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Bird's-eye view of two bran muffins with golden brown tops and visible wheat bran specks, placed on a dark surface.

Simple Bran Muffins – Packed with Flavor, Not Fuss

Wheat bran and buttermilk create moist, hearty simple bran muffins with applesauce and cinnamon. Ready in 28 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 120g
  • 1½ cups wheat bran 120g
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup brown sugar 150g
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk 240ml
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce 80ml
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan:

    Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Insert paper liners into a 12-cup muffin pan or coat with nonstick spray.

  2. Hydrate Wheat Bran:

    Combine wheat bran and buttermilk in a bowl; let rest to hydrate the bran.

  3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

    Mix applesauce, brown sugar, egg, cinnamon, and vanilla until uniform.

  4. Fold in Dry Ingredients:

    Gently incorporate flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until barely combined; batter should remain lumpy.

  5. Fill Muffin Cups:

    Portion batter equally into muffin cups (the batter is stiff).

  6. Bake Muffins:

    Bake 18 minutes, checking at 16 minutes; a toothpick inserted into the center should emerge clean or with a few crumbs.

  7. Cool Muffins:

    Let cool in the pan briefly, then move to a wire rack for complete cooling.