Hearty Bran and Date Delight Muffins
Experience the comforting flavors of Hanmer Springs with these delectable Hearty Bran and Date Delight Muffins, a cherished recipe from Linette of Plum Tree Cottage in New Zealand. These muffins boast a perfect balance of wholesome bran and the natural sweetness of pitted dates, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With the option to include sultanas for an added fruity twist, they have become a favorite among visitors to Hanmer Springs. Prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to two days for a quick bake whenever a craving strikes. Whether you choose a batch of 20-24 muffins or scale down to 12 muffins and one small loaf, you’re sure to impress family and friends with these scrumptious delights!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted)
baking soda
2 teaspoons
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons
sugar
1 cup
unprocessed natural bran
3 1/2 cups
pitted dates
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
vegetable oil
1 cup (for example - lite olive)
low-fat milk
2 1/2 cups
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups of plain flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until well blended.
3
Stir in 1 cup of sugar, 3 1/2 cups of unprocessed natural bran, and 1 1/2 cups of chopped pitted dates until evenly distributed.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of low-fat milk, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 lightly beaten eggs until combined.
5
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Take care not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
6
Spoon the batter into a greased or lined muffin pan, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the muffins rise and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Hearty Bran and Date Delight Muffins.
Who provided this recipe?
The recipe was provided by Linette of Plum Tree Cottage.
Where does this recipe originate?
These muffins are a cherished recipe from Hanmer Springs in New Zealand.
What are the primary flavors of these muffins?
They feature a balance of wholesome bran and the natural sweetness of pitted dates.
How many muffins does this recipe make?
The recipe makes a batch of 20-24 muffins, or 12 muffins and one small loaf.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius or 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of sifted plain flour.
How much baking soda is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
Is there any cinnamon in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
What kind of bran is required?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of unprocessed natural bran.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sugar.
How many dates are included?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of chopped pitted dates.
What type of oil is suggested?
1 cup of vegetable oil is used, such as lite olive oil.
What kind of milk is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of low-fat milk.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 lightly beaten eggs.
Can I add other fruits to these muffins?
Yes, you can include sultanas for an added fruity twist.
How should I mix the dry ingredients?
Sift the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon together, then stir in the sugar, bran, and dates.
How should I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined without overmixing.
Is it okay if the batter has lumps?
Yes, a few lumps are okay in the batter; overmixing should be avoided.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each greased or lined muffin cup about three-quarters full.
How long should the muffins bake?
Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the muffins are finished?
The muffins are done when they rise and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How should the muffins be cooled?
Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
When are these muffins best served?
They are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What preparation is needed for the dates?
The pitted dates should be chopped.
What preparation is needed for the eggs?
The eggs should be lightly beaten.
Is the bran used in this recipe processed?
No, the recipe specifically calls for unprocessed natural bran.
What is the yield if making both muffins and a loaf?
You can yield 12 muffins and one small loaf from a single batch.