Banana and Cranberry Bran Muffins Recipe
Description
These Banana and Cranberry Bran Muffins are the perfect combination of healthy and delicious! With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the tart burst of cranberries, these muffins offer a rich source of fiber while being light on calories. A wonderful option for those watching their weight, managing diabetes, or looking for a wholesome snack, these muffins are free of artificial sweeteners and made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and oat bran. They are diabetic-friendly, heart-healthy, and ideal for packing into lunchboxes, making them a perfect treat for both kids and adults alike.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: World Breakfast
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) or Oats Bran | 3/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/3 cup |
| Ripe Bananas | 2, mashed |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Wheat Flour or All Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon (optional) |
| Cranberries (dried, chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter (Unsalted, melted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Maple Syrup | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time
- 35 minutes
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups with cooking spray.
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Prepare the Bran Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the instant oats (or oat bran) with the milk, mashed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes, letting the oat bran soak and soften. This helps ensure the muffins stay moist and tender.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon powder (if using), dried cranberries, and salt. Set the bowl aside.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In another small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, honey, and maple syrup until smooth and combined.
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Combine Everything: Once the bran mixture has soaked, add it to the butter mixture and stir well to combine. Gradually fold in the dry flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
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Fill the Muffin Tins: Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. These muffins don’t rise significantly, so it’s okay to fill them generously.
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Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. If using mini muffin tins, bake for 12-15 minutes. For standard-sized muffin tins, bake for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
-
Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve these Banana and Cranberry Bran Muffins as a delightful breakfast option or enjoy them as a wholesome snack with a cup of ginger cardamom chai or coffee. These muffins also make an excellent addition to kids’ lunchboxes, providing a nutritious and tasty treat that they’ll love!
Enjoy the healthy goodness of these flavorful muffins while staying on track with your dietary goals! Perfect for all ages, these muffins combine the sweetness of bananas, the tartness of cranberries, and the heartiness of oat bran for a snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
