Wholesome Apple Bran Muffins with Buttermilk
Delight in these light yet flavorful Apple Bran Muffins, a healthier twist on the classic recipe. Made with a delightful blend of wheat and whole wheat flour, these muffins are packed with fiber from the wheat bran and oats, helping you stay full and satisfied. The addition of unsweetened applesauce and fat-free buttermilk keeps them moist without the extra fat, making them a perfect post-workout snack at just 2 Points Plus each (or 3 with oats). With options to add chopped Granny Smith apples and a touch of spices, you can customize these muffins to suit your taste. Prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for several days, or freeze the muffins for quick access to a healthy treat anytime. Enjoy them warm with a smear of Weight Watchers cream cheese for an extra treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wheat Bran
2 cups (None)
Sugar
1/2 cup (None)
All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups (None)
Whole Wheat Flour
1 cup (None)
Baking Soda
2 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Unsweetened Applesauce
1/2 cup (None)
Fat-Free Buttermilk
2 cups (Prepare with vinegar or lemon juice and low-fat milk if needed)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Molasses
2 tablespoons (None)
Granny Smith Apple
1 - 2 large (Cored and chopped (optional))
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Optional)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (Optional)
Ginger
1/4 teaspoon (Optional)
Old Fashioned Oats
1 cup (Optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin pan or line it with muffin liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat bran, sugar, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and optional spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger). Mix well to ensure even distribution.
3
In another bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, fat-free buttermilk, beaten eggs, and molasses until smooth.
4
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
5
If using, fold in the chopped apple and old-fashioned oats, mixing until evenly distributed.
6
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin 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. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wholesome Apple Bran Muffins?
These muffins are a healthier, light, and flavorful version of the classic recipe, featuring wheat bran, applesauce, and buttermilk.
How many Weight Watchers points are in each muffin?
Each muffin is 2 Points Plus, or 3 Points Plus if you choose to include the optional oats.
What makes these muffins high in fiber?
The high fiber content comes from the combination of wheat bran, whole wheat flour, and optional old-fashioned oats.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a blend of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Yes, you can prepare a substitute using low-fat milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice if fat-free buttermilk is unavailable.
Is there any fat added to the recipe like butter or oil?
No, the recipe uses unsweetened applesauce and fat-free buttermilk to maintain moisture without adding extra fat.
What kind of apples are best for these muffins?
Granny Smith apples are recommended; they should be cored and chopped before being folded into the batter.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, the batter can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for several days.
Are these muffins freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the baked muffins for a quick and healthy snack whenever you need one.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The muffins should be baked in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for approximately 15 to 17 minutes.
How do I know when the muffins are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
What spices can I add for more flavor?
Optional spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of molasses.
What is the purpose of molasses in this recipe?
Molasses adds a rich depth of flavor and contributes to the moist texture of the bran muffins.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan until each cup is about 2/3 full.
Should I use muffin liners?
You can either grease the muffin pan directly or use paper muffin liners.
What is the best way to cool the muffins?
Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I add oats to the recipe?
Yes, you can fold in 1 cup of old-fashioned oats for extra texture and nutrition.
Are these muffins suitable for a post-workout snack?
Yes, their balance of fiber and lower fat content makes them an excellent post-workout option.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Is baking soda or baking powder used?
This recipe specifically uses 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda.
What can I serve with these muffins for an extra treat?
They are delicious served warm with a smear of Weight Watchers cream cheese.
Do I need to peel the apples?
The recipe suggests coring and chopping; peeling is optional based on your preference for texture.
What is the order of mixing ingredients?
Combine dry ingredients first, whisk wet ingredients separately, then stir the wet into the dry until just combined.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 total ingredients, including the optional items like apples, oats, and spices.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
While it uses eggs, it uses fat-free dairy and no butter, keeping it relatively heart-healthy.
Can I use a different type of bran?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of Wheat Bran for the best results.
Why should I use unsweetened applesauce?
Unsweetened applesauce provides moisture and natural sweetness without the added sugars or fats found in oils.
What is the texture of these muffins?
These muffins are designed to be light and moist rather than heavy or dense.