Name: Blueberry Bran Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp Baking Soda; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup shortening; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup molasses; 2 eggs; 1½ cups wheat bran; ½ cup milk; ½ cup orange juice; 2 cups blueberries; 1 tbsp flour

Dive into a delightful morning treat with these blueberry bran muffins. They're packed with the wholesome goodness of wheat bran and the tart sweetness of blueberries, making for a perfect start to your day.

Photos of Blueberry Bran Muffins Recipe

When preparing this recipe, note that molasses and wheat bran might not be staples in every kitchen. You can find molasses in the baking aisle, usually near syrups and sweeteners. Wheat bran is typically located in the health food section or near the oats and cereals.

Ingredients For Blueberry Bran Muffins

flour: Forms the base structure of the muffins.

baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.

baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for leavening.

salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

shortening: Adds moisture and tenderness to the muffins.

brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.

molasses: Provides a rich, deep sweetness.

eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.

wheat bran: Adds fiber and a hearty texture.

milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the ingredients.

orange juice: Adds a subtle citrus flavor and moisture.

blueberries: Provides bursts of tart sweetness throughout the muffins.

flour: Used to coat the blueberries to prevent sinking.

One reader, Burk Kelley says:

These blueberry bran muffins are fantastic! They are moist, flavorful, and packed with juicy blueberries. The hint of molasses adds a delightful depth. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. Highly recommend!

Burk Kelley

Techniques Required for Making Blueberry Bran Muffins

How to preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before baking. How to line muffin cups: Place paper liners in each muffin cup or grease the cups well to prevent sticking. How to combine dry ingredients: Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until well combined. How to cream shortening and sugar: Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the shortening and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. How to incorporate wet ingredients: Gradually add molasses, eggs, and milk to the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined. How to toss blueberries with flour: Coat the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter. How to divide batter: Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared muffin cups. How to bake muffins: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How To Make Blueberry Bran Muffins

Enjoy a hearty plate of delectable bran muffins for dessert! It’s loaded with fresh and popping blueberries and made in less than 30 minutes.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 18 minutes

Total: 28 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupflour
1½tspbaking powder
½tspbaking soda
½tspsalt
¼cupshortening
½cupbrown sugar
¼cupmolasses
2eggs
1½cupswheat bran
½cupmilk
½cuporange juice
2cupsblueberriesfresh or frozen
1tbspflour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Line 12 muffin cups with papers or grease well.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, in a bowl, then mix well. Set aside.
Combine the shortening and sugar with a hand mixer on medium until fluffy.
Add molasses, eggs and milk. Beat until incorporated.
Stir in the juice and wheat bran.
Add the dry ingredients and mix just until moistened.
Toss blueberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently stir them into the mixture.
Divide the batter over prepared pans and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 172.47kcal
Fat: 5.81g
Saturated Fat: 1.55g
Trans Fat: 0.56g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.18g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.61g
Carbohydrates: 29.62g
Fiber: 4.02g
Sugar: 15.03g
Protein: 3.75g
Cholesterol: 27.68mg
Sodium: 206.39mg
Calcium: 86.92mg
Potassium: 271.37mg
Iron: 1.56mg
Vitamin A: 17.92µg
Vitamin C: 7.56mg

Technique Tip for Perfect Blueberry Bran Muffins Every Time

To ensure your blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the muffins, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Blueberry Bran Muffins

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients ahead of time and place them in separate bowls to streamline the mixing process.

Use a food processor: Quickly blend the shortening and sugar together using a food processor instead of a hand mixer.

Prepare muffin tin: Line or grease the muffin cups while the oven is preheating to save time.

Toss blueberries early: Toss the blueberries with flour before starting the batter to avoid last-minute steps.

Batch bake: If you have multiple muffin tins, bake them all at once to save time on multiple batches.

Substitute Ingredients For Blueberry Bran Muffins Recipe

flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Adds more fiber and nutrients, giving the muffins a denser texture and richer flavor.
baking powder - Substitute with 1 tsp cream of tartar and ½ tsp baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the muffins rise.
baking soda - Substitute with double the amount of baking powder: Provides the necessary leavening, though it may slightly alter the texture.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Offers a more complex flavor profile.
shortening - Substitute with unsalted butter: Adds a richer flavor and better texture to the muffins.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Provides a similar sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor and a lower glycemic index.
molasses - Substitute with honey: Offers a different but complementary sweetness and moisture.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg): Suitable for a vegan option and adds extra fiber.
wheat bran - Substitute with oat bran: Provides a similar texture and nutritional benefits.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Suitable for a dairy-free option with a slightly nutty flavor.
orange juice - Substitute with apple juice: Offers a different but still fruity flavor and similar acidity.
blueberries - Substitute with raspberries: Provides a similar burst of tartness and moisture.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Used to coat the berries to prevent them from sinking, cornstarch works similarly.

Presenting Your Delicious Blueberry Bran Muffins

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the blueberry bran muffins in elegant, bite-sized portions to highlight the refined nature of the dish. Use a mini muffin tin to create perfectly sized, delicate muffins.
Use decoration: Garnish each muffin with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a single fresh blueberry on top. This adds a touch of sophistication and visual appeal.
Plate with contrast: Serve the muffins on a sleek, white porcelain plate to make the rich colors of the blueberries and bran stand out. Add a small pool of orange juice reduction on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element by sprinkling a few toasted wheat bran flakes around the plate. This not only enhances the texture but also ties in the ingredients used in the muffins.
Highlight freshness: Place a small sprig of fresh mint next to each muffin. The vibrant green will contrast beautifully with the deep blue of the blueberries and add a refreshing aroma.
Create height: Stack two mini muffins slightly off-center to create visual interest and height on the plate. This technique draws the eye and adds a dynamic element to the presentation.
Use a sauce drizzle: Drizzle a thin line of molasses reduction across the plate. This adds a touch of elegance and complements the flavors within the muffins.
Add a side element: Include a small ramekin of milk or orange juice on the side, allowing diners to enjoy a sip of the complementary beverage with their muffin.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the muffins and garnishes symmetrically on the plate. This creates a balanced and harmonious presentation that is pleasing to the eye.
Incorporate color: Use edible flowers, such as violets or pansies, to add a burst of color to the plate. These delicate blooms will enhance the visual appeal and elevate the overall presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Blueberry Bran Muffins

Oven: Used to bake the muffins at the specified temperature of 400 degrees F.
Muffin tin: Holds the muffin batter in individual portions for baking.
Muffin cup liners: Prevents the muffins from sticking to the muffin tin and makes for easy removal.
Mixing bowls: Used to combine and mix the dry and wet ingredients separately.
Hand mixer: Helps to cream the shortening and sugar together until fluffy and to incorporate other wet ingredients.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of both dry and liquid ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used for precise measurement of smaller quantities like baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and for gently folding in the blueberries.
Whisk: Helps to mix the dry ingredients together evenly.
Sifter: Optional, but can be used to sift the flour to remove lumps and aerate it.
Ice cream scoop: Handy for evenly dividing the batter into the muffin cups.
Cooling rack: Allows the muffins to cool evenly after baking.

How To Store and Freeze Blueberry Bran Muffins

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for blueberry bran muffins:

Let the muffins cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticky.
To store: place the cooled muffins in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze: wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen muffins will keep for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen muffins, remove them from the container and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can microwave individual muffins on high for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.
For a quick breakfast or snack, you can reheat thawed or room temperature muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them warm and soft again.
If you prefer a crisper texture, you can also reheat muffins in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

How To Reheat Leftover Blueberry Bran Muffins

To reheat leftover blueberry bran muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method will help restore the muffins' original texture and flavor.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method is quicker than using a conventional oven and works well for reheating smaller batches of muffins.
For a quicker and more convenient method, you can use a microwave. Place the muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the muffin is not warm enough, continue heating it in 5-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in a slightly soggy texture.
If you want to add a touch of freshness to your reheated muffins, try slicing them in half and toasting them in a toaster or under the broiler for a minute or two. This will give the muffins a crispy, caramelized surface while keeping the interior soft and moist.
For a delightful twist, cut the muffins in half horizontally, spread a small amount of butter on each half, and place them cut-side down on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the muffin halves are golden brown. This method creates a deliciously buttery and crispy exterior that complements the soft, fluffy interior of the blueberry bran muffins.

Random Fact About Blueberry Bran Muffins

A random fact about this recipe is that wheat bran is a great source of dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion and keep you feeling full longer.

Is Making Blueberry Bran Muffins at Home Economical?

This blueberry bran muffins recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, and brown sugar are pantry staples, while blueberries and wheat bran are affordable and nutritious. The use of molasses and orange juice adds a unique flavor without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$12.

Are Blueberry Bran Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?

The blueberry bran muffin recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like wheat bran, which is high in fiber and aids in digestion. Blueberries are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins. However, the recipe contains a significant amount of sugar, with both brown sugar and molasses, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake. The use of shortening, likely containing trans fats, is another concern.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the shortening with a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce
Reduce the amount of brown sugar and molasses, or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
Increase the fiber content by adding more wheat bran or incorporating other fiber-rich ingredients like chia seeds or ground flaxseed
Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to boost the nutritional value
Opt for low-fat or plant-based milk alternatives to reduce the overall fat content

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and wholesome version of the blueberry bran muffins while still enjoying their delightful taste and texture.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Blueberry Bran Muffin Recipe

This blueberry bran muffin recipe strikes a delightful balance between health and indulgence. The combination of wheat bran and blueberries provides a nutritious boost, while the molasses adds a rich depth of flavor. The use of both milk and orange juice ensures a moist texture. However, consider substituting the shortening with butter for a more natural fat source. Tossing the blueberries in flour is a smart technique to prevent them from sinking. Overall, this recipe is well-structured and promises a delicious, wholesome treat.

Enhance Your Blueberry Bran Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roasted Vegetable Medley: Imagine a colorful array of carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted to perfection, drizzled with a hint of olive oil and sprinkled with herbs. The earthy flavors will beautifully complement the sweetness of the blueberries in your muffins.

Maple-Glazed Bacon Strips: Maple-Glazed Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon strips glazed with a touch of maple syrup provide a savory and sweet contrast to your muffins. The smoky, caramelized notes will dance on your palate, making each bite of the muffin even more delightful.

Greek Yogurt Parfait: Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy Greek yogurt with a medley of fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and a sprinkle of granola. The tanginess of the yogurt will balance the rich flavors of the molasses and blueberries in your muffins.

Herbed Quinoa Salad: Herbed Quinoa Salad: A light and refreshing quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The nutty texture of quinoa pairs wonderfully with the hearty bran in the muffins, creating a wholesome meal.

Citrus Fruit Salad: Citrus Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of oranges, grapefruits, and mint leaves, lightly drizzled with honey. The refreshing citrus notes will enhance the orange juice in your muffins, creating a harmonious burst of flavors.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Blueberry Bran Muffins

Banana Nut Bran Muffins: If you love the wholesome goodness of blueberry bran muffins, you'll adore these banana nut bran muffins. Packed with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, these muffins are a delightful way to start your day. The wheat bran adds a hearty texture, while a touch of cinnamon brings warmth to every bite.

Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffins: For a cozy and comforting treat, try making apple cinnamon bran muffins. These muffins combine the sweetness of apples with the spicy kick of cinnamon. The wheat bran provides a nutritious base, and a sprinkle of brown sugar on top creates a delightful crunch.

Carrot Raisin Bran Muffins: Add a twist to your morning routine with carrot raisin bran muffins. These muffins are loaded with shredded carrots and plump raisins, making them both nutritious and delicious. The wheat bran and whole wheat flour give them a hearty texture, while a hint of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Bran Muffins: Embrace the flavors of fall with pumpkin spice bran muffins. These muffins are made with pureed pumpkin and a blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The wheat bran adds fiber and a satisfying chew, making these muffins a perfect autumn treat.

Zucchini Walnut Bran Muffins: For a unique and tasty twist, try zucchini walnut bran muffins. These muffins feature grated zucchini and chopped walnuts, creating a moist and flavorful treat. The wheat bran provides a nutritious base, and a touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.

Why trust this Blueberry Bran Muffins Recipe:

This blueberry bran muffins recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome wheat bran and juicy blueberries, ensuring a nutritious and flavorful treat. The combination of brown sugar and molasses adds a rich sweetness, while the orange juice provides a refreshing citrus twist. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe guarantees a perfect batch every time. Trust in the balance of flavors and the quality of ingredients to deliver a satisfying and healthy snack.

If you enjoyed this Blueberry Bran Muffins Recipe, head over to the Recipe Sharing section to share your experience and discuss any tips or variations you discovered while baking these delightful muffins.

FAQ:

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before tossing them with the flour.

Can I substitute the shortening with another type of fat?

Absolutely! You can use butter or coconut oil as a substitute for shortening. Just make sure it's at room temperature for easier mixing.

How do I store leftover muffins?

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these muffins gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour. Also, ensure that the baking powder and baking soda you use are gluten-free.

What can I use instead of molasses?

If you don't have molasses, you can use honey, maple syrup, or even dark corn syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.