Orange Bran Muffins Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 48 muffins
Description:
These light and fluffy Orange Bran Muffins are the perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. Packed with wholesome ingredients like bran cereal, rolled oats, and whole wheat flour, these muffins are as nutritious as they are delicious. The recipe is incredibly versatile — you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge to bake a few muffins at a time or bake up the whole batch and freeze them for later. These muffins freeze wonderfully and retain their flavor and texture, making them an excellent option for busy mornings when you need a quick, homemade treat. The orange zest and juice lend a subtle citrusy sweetness that makes these muffins a delightful choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 5 tbsp |
| Rolled oats | 4 tbsp |
| Boiling water | 3 tbsp |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Buttermilk | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 1/2 tbsp |
| Molasses | 5 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups |
| Whole wheat flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 tsp |
| Orange rind (grated) | 1 tbsp |
| Orange juice | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 221.4 kcal |
| Fat Content | 6.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 22.9 mg |
| Sodium Content | 364.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 41.5 g |
| Fiber Content | 4.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 19 g |
| Protein Content | 5.1 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bran Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the bran cereal, natural bran, raisins, rolled oats, and orange rind. Pour the boiling water over the mixture and stir well to combine. Set the mixture aside to let it stand for 10 minutes. This allows the bran to absorb the liquid and soften, giving the muffins a light and fluffy texture. -
Mix Wet Ingredients:
While the bran mixture is resting, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, brown sugar, molasses, and orange juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined. -
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Once the bran mixture has stood for 10 minutes, stir in the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is evenly combined. -
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Once the dry ingredients are well-mixed, add them to the bran mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense muffins. -
Refrigerate (Optional):
If you’d like to make the batter ahead of time, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for up to one week. This makes it convenient to bake fresh muffins whenever you need them. -
Prepare the Muffin Cups:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to fill each muffin cup with batter, filling them to the top. -
Bake:
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the tops are firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so be sure to keep an eye on the muffins during the last few minutes of baking. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, and savor the rich flavor and texture of these delicious muffins.
Tips for Success:
- Make-Ahead Option: If you’re short on time, prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it. This way, you can bake fresh muffins whenever you need them. The batter can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing Tip: These muffins freeze beautifully. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months, and you can thaw them overnight or warm them up in the microwave for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Adding Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with adding other ingredients, such as chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a touch of cinnamon, to customize the muffins to your taste.
- Healthier Option: For a lighter version, you can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup and reduce the amount of molasses slightly.
Why You’ll Love These Orange Bran Muffins:
These muffins are a fantastic balance of health and indulgence. The combination of bran, oats, and whole wheat flour makes them a great source of fiber, while the molasses and orange zest give them a comforting sweetness. They’re perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even for brunch with a hot cup of tea. Whether you bake them fresh or prepare the batter ahead of time, these muffins are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
