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f you’re looking for a dead-easy, small batch breakfast muffin that’s big on flavor, high in fiber, and has lots of optional add-ins, then stop right here, because this month’s Baking Together recipe, Quick and Delicious Bran Muffins, has it all. Oat and wheat bran team up for a pleasantly dense, slightly chewy texture. A touch of neutral oil along with milk (or buttermilk) makes for a deliciously moist muffin with a not-too-sweet flavor (thanks to a bit of brown sugar) that is earthy and wholesome. It’s just about everything you could ask for.
But wait. There’s even more to love.
Not only can you add diced fresh fruit or dried fruit to the muffins, but you can also stir in toasted nuts or even chopped chocolate. (Hard to resist that one!) Shredded carrots or toasted coconut would work, too.
Whipping up the batter is super easy. A whisk, a spatula and two bowls are all the equipment needed – no power tools necessary! The technique is simple: Use one bowl to stir together the dry ingredients, use the other for the wet ingredients and to soak the bran flakes. Then gently stir together.
As an added bonus, for those times when you might want to cook a batch of muffins and serve them straight from the oven, the wet ingredients along with the bran flakes (through step 1) can also be covered and stowed in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, combine the remaining ingredients and portion into the muffin cups while the oven heats up. All that’s left to do is brew your coffee or tea, set the table and pull out the salted butter or cream cheese for a smear, if you are so inclined.
The muffins are best when served the same day. Leftovers can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or briefly microwave. For best results, spilt and toast.
Be sure to check out all of our Baking Together recipes and articles. And we love feedback - let us know in the comments section of the recipe how you made these, what you added in, when you served them - any or all of that!
ADD-INS
Fruit options:
- 2/3 cup diced fresh fruit (fold into the batter at the end of step 3)
OR
- 1/3 cup diced dried fruit (add them to the wet ingredients to plump them up)
Additional add-ins: (Choose up to three and fold into the batter at the end of step 3)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons shredded coconut (toasted or not)
- 1/4 cup finely shredded carrots
- 2 to 3 tablespoons toasted, chopped nuts
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped chocolate (white or dark chocolate)
