Apple And Oat Bran Muffins(Low Cholesterol)
Delight in these wholesome apple and oat bran muffins, bursting with fruity flavor and warm spices. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack, they offer a moist texture and a satisfying crunch. Suitable for those seeking heart-healthy options with natural sweetness and fiber-rich ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 1 cup oat bran ⓘ
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded, peeled apple ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, oat bran, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg whites, and cooking oil.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded, peeled apple.
- Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the cooking oil. You can also swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. If you don't have buttermilk, make your own by mixing milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes. For a nutty flavor, try adding chopped walnuts or almonds.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple and Oat Bran Muffins are delightful on their own or served with a smear of light cream cheese or yogurt. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread alongside a fruit salad or the Quick And Easy Pasta Salad(Lo-Cal Or Not) for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple And Oat Bran Muffins(Low Cholesterol) contains roughly 134 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for the whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the muffins may have a slightly different texture and flavor. Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and a nuttier taste, which enhances the overall experience.
What can I use instead of egg whites?
If you need an egg white substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg white. Both options will help bind the ingredients while keeping the muffins moist.
How can I make these muffins sweeter?
To increase the sweetness, you can add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or incorporate some chopped dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the batter. Alternatively, you could drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup on top just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).