Apricot Oat Bran Muffins – Low Fat

🧁🍑 Apricot Oat Bran Muffins – Low Fat 🧁🍑

What is it?
Apricot Oat Bran Muffins are a delicious and healthy baked treat. These muffins are known for their low-fat content and are a great option for those looking for a wholesome snack or breakfast option. They are packed with the goodness of apricots, oat bran, and other nutritious ingredients.

History:
The exact origin of Apricot Oat Bran Muffins is not well-documented, but muffins in general have a long history dating back to the 18th century in England. The idea of adding oat bran to muffins likely came about as people became more health-conscious and sought to include more fiber in their diets. Over time, variations of muffin recipes, such as the inclusion of apricots and reducing fat content, have emerged to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Components:
Here are the key components of Apricot Oat Bran Muffins:

• 1 cup of oat bran
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of sugar (or a sugar substitute for a low-fat version)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce (used as a low-fat alternative to butter or oil)
• 1/2 cup of low-fat yogurt
• 1/4 cup of skim milk
• 2 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of diced dried apricots

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the muffin cups.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine oat bran, all-purpose flour, sugar (or sugar substitute), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, yogurt, skim milk, egg whites, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5. Gently fold in the diced dried apricots into the batter.

6. Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

8. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time Needed:
The preparation and baking time for Apricot Oat Bran Muffins is approximately 30-35 minutes in total, with minimal active preparation time. It’s a relatively quick and easy recipe to make, and the result is a batch of delicious, low-fat muffins perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast. Enjoy! 😊👩‍🍳🕒🍽️

Certainly! Here’s some nutrition facts and health information for Apricot Oat Bran Muffins:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 150-200 calories (depending on ingredients used)
• Fat: 2-4 grams (mainly from oat bran, minimal added fat)
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams (including fiber)
• Protein: 4-6 grams
• Fiber: 4-5 grams
• Sugar: 10-15 grams (depending on sugar or sugar substitute)

Health Information:

• Low in Fat: These muffins are known for their low-fat content, primarily because they use applesauce and yogurt instead of traditional sources of fat like butter or oil. This makes them a heart-healthy option.

• High in Fiber: Oat bran is an excellent source of dietary fiber. These muffins provide a good amount of fiber, which can help support digestive health and promote a feeling of fullness.

• Good Source of Whole Grains: Oat bran is a whole grain, which means it contains more nutrients and fiber compared to refined grains. Whole grains are known for their potential to reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Protein: These muffins also contain a moderate amount of protein, which is important for muscle maintenance and overall satiety.

• Low in Added Sugar (if using sugar substitute): If you choose to use a sugar substitute, these muffins can be lower in added sugar, which is beneficial for those watching their sugar intake.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Oat bran contains essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc, contributing to overall nutritional value.

• No Trans Fats: Since these muffins use minimal added fat, they are naturally low in trans fats, which are considered unhealthy fats.

Note: The specific nutrition content may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition label on specific products and adapt the recipe to meet your dietary preferences and needs.