Maple-Pecan Bran Cereal Muffins

This Bran Muffin recipe is wholesome and filling, with lots of good stuff like bran cereal, almond milk, low fat yogurt and pecans. 

These Bran Cereal Muffins Make The Perfect Quick Breakfast

You wouldn’t think something as “boring” as bran muffins would be taught in culinary school, but it was! My school had a lot of chefs who were super healthy eaters, so we learned lots of healthy recipes and baked goods, including these muffins.

This bran muffin recipe uses a special technique of briefly soaking the bran cereal in yogurt, so that the end result is moist, naturally sweetened, and just the perfect grab-and-go breakfast.

Bran Muffin Ingredients

• bran cereal – the star ingredient, providing a rich source of dietary fiber.
• yogurt – I like to use lowfat vanilla yogurt for a subtle tangy flavor and extra protein.
• whole wheat flour – contributes to the hearty texture of this bran muffins recipe.
• baking powder and baking soda – to help the muffins rise.
• salt – to enhance the overall flavor of this recipe for bran muffins.
• egg – provides structure and adds moisture.
• almond milk – adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor.
• maple syrup – to sweeten the muffins.
• unsalted butter – adds richness and makes a tender crumb.
• pecans – add a crunchy texture and extra nutty flavor.

How to Make Bran Muffins

1. STIR. In a small bowl, stir together the cereal and yogurt and let stand 5 minutes.
2. WHISK. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk the egg in a separate medium bowl, then whisk in the almond milk, maple syrup and butter.
3. COMBINE. Stir the yogurt-cereal mixture into the egg mixture, then add the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
4. BAKE. Spoon the batter into 12 muffin cup liners and sprinkle with the pecans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffins comes out clean.

Bran Muffins Recipe Variations

• YOGURT – If lowfat vanilla yogurt isn’t your preference, you can use full fat vanilla yogurt, or any variety of plain yogurt.
• MILK – Feel free to use traditional milk in place of the almond milk.
• NUTS – Any type of nut can be substituted for the pecans. Walnuts are especially good.
• FRUIT – Feel free to add chopped apples, blueberries or a mashed banana for a fruity twist.