Bran-Apple Muffins(Low-Fat)
Moist, low-fat bran-apple muffins packed with wholesome oats, prunes, and grated apple, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup prune juice
- 1/2 cup bran cereal shreds ⓘ
- 1/2 cup rolled oats ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2/3 cup pitted prunes ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 large egg whites ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon molasses ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 cup peeled and grated apple ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Coat twelve 2 3/4-inch muffin tin cups with vegetable cooking spray; set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, prune juice, bran cereal shreds, rolled oats and baking soda; set aside.
- In the container of a food processor, combine the prunes and water.
- Pulse on and off until prunes are finely chopped.
- Combine prune puree and sugar in a mixer bowl; beat in egg whites and molasses.
- Stir in the buttermilk mixture, flour, grated apple, and salt; blend thoroughly.
- Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin cups, dividing equally.
- Sprinkle tops lightly with additional rolled oats.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You can substitute unsweetened applesauce for the buttermilk for added moisture and sweetness. If you don't have bran cereal shreds, wheat bran works as a good alternative. For a nutty flavor, add chopped walnuts or almonds. These muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Bran-Apple Muffins warm with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese for a delightful breakfast treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a complete meal, serve alongside Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. These muffins are an excellent choice for a grab-and-go breakfast or as a nutritious snack during the day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bran-Apple Muffins(Low-Fat) contains roughly 214 calories, with 9g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 576mg per serving (25% 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 make these muffins vegan?
Yes, you can make these muffins vegan by replacing the egg whites with flaxseed meal or applesauce. For the buttermilk, use a non-dairy milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This will help maintain the muffins' texture while making them suitable for a vegan diet.
How can I make these muffins sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter muffins, you can increase the amount of brown sugar to 3/4 cup or add a bit of honey or maple syrup to the batter. Additionally, consider mixing in some chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for an extra touch of sweetness.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour to make these muffins even healthier. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of liquid to the batter to maintain moisture.
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).