It’s hard to claim something as “the best” but after multiple batches of this making this recipe I have finally perfected it for you!
These Best Maple Bran Muffins are a nutrient rich and wholesome way to start your day or to enjoy during an afternoon slump
; they’re made with recognizable, healthful ingredients and are freezer friendly.
Savory muffins are some of my favorite type of muffins, but I have a sweet tooth and love a good, indulgent muffin as well like these maple bran muffins. What is your favorite kind of muffin?
What is Bran?
- Bran is the hard, outer layer of whole cereal grains such as oats, wheat, rice, and rye to name a few.
- Nutritionally speaking bran is rich in protein, iron, fiber, carbohydrates, fatty acids and B-vitamins.
- You can buy pure wheat bran in the bulk section of most health food stores or online.
Get on the BRAN Wagon:
Looking to increase your fiber intake? Get on the bran wagon!
- Introduce bran into your diet via oat bran for a boost of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber may lower blood cholesterol levels.
- Wheat, corn, and rice bran are high in insoluble fiber, which may prevent constipation. Bran can be sprinkled into your favorite foods, from hot cereal and pancakes to muffins and cookies.
- Sprinkle bran on your oatmeal/hot cereal or incorporate into your pancakes, cookies and muffin recipes like these maple bran muffins.
The Best Maple Bran Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup wheat bran
- 1 ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp. orange zest
- 1 cup white-wheat flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 2 ½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¾ tsp. cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. cardamom
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (melted) or vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium sized bowl, pour in the wheat bran with the milk and orange zest. Stir ingredients together. Let the wheat bran soak up the milk for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a muffin tin with muffin liners or spray with non-stick baking spray. In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and cardamom.
- Then in the bowl with the bran add in the vanilla, egg, maple syrup and oil. Fold in the dry ingredients and you can optionally add in 1/2 cup raisins or diced dates. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tins and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the tops of the muffins spring back to the touch. Enjoy the muffins as is, with a smear of butter or make the frosting if desired (but highly recommend).
Maple frosting
In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 Tbsp. butter, and 1 Tbsp. milk to a simmer – let simmer for 2 minutes while you are stirring. Remove from heat, whisk in 1 tsp. vanilla and then gradually add in 1-1.5 cups powdered sugar. Spread on top of muffins once cooled.
