Applesauce Oat Bran Muffins(Low-Fat)
These moist, low-fat applesauce oat bran muffins are packed with warm spices, nuts, and dried fruits, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
- 2 c. oat bran ⓘ
- 1/2 c. light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. prunes, dates or raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 c. whole flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: oat bran, light brown sugar, chopped pecans or walnuts, prunes or raisins, whole flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a small bowl, combine the egg whites, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla until well blended.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased muffin pan, filling each cup evenly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider substituting half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you want to reduce sugar, use a zero-calorie sweetener instead of light brown sugar. You can easily switch out the nuts for seeds if allergies are a concern. For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or using dried cranberries instead of raisins.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Serve them warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a side of Cheese Taters for a comforting brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave each muffin for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Oat Bran Muffins(Low-Fat) contains roughly 262 calories, with 3g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 633mg per serving (28% 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 whole wheat flour instead of whole flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for the whole flour in this recipe. This will add more fiber and nutrients, and it complements the oat bran well. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour may yield a denser muffin, so you might want to add a little extra liquid if the batter seems too thick.
What can I use instead of egg whites for a vegan version?
To make these muffins vegan, you can replace each egg white with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a commercial egg replacer. This maintains the moisture and helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring your muffins rise as intended while keeping them low-fat.
How can I make these muffins sweeter?
If you prefer your muffins sweeter, you can increase the amount of light brown sugar or add a splash of maple syrup or honey to the wet ingredients. Remember that if you add more liquid sweeteners, you may need to adjust the dry ingredients slightly to keep the batter consistency right.
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).