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–+ servings
stack of healthy bran muffins with applesauce.

Whole New Mom - https://wholenewmom.com

Healthy Bran Muffins with Applesauce

Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Keyword: applesauce bran muffins recipe, heathy bran muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 1 dozen muffins
Calories: 302kcal
Author: Adrienne
These easy applesauce bran muffins are moist and delicious and not too sweet. It's an easy recipe with gluten-free and vegan options.
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Muffins

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (See recipe notes for gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup wheat bran (use rice bran or oat bran for gluten-free option)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 egg (large--See Recipe Notes for alternatives)
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or other granulated sweetener of choice)
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup milk (or milk substitute)

Topping:

  • 2 teaspoons coconut sugar (or alternative: see notes)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • If the bran isn't toasted, toast in a pan over medium heat or 200 degree oven until lightly browned.
  • Mix first set of ingredients (flour through raisins) together.
  • Mix second set of ingredients (egg through milk).
  • Add dry ingredients to wet.
  • Drop into 12 greased muffin cups. Sprinkle topping evenly over all.
  • Bake in 350°F preheated oven for 20 minutes or until centers test dry with a knife or cake tester.

Notes

  • Flour Options: Whole wheat pastry flour gives the softest texture, but regular whole wheat flour, spelt flour, or all-purpose flour also work. The batter should be thick, not pourable. For gluten-free muffins, use a gluten-free flour blend plus oat bran or rice bran in place of wheat bran.
  • Egg Alternatives:  Powdered egg replacer works well for vegan bran muffins. A flax egg or chia egg might work as well but I haven't tried that.
  • Sweetener Options: Coconut sugar gives these muffins a warm flavor and color, but brown sugar, maple sugar, or granulated sugar-free sweeteners can also be used. If using honey or maple syrup, reduce the amount slightly and decrease the milk a bit to balance the extra moisture.
  • Oil Options: Melted butter works well in place of coconut oil for a richer flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: To make gluten-free bran muffins:
    • use a gluten-free flour blend
    • substitute oat bran or rice bran for the wheat bran
    • increase the baking powder and baking soda slightly
    • let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before baking and bake at 325° instead.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg | Net Carbs: 17g