Craving a delicious and nutritious way to start your day? These Blueberry Walnut Bran Muffins are a perfect choice for a healthy berry breakfast. They’re simple to make, packed with goodness, and will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Bran Cereal: You can use any unflavored high-fiber bran cereal.
- Blueberries: Fresh are best, but frozen work too (do not thaw).
- Walnuts: Pecans or almonds can be used instead.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk works here.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups bran cereal
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. This helps ensure your muffins don’t stick.
2. Soak the Bran Cereal
In a large bowl, combine the bran cereal and milk. Stir them gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. This softens the bran, making your muffins moist.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients
To the softened bran mixture, add the vegetable oil and egg. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. You’re creating the liquid base for your healthy berry breakfast.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for even baking. This step ensures your muffins rise beautifully.
5. Gently Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir just until they are moistened; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
6. Fold in Blueberries and Walnuts
Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries and chopped walnuts. Be careful not to crush the blueberries. This adds flavor and texture to your healthy berry breakfast.
7. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Variation Ideas:
- Citrus Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the blueberries beautifully.
- Other Berries: Try raspberries or blackberries for a different healthy berry breakfast twist.
- Seed Boost: Sprinkle a teaspoon of chia seeds or flax seeds into the batter for added fiber.
Storage Instructions:
Store your cooled Blueberry Walnut Bran Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen muffins in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a toaster oven until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly without thawing them. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Q: What if I don’t have bran cereal?
A: This recipe specifically uses bran cereal for its texture and fiber. It’s difficult to substitute directly.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: You can slightly reduce the brown sugar, but it may affect the overall moisture and sweetness of the muffins.
Q: How do I know when the muffins are done?
A: A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, with no wet batter.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately (excluding the bran soaking) and combine them just before baking.
Q: Are these suitable for a healthy berry breakfast?
A: Absolutely! They are packed with fiber from the bran and antioxidants from the blueberries, making them a great healthy berry breakfast option.