Healthy Carrot Bran Muffins with Honey and Cinnamon

Carrot Bran Breakfast Muffins Recipe

Introduction

Start your day on a wholesome note with these Carrot Bran Breakfast Muffins! Bursting with the natural sweetness of carrots, the earthiness of bran, and a warm hint of cinnamon, these muffins are the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition. The addition of honey or maple syrup provides a delicate sweetness, while the touch of orange marmalade and Grand Marnier (optional) adds a delightful twist. Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of masala chai during your morning routine or as an afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8 muffins

Cuisine: Continental
Course: World Breakfast
Diet: Eggetarian

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tray:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating up, prepare a muffin tray by lining it with cupcake liners and lightly greasing them with a small amount of oil or cooking spray.

2. Sift Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, wheat bran, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Beat Wet Ingredients:
   In another bowl, beat the whole egg and sunflower oil together for about a minute or until the mixture is well combined. Then add vanilla extract, orange marmalade, and Grand Marnier (if using), followed by honey or maple syrup and milk. Whisk everything together until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
   Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth, with no lumps or streaks of flour visible.

5. Fold in Grated Carrots:
   Add the freshly grated carrots to the batter and stir them in gently. This will add moisture and a burst of flavor to the muffins.

6. Fill the Muffin Liners:
   Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin liners. You should be able to fill about 8 muffin cups. Make sure to fill each cup to the top to ensure that the muffins rise well during baking.

7. Bake the Muffins:
   Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the muffins are ready. If needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

8. Cool the Muffins:
   Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the tray for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve your Carrot Bran Breakfast Muffins warm with a steaming cup of masala chai or enjoy them as a nutritious snack throughout the day. They can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Simply warm them up in the microwave for a quick treat.

Tips for the Perfect Muffins:

• If you want a richer flavor, you can substitute the sunflower oil with olive oil or coconut oil.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with any plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.
• You can add extra mix-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) or raisins for added texture and flavor.
• To make the muffins even more festive, consider topping them with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a little orange juice.

These Carrot Bran Breakfast Muffins are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, making them a great way to start your day. The combination of carrots and bran provides a good amount of dietary fiber, while the honey adds a natural sweetness. Enjoy them with a hot beverage for a delightful breakfast or snack!

Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding your own favorite ingredients. These muffins are very versatile and can be customized to suit your taste!