Name: Apple Cider Bran Muffins: Healthy Mini Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 48
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 0.75 cup bran cereal (such as General Mills® Fiber One®); 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 tart apple, peeled and diced; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1.5 cups cold apple cider; 0.5 cup applesauce; 2 eggs; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Embrace the comforting flavors of fall with these delightful mini muffins. Packed with whole grains, spiced apple, and a hint of cider, they're a guilt-free indulgence perfect for breakfast or a midday treat.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Generously spray two 24-cup mini muffin tins with cooking spray to prevent sticking. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

02

Step

In a food processor, grind the bran cereal until it resembles a fine flour. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the whole wheat flour, diced apple, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Whisk together to ensure even distribution. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

03

Step

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold apple cider, applesauce, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. The batter will be slightly runny. Allow the batter to rest for 1-2 minutes. During this time, the baking soda will react with the apple cider, causing the batter to thicken and slightly double in size. (Prep time: 5 minutes, Rest time: 2 minutes)

04

Step

Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, carefully fill each prepared mini muffin cup with batter, leaving a little space at the top. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

05

Step

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops of the muffins spring back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. (Bake time: 12 minutes)

06

Step

Remove the muffin tins from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (Cooling time: 10 minutes)