🧁🍏🌰 Apple-Pecan Bran Muffins 🌰🍏🧁
📜 History:
Apple-Pecan Bran Muffins are a delightful and nutritious baked treat that combines the wholesome goodness of bran with the delicious flavors of apples and pecans. While the exact origin of this specific recipe is unclear, bran muffins have been enjoyed for generations, known for their health benefits and satisfying taste. They gained popularity in the United States during the health-conscious food movements of the mid-20th century.
🥖 Components:
- Bran: The main ingredient, providing fiber and a hearty texture.
- Apples: Fresh, diced apples add sweetness and moisture.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans give a delightful nutty flavor and crunch.
- Flour: All-purpose flour for structure.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the bran’s earthy taste.
- Baking Powder: Leavens the muffins for a light, fluffy texture.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness.
- Oil: Keeps the muffins moist.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: For warm, comforting spice.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin with liners or grease it well.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of bran, 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract for flavor.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Add Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in 1 cup of diced apples and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. This adds the fruity and nutty elements.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
🕒 Time Needed:
- Preparation: 15-20 minutes
- Baking: 18-20 minutes
- Cooling: 15-20 minutes
These Apple-Pecan Bran Muffins are not only a tasty treat but also a great way to add fiber and nutrients to your diet. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast or a wholesome snack! 🍏🌰😋
Sure, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apple-Pecan Bran Muffins:
🥦 Nutrition Facts (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: 220-250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30-35mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4-5g
- Sugars: 10-12g
- Protein: 3-4g
🌿 Health Information:
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High in Fiber: These muffins are an excellent source of dietary fiber, thanks to the bran. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help you feel full, aiding in weight management.
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Good for Heart Health: The moderate amount of fat in the muffins, along with the absence of trans fat, makes them heart-healthy. Additionally, fiber can help lower cholesterol levels.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Apples and pecans provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and various B vitamins, as well as potassium and magnesium.
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Moderate Sugar: While there is some sugar in these muffins, it’s not excessive. The sugar content can be adjusted to your preference without compromising the overall taste.
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Protein: These muffins contain a modest amount of protein, which can help with muscle repair and overall body function.
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Control Portion Size: Keep in mind that portion size is essential. Eating one muffin as a snack or part of a balanced meal is a reasonable way to enjoy them without consuming too many calories or sugar.
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Balanced Snack: These muffins can be a healthy choice for a snack, providing both energy and nutrients. Pair them with a piece of fruit or yogurt for a well-rounded snack.
Remember that the specific nutrition content may vary depending on the exact ingredients and proportions used in your recipe, so it’s a good idea to check packaging labels or use a nutrition calculator for precise information based on your preparation. Enjoy these muffins as part of a balanced diet for a tasty and nutritious treat! 🥦🌰🧁
