Bran Muffins
Moist, dark muffins made with wheat bran, buttermilk, molasses and raisins. A high-fibre breakfast that tastes of brown sugar and cinnamon rather than health food.
How to Make Bran Muffins
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Heat the oven to 190°C / 375°F and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
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Stir the bran and buttermilk together in a large bowl and leave for 10 minutes, until the bran has softened.
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
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Whisk the egg, oil, sugar and molasses into the bran mixture until smooth.
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Fold the dry ingredients into the wet with a spatula, add the raisins, and stir only until combined.
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Divide the batter between the cases, filling each about three-quarters full.
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Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until domed and a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Tips for Making Bran Muffins
- Soak the bran in the buttermilk first. It softens the bran and stops it drawing moisture from the batter, which is the usual cause of dry bran muffins.
- Stir only until combined. A few streaks of flour are fine, and overmixing makes the muffins tough.
- Fill the cases well. Bran batter is dense and rises less than most, and a generous scoop gives a proper domed top.
Common Substitutions & Variations
- Out of buttermilk? Stir a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into the same amount of ordinary milk and let it sit five minutes before using.
What to Serve with Bran Muffins
- Salted butter
- Coffee
- Sliced apple
Storing & Reheating Bran Muffins
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature for an hour, or warm in a 160°C oven for 8 minutes.
Bran Muffins FAQ: Common Questions
How long does Bran Muffins take to make?
About 37 minutes in total — 15 minutes of preparation and 22 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 12.
What are the key tips for making Bran Muffins?
Soak the bran in the buttermilk first. It softens the bran and stops it drawing moisture from the batter, which is the usual cause of dry bran muffins. Stir only until combined. A few streaks of flour are fine, and overmixing makes the muffins tough. Fill the cases well. Bran batter is dense and rises less than most, and a generous scoop gives a proper domed top.
What should I serve with Bran Muffins?
Salted butter; Coffee; Sliced apple.
Can Bran Muffins be made ahead or frozen?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature for an hour, or warm in a 160°C oven for 8 minutes.
Is Bran Muffins suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegetarian. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Bran Muffins?
About 223 kcal per serving, with 4 g protein, 36 g carbohydrate and 7 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Bran Muffins Nutrition
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
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