Spiced Apple Muffins
Easy spiced apple muffins with bran flakes, fruit puree and optional cocoa. Mix quickly and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
Submitted by: Barry Kimelman from Winnipeg, Manitoba/Canada
Yield: 16
- Bran flakes and fruit puree add fiber and moisture while grated apple gives texture.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined to avoid tough muffins; bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Recipe is flexible: use egg substitutes, add cocoa with dry ingredients, and freeze baked muffins up to 3 months.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free flour?
Yes. For whole wheat, try swapping half of the all-purpose flour to keep the crumb lighter and add a splash more milk if the batter looks stiff. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add xanthan gum if the blend does not contain it.
How do I keep the muffins moist?
Do not overmix the batter and do not overbake. The fruit puree and grated apple already help. You can also replace part of the milk with yogurt or add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil or melted butter for extra moisture.
What egg substitutes work and what amounts should I use?
Good swaps are 1/4 cup applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana per egg. For a vegan binder, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit 5 minutes for one egg. Follow package directions for commercial egg replacers.
How do I add cocoa or chocolate?
Stir the cocoa powder in with the dry ingredients. If you add sweet chocolate chips, reduce the sugar slightly. Cocoa can dry the batter a bit, so add a tablespoon of extra milk if the batter seems thick.
How long will the muffins keep and can I freeze them?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a microwave or oven before serving.
Should I crush or soak the bran flakes?
You can use bran flakes whole for more texture. If you prefer a softer crumb, pulse them a few seconds in a food processor or soak them in the milk for 5 to 10 minutes before mixing.
How do I tell when muffins are done and how do I adjust baking time for different sizes?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tops should be set and lightly golden. For mini muffins bake about 9 to 12 minutes, standard 12 to 15 minutes, and jumbo 18 to 22 minutes at 350°F.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free flour?
Yes. For whole wheat, try swapping half of the all-purpose flour to keep the crumb lighter and add a splash more milk if the batter looks stiff. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add xanthan gum if the blend does not contain it.
How do I keep the muffins moist?
Do not overmix the batter and do not overbake. The fruit puree and grated apple already help. You can also replace part of the milk with yogurt or add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil or melted butter for extra moisture.
What egg substitutes work and what amounts should I use?
Good swaps are 1/4 cup applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana per egg. For a vegan binder, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit 5 minutes for one egg. Follow package directions for commercial egg replacers.
How do I add cocoa or chocolate?
Stir the cocoa powder in with the dry ingredients. If you add sweet chocolate chips, reduce the sugar slightly. Cocoa can dry the batter a bit, so add a tablespoon of extra milk if the batter seems thick.
How long will the muffins keep and can I freeze them?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a microwave or oven before serving.
Should I crush or soak the bran flakes?
You can use bran flakes whole for more texture. If you prefer a softer crumb, pulse them a few seconds in a food processor or soak them in the milk for 5 to 10 minutes before mixing.
How do I tell when muffins are done and how do I adjust baking time for different sizes?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tops should be set and lightly golden. For mini muffins bake about 9 to 12 minutes, standard 12 to 15 minutes, and jumbo 18 to 22 minutes at 350°F.
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