Ingredients
Scale
This recipe relies on simple, readily available ingredients to create muffins that are both delicious and packed with goodness. Each component plays a crucial role in the final texture and flavor.
- 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides the main structure for the muffins. You can substitute half with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
- 1 cup Oat Bran: The star ingredient! Adds a wonderful nutty flavor, a slightly chewy texture, and a significant boost of soluble fiber, known for its heart-health benefits.
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar: For sweetness. You can slightly reduce this or use brown sugar for a molasses note, or even maple syrup (adjusting liquid content slightly).
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder: The primary leavening agent, ensuring your muffins rise beautifully and are light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda: Works with acidic ingredients (like apples and buttermilk, if used) to provide additional lift.
- ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the muffins.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic pairing with apples. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice too.
- 1 cup Milk (any kind): Provides moisture. Dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work well. Buttermilk can also be used for a tangier flavor and more tender crumb.
- ¼ cup Vegetable Oil (or melted butter/coconut oil): Adds moisture and richness, contributing to a tender muffin. Melted butter offers a richer flavor.
- 1 Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds to the structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and overall flavor profile.
- 1 ½ cups Grated or Finely Diced Apple (about 2 medium apples): Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and lovely fruity bursts. Use a firm, flavorful apple like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for a tarter kick. No need to peel if using organic apples, for extra fiber.
Instructions
Follow these simple instructions for perfectly moist and flavorful apple oat bran muffins every time. This recipe is designed for ease and speed, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups well with butter or cooking spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oat bran, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure there are no lumps, especially from the baking powder or soda.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough muffins.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the grated or finely diced apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds to three-quarters full. An ice cream scoop can be helpful for uniform muffins.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter).
- Cool: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes. This allows them to set up slightly and makes them easier to remove.
- Transfer and Enjoy: Carefully transfer the muffins from the tin to a wire rack to cool completely. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 220