Spiced Apple Bran Muffins with Sour Cream
These Spiced Apple Bran Muffins are the perfect wholesome treat for breakfast or a midday snack. Loaded with nutritious ingredients, these mini muffins are enhanced with the sweetness of apples and the warmth of pumpkin pie spice, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. A blend of light sour cream and yogurt keeps the muffins moist while offering a tang that complements the natural sweetness of the apples and raisins. Ideal for your morning routine or as a healthy on-the-go option, these muffins are a delicious addition to your recipe collection. Originally published in the SF Chronicle in June 1992, this recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among families.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
4 tablespoons (softened)
Brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
Granulated sugar
1/4 cup
Whole egg
1
Egg whites
2
Light sour cream
1/3 cup
Nonfat yogurt
1/3 cup
Light molasses
1/4 cup
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour
1 cup
100% all-bran cereal
1 cup
Baking powder
2 teaspoons
Baking soda
1 teaspoon
Pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Raisins
1/2 cup
Unpeeled apples
2 cups (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Line a mini muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Incorporate the whole egg, egg whites, light sour cream, nonfat yogurt, molasses, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, bran cereal, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should remain slightly lumpy.
7
Fold in the raisins and chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes if using mini muffin cups or 20 minutes if using standard muffin cups.
10
The muffins are done when the tops spring back lightly when touched. Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Apple Bran Muffins with Sour Cream?
They are a wholesome breakfast treat or snack loaded with bran, apples, and pumpkin pie spice, featuring a moist texture from sour cream and yogurt.
When was this recipe originally published?
This recipe was originally published in the SF Chronicle in June 1992.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long should mini muffins be baked?
Mini muffins should be baked for approximately 15 minutes.
How long should standard-sized muffins be baked?
Standard-sized muffins should be baked for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the muffins are finished baking?
The muffins are done when the tops spring back lightly when touched.
What type of bran cereal is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of 100% all-bran cereal.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, the recipe specifies using two cups of coarsely chopped unpeeled apples.
What makes these muffins moist?
A blend of light sour cream and nonfat yogurt is used to keep the muffins moist while adding a slight tang.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of softened butter.
What type of sugars are used for sweetening?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/3 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need one whole egg and two egg whites.
What gives the muffins their spiced flavor?
The warmth and flavor come from two teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the all-purpose flour, bran cereal, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
What is the correct way to mix the batter?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined without overmixing.
Should the batter be smooth?
No, the batter should remain slightly lumpy to ensure a better texture.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter.
How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin?
Line the muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
What is the purpose of molasses in this recipe?
Light molasses is added to provide a deep sweetness and complement the spice profile.
When should I add the raisins and apples?
Fold in the raisins and chopped apples at the very end, once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
How should the muffins be cooled?
Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Are these muffins suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, they are tagged as healthy and whole grain, featuring nutritious ingredients like apples and bran cereal.
Can these muffins be a snack?
Yes, they are described as an ideal midday snack or a healthy on-the-go morning option.
How many specific ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the preparation for the apples?
The apples should be unpeeled and coarsely chopped.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
The tags suggest a vegan option is possible through substitutions, though the base recipe uses eggs and dairy.
What category of food is this?
These fall under the categories of muffins, breakfast items, and quick breads.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of nonfat?
While the recipe specifies nonfat yogurt, regular plain yogurt would likely work as a substitute.
What should I do first in the mixing process?
The first mixing step is to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of vanilla extract.