Orange Bran Muffins
Bright, wholesome orange bran muffins combine fruity raisins and apples with hearty bran flakes, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins, dried apple slices, and fresh orange juice; let soak for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 (8-cup) muffin pans with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together unbleached flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add bran flake cereal to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, and vegetable oil.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture.
- Add the soaked raisin and apple mixture and stir until just combined; do not overbeat.
- Fill muffin cups three-quarters full with batter.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Transfer muffins to a rack to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some orange zest to the batter. You can easily substitute chopped dried apricots or figs for the dried apple slices, or use honey instead of sugar for a healthier option. If you prefer a gluten-free version, replace unbleached flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
These orange bran muffins are delightful for breakfast or as a snack. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. Pair them with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced meal. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread alongside other treats like Low-Fat Apple Pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Bran Muffins contains roughly 271 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1049mg per serving (46% 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 easily make these muffins vegan by replacing the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Use a plant-based milk alternative and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The muffins will still turn out delicious!
What can I use instead of golden raisins?
If you don’t have golden raisins, you can substitute them with regular raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Dried cherries or blueberries can also add a unique twist while maintaining the sweetness in the muffins.
How can I make these muffins more nutritious?
To boost the nutrition of these muffins, consider adding nuts or seeds such as walnuts or flaxseeds for healthy fats. You could also replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour for added fiber. Adding shredded carrots or zucchini can enhance the moisture and increase the veggie content.
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).