought options that are often loaded with sugar and preservatives. The muffins are lightly sweetened, soft inside with a slightly crisp top, and packed with wholesome ingredients like bran cereal, whole wheat flour, and plump raisins. Their nutty, caramelized flavor pairs perfectly with morning coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 12 standard muffins:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Bran cereal | 1 ½ cups | 180 kcal |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | 685 kcal |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | 210 kcal |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 kcal |
| Milk | 1 cup | 100 kcal |
| Vegetable oil | ¼ cup | 480 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Raisins | ¾ cup | 325 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease lightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk together until evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Mix Bran and Raisins
Add bran cereal and raisins to the wet ingredients, allowing the bran to soak slightly in the liquid for extra softness.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins light and tender.
6. Fill Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
7. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Muffins should be golden brown on top.
8. Cool
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor.
- Spice variations: Add nutmeg or allspice for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Sweet variations: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Fruit additions: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chopped apples.
- Bran options: Use wheat bran or oat bran depending on preference for texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Muffin) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35–38 g |
| Protein | 4–5 g |
| Fat | 7–8 g |
| Fiber | 4–5 g |
| Sugar | 12–15 g |
Raisin Bran Muffins are high in fiber, which promotes digestion and satiety, and provide a moderate amount of protein and carbohydrates for energy.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or a smoothie for a wholesome breakfast.
- Serve as a mid-morning or afternoon snack for a healthy pick-me-up.
- Split and toast muffins for sandwiches with cream cheese or nut butter.
Raisin Bran Muffins: Healthy, Fluffy, and Packed with Flavor
12 standard muffins
servings10
minutes18
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 ½ cups bran cereal
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup raisins
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add Bran and Raisins: Mix bran cereal and raisins into the wet ingredients, letting the bran soak slightly for a softer texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Muffins should be golden brown.
- Cool: Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Bran cereal: Any bran cereal works; soaking it slightly in milk improves softness and texture.
Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts, seeds, or dried cranberries add flavor and crunch.
Avoid overmixing: Fold ingredients gently to keep muffins tender and light.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular bran cereal instead of Raisin Bran?
Yes! You can substitute with plain bran cereal, but the muffins may be slightly less sweet. You can add extra raisins or dried fruit to maintain sweetness.
2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the muffins.
3. Can I reduce sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely. You can reduce brown sugar slightly, especially if your bran cereal already contains sweetened raisins.
4. Can I use milk alternatives?
Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used in place of regular milk without affecting the texture too much.
5. Can I add nuts or seeds?
Yes. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds add extra crunch and flavor to the muffins.
Conclusion
Raisin Bran Muffins are a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make option for breakfast or snacks. Packed with fiber, natural sweetness, and wholesome ingredients, these muffins offer a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Simple enough for everyday baking yet satisfying and versatile, Raisin Bran Muffins are a homemade treat that will delight your family and friends while keeping mornings wholesome and delicious.
