Applesauce bran muffins are a type of quick bread which can be eaten at breakfast or for a snack. They are baked in tins with individual compartments for each serving. Cooks who want to make this type of muffin can find recipes calling for wheat bran or bran cereal. The recipe can be varied by adding raisins, nuts or a glaze on the muffins after they are baked.
Bran is a good source of fiber, which has a number of health benefits. Eating high-fiber foods like applesauce bran muffins helps to maintain a feeling of fullness longer, and can aid in weight loss. Another health benefit of eating a fiber-rich diet is that it can lower cholesterol levels to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and other health concerns.
Adding applesauce to a muffin recipe also adds fiber for good health. This product also contains Vitamin C and a small amount of protein. Applesauce is a good substitute for adding oil to a recipe, since it is fat-free.
Wheat bran is available in grocery stores. The wheat bran for applesauce bran muffins is measured out in the same manner as any other dry ingredient used for baking. After pouring it out into a measuring container, the cook will need to level off the top of the bran before adding it to the recipe.
When bran cereal is being used to make muffins, the recipe will usually specify a specific brand for the person baking them to use. The directions in the recipe should be followed carefully to ensure that the cereal is added to the other ingredients used to make the applesauce bran muffin at the right stage. The cereal may need to be added to the dry ingredients and then mixed with the eggs and other wet ingredients.
A cook can vary a recipe for applesauce bran muffins quickly and easily by adding some raisins or walnuts to it. The latter ingredient should be avoided if there are any concerns about nut allergies. If the recipe being followed doesn’t call for cinnamon, the cook can add a small amount to the batter to complement the applesauce.
When preparing applesauce bran muffins, the cook should take care not to overmix the ingredients. Instead, they should be blended gently until just mixed and then transferred into the muffin pan. Excessive mixing of the batter can lead to a tough texture in the finished product. The muffins should be baked on the middle rack of the oven for the length of time listed in the recipe.
