Spiced Bran Muffins(From "In The Kitchen With Rosie")
These spiced bran muffins offer a hearty, flavorful treat with warming ginger, cloves, and sweet dried fruits. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they cater to those seeking wholesome, nutritious baked goods with a touch of sweetness and spice, ideal for mornings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup molasses ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey ⓘ
- 2 large egg whites ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup 2% milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup wheat bran ⓘ
- 1 cup whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup golden raisins ⓘ
- light vegetable oil cooking spray ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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 steam.
- Remove the pan from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites, yogurt, and milk until blended.
- Whisk in the cooled molasses-honey mixture.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir in the bran, flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and ground cloves.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts and golden raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you don't have wheat bran, you can substitute with oat bran or ground flaxseed. For a sweeter muffin, increase the honey by a tablespoon. Make sure to let the molasses-honey mixture cool adequately before adding it to avoid cooking the egg whites.
Serving Suggestions
These spiced bran muffins are delightful served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as a snack. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fruit salad or yogurt. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread featuring dishes like Waldorf Cheese Spread or Santa'S Whiskers(Christmas Cookies).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze 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 (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Bran Muffins(From "In The Kitchen With Rosie") contains roughly 199 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g 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 regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you prefer a lighter texture. However, keep in mind that using whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients to the muffins, making them a healthier option.
What can I use instead of egg whites?
You can replace the egg whites with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option. This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the muffins moist.
How can I make these muffins less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of honey and molasses by a tablespoon each. Adjusting the sweetness will still yield tasty muffins, especially with the spices contributing to the overall flavor.
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).