Nutty Bran Muffins with Banana Bliss
These Nutty Bran Muffins are a deliciously healthy twist on a classic recipe from the Bran Buds cereal box. Packed with fiber from whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and nutritious flax seeds, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. The addition of ripe banana not only adds natural sweetness but also keeps the muffins moist. Light on sugar and loaded with heart-healthy walnuts, these muffins are a guilt-free treat that will keep you energized throughout the day. With their warm cinnamon flavor and satisfying texture, each bite feels indulgent but is healthy! Perfectly portioned and easy to make, this recipe yields a dozen moist, hearty muffins that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat flour
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (measured)
wheat bran
1/2 cup (measured)
ground flax seeds
2 tablespoons (measured)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (measured)
cinnamon
2 teaspoons (measured)
baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
bran buds cereal
1 1/2 cups (measured)
boiling water
1 1/4 cups (boiled)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (measured)
Splenda sugar substitute
1/4 cup (measured)
skim milk
3/4 cup (measured)
mashed banana
1/4 cup (mashed (about 1 small))
egg
1 (beaten)
walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a muffin pan with cooking spray or line it with cupcake papers to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, wheat bran, ground flax seeds, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bran buds cereal with the boiling water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the mixture is softened.
4
Once the cereal has cooled slightly, mix in the brown sugar and Splenda until evenly distributed.
5
Stir in the skim milk and mashed banana until well incorporated.
6
Add the egg to the cereal mixture and mix until fully combined.
7
Gradually fold the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
8
Gently stir in the chopped walnuts.
9
Scoop the batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11
Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Bran Muffins with Banana Bliss?
Nutty Bran Muffins with Banana Bliss are a healthy, high-fiber twist on classic bran muffins, featuring whole wheat flour, wheat bran, flax seeds, and banana for moisture.
What is the primary source of fiber in this recipe?
The fiber in these muffins comes from a combination of whole wheat flour, wheat bran, ground flax seeds, and bran buds cereal.
How many muffins does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields exactly 12 muffins, making it a perfect batch for weekly meal prep.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How long do these muffins need to bake?
The muffins should bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use cupcake liners for these muffins?
Yes, you can either line the muffin pan with cupcake papers or lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Why is boiling water used in this recipe?
Boiling water is used to soften the bran buds cereal, ensuring a smooth and moist texture in the finished muffins.
How long should I soak the bran buds cereal?
You should let the bran buds cereal sit in the boiling water for about 5 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.
What kind of flour is required for these muffins?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour.
Are these muffins low in sugar?
Yes, they are considered low sugar because they use a combination of 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup Splenda sugar substitute.
What role does the banana play in the recipe?
The mashed banana adds natural sweetness and helps keep the muffins moist without the need for excess oil or butter.
How much mashed banana do I need?
You will need 1/4 cup of mashed banana, which is typically equivalent to one small banana.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of skim milk for a lighter nutritional profile.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for added texture and heart-healthy fats.
What spices are used for flavoring?
The muffins are flavored with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, which provides a warm and aromatic taste.
Can I omit the walnuts if I have an allergy?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you prefer.
How do I prevent the muffins from becoming tough?
To keep the muffins light and tender, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture only until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
How much ground flax seed is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds, which boosts the muffin's nutritional value.
Is there baking soda or baking powder in this recipe?
Both are used: 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to ensure the muffins rise properly.
When should I add the egg to the mixture?
Add the egg to the cereal and milk mixture after the cereal has cooled slightly and the milk and banana have been incorporated.
How should the egg be prepared?
The egg should be beaten before being added to the wet ingredients.
What is the recommended serving size?
While the specific serving size is not listed, the recipe is designed to produce 12 standard-sized muffins.
Can these muffins be eaten as a snack?
Absolutely, they are perfect for breakfast or as a healthy mid-afternoon snack.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Scoop the batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
How long should the muffins cool in the pan?
Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe uses a total of 15 ingredients to create the muffins.
Are these muffins considered hearty?
Yes, due to the whole wheat, bran, and nuts, they have a satisfying and hearty texture.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the flavors.
What is the primary flavor profile of these muffins?
The muffins feature a warm cinnamon flavor balanced with natural banana sweetness and nutty walnut notes.
Can I use regular bran flakes instead of bran buds?
This recipe specifically calls for bran buds cereal; using flakes might change the consistency and moisture absorption.