Matt'S Favorite Orange Bran Muffins
Sweet and hearty orange bran muffins with raisins, offering a moist texture and zesty flavor, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 5 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 7 c. unprocessed wheat bran ⓘ
- 2 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 4 c. buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 large orange, peeled and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 c. raisins or chopped dried fruit
Instructions
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture; set aside.
- Combine wheat bran and boiling water in a large bowl.
- Stir well and set aside.
- Place eggs, buttermilk, and chopped orange in a blender or food processor; process until smooth.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the bran mixture; stir well.
- Add sugar, melted butter, and vegetable oil; stir well.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry bran mixture; mix until combined.
- Add dried fruit and stir to incorporate.
- Stir until all dry ingredients are moistened.
- Cover batter and store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk if you're out, adding a bit of milk to thin it out. If you prefer, swap in honey or maple syrup for sugar; just reduce the liquid slightly. Adding nuts or seeds can enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese for extra flavor. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread alongside dishes like California Artichoke Dip or a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag, for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Matt'S Favorite Orange Bran Muffins contains roughly 2716 calories, with 46g protein, 347g carbohydrates, and 129g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (106% of the Daily Value), protein (92% of the Daily Value), and iron (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2952mg per serving (128% 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 a different type of fruit instead of orange?
Absolutely! You can substitute the orange with other fruits such as mashed bananas or applesauce for moisture and sweetness. Adjust the sugar accordingly if the fruit is particularly sweet or tart.
How do I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make gluten-free muffins, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Be sure to check that the baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to one month. Just make sure to cover it tightly. When you're ready to bake, simply scoop it into muffin tins and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed.
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).