Spiced Bran Muffins
Warm, spiced bran muffins with rich molasses and honey, complemented by walnuts and raisins; perfect for breakfast or a wholesome snack for those who love hearty flavors.
Ingredients
- vegetable oil cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/2 cup molasses ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup wheat bran ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup golden raisins ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey ⓘ
- 2 large egg whites ⓘ
- 1/4 cup 2% milk ⓘ
- 1 cup whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Coat a 12-well muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Warm the molasses and honey in a small saucepan over low heat until it begins to stream.
- Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool.
- Whisk the egg whites, yogurt, and milk together in a large mixing bowl until blended.
- Whisk in the molasses and honey mixture.
- Stir in the bran, flour, baking powder, and spices using a wooden spoon.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour. If you're out of walnuts, try using pecans or sunflower seeds instead. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Make sure not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay to keep the muffins fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
These Spiced Bran Muffins are delightful served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or a snack. For a wholesome brunch, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of the Graham Cracker Custard Pie 9-Inch for dessert.
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. Reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Bran Muffins contains roughly 346 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 sweetener instead of molasses?
Yes, you can substitute molasses with maple syrup or agave nectar, though the flavor will change slightly. If using a liquid sweetener, you may need to adjust the dry ingredients to maintain the right batter consistency.
Is it possible to make these muffins vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg whites with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg white). Use a non-dairy yogurt and milk alternative to keep the recipe entirely plant-based.
How can I make these muffins less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of honey and raisins. You may also omit the honey altogether if you're using molasses, as it provides a robust flavor without adding too much sweetness.
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).