Marion'S Muffins(Yields 12 Muffins)
Deliciously wholesome muffins packed with raisins, carrots, and warm spices, perfect for breakfast or snacks, appealing to all ages seeking a healthy treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oat bran ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup rice bran ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mashed banana ⓘ
- 1/4 cup skim milk ⓘ
- 2 lightly beaten egg whites ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over raisins to cover and let stand for 5 minutes, then drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, oat bran, brown sugar, rice bran, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and allspice.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine mashed banana, milk, egg whites, cooking oil, and vanilla.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.
- Fold in drained raisins, shredded carrots, and nuts.
- Lightly grease muffin cups or line with paper bake cups.
- Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Marion's Muffins, consider adding chopped nuts or substituting the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for a different twist. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Also, ensure the banana is very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Marion's Muffins warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese. They make a delightful breakfast paired with fresh fruit or yogurt. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a light salad or a bowl of soup, such as Quick Chili Dip for a hearty lunch.
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 then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marion'S Muffins(Yields 12 Muffins) contains roughly 284 calories, with 5g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 528mg per serving (23% 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 all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with the same amount and add a little extra milk if the batter seems too thick.
How can I make these muffins vegan?
To make Marion's Muffins vegan, substitute the egg whites with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. Use a plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, and replace the cooking oil with coconut oil for added flavor. These adjustments will still yield delicious results.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables to the muffins?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or diced apples, or even add zucchini for extra moisture and nutrition. Just be mindful of the overall moisture content, as too much liquid can affect the muffin's texture.
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).