Nutty Banana Bran Muffins
Revitalize your day with these Nutty Banana Bran Muffins, inspired by a health spa in sunny California. Crafted without any added sugars, these muffins serve as a nutritious snack designed to boost your fiber intake while keeping calories to a minimum. Each bite showcases the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour and unprocessed miller's bran, complemented by the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and golden raisins. Perfect for those seeking a healthy alternative to sugary treats, these muffins deliver a satisfying, nutty flavor and an energizing boost—ideal for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. Enjoy the simplicity of nourishing your body the right way!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Wheat Flour
1 1/2 cups (Unprocessed and sifted.)
Unprocessed Miller's Natural Bran
1 1/2 cups (Raw, unprocessed.)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons (Leavening agent.)
Cinnamon
1 tablespoon (Ground.)
Nutmeg
1 teaspoon (Ground.)
Golden Raisins
1/2 cup (Unsweetened and diced if large.)
Egg Whites
3 (Whipped slightly.)
Buttermilk
1/2 cup (Regular or low-fat.)
Water
1/2 cup (Room temperature.)
Ripe Banana
1 small (mashed to 1/2 cup) (Mashed.)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (Pure.)
Banana Extract
1/2 teaspoon (Optional for extra flavor.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, unprocessed miller's natural bran, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and golden raisins. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
In a separate medium bowl, blend together the egg whites, buttermilk, water, mashed ripe banana, vanilla extract, and banana extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently to combine until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix.
5
Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy fresh, and store any leftovers in the freezer for later use!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Banana Bran Muffins?
Nutty Banana Bran Muffins are a high-fiber, low-calorie snack inspired by a California health spa, made with whole wheat flour and miller's bran.
Are these muffins sugar-free?
Yes, these muffins are crafted without any added sugars, relying on ripe bananas and golden raisins for natural sweetness.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking the muffins.
How long do these muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for approximately 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the main source of fiber in this recipe?
The fiber intake is boosted by the use of whole wheat flour and 1 1/2 cups of unprocessed miller's natural bran.
How many egg whites are required?
The recipe requires 3 slightly whipped egg whites to bind the ingredients together.
Can I freeze Nutty Banana Bran Muffins?
Yes, you can store any leftover muffins in the freezer for later use.
What type of raisins should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsweetened golden raisins, which should be diced if they are large.
How much mashed banana is needed?
You will need one small ripe banana, which should provide approximately 1/2 cup when mashed.
What spices are included in the dry mix?
The dry mix includes 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of regular or low-fat buttermilk to provide moisture and a soft texture.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter to allow room for the muffins to rise.
What is the role of banana extract?
Banana extract is an optional ingredient used to provide an extra boost of banana flavor to the muffins.
How should I prepare the muffin tin?
You can either lightly spray the muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the whole wheat flour should be unprocessed and sifted before mixing with other dry ingredients.
What is the recommended liquid temperature for the water?
The 1/2 cup of water used in the wet mixture should be at room temperature.
Can I overmix the batter?
You should stir the batter gently until just moistened and be careful not to overmix to maintain the right texture.
What is the leavening agent used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of baking soda as the leavening agent.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
This recipe was inspired by a health spa located in sunny California.
Are these muffins suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are ideal for meal prep as they are high in fiber and easy to store in the freezer.
How should the muffins cool?
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Is this a low-calorie recipe?
Yes, these muffins are designed as a nutritious snack to keep calories to a minimum while boosting fiber.
What is miller's natural bran?
It is the raw, unprocessed outer layer of the wheat kernel, used here to add significant fiber to the muffins.
Can these be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, they are perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack to provide an energizing boost.
Should the banana be very ripe?
Yes, using a ripe banana is important for the natural sweetness and smooth texture of the batter.
Are there any nuts in these muffins?
While called 'Nutty', the flavor comes from the bran and whole wheat flour; no specific nuts are listed in the ingredients.
What category of food does this fall into?
These muffins are categorized as quick breads and healthy snacks.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the optional banana extract.
How do you mix the dry ingredients?
You should combine the flour, bran, baking soda, spices, and raisins in a large bowl and mix well to ensure even distribution.