Apple Butter Bran Muffins
Ah Fall. This time of year, on blogs especially, everyone is raving about how much they love cooler weather, how excited they are for this time of year (i.e. the beginning of ‘The Holidays’) and how wonderful it is to be able to indulge in Pumpkin Spice Lattes again. Don’t deny it. You were one of those people posting pics to Facebook while in the Starbucks drive thru, weren’t you? I know. Its all good. I am right there with ya. Except not on the whole coffee thing because I am still nursing, but I would be if I could. Except for me it will be a decaf Peppermint Mocha. Um num nahm num. *drool drool*
But I digress…
My point is, at the risk of sounding, well, like everyone else, this really is my favorite time of the year. It always has been. When I lived in San Diego, I didn’t crave snow at Christmas, but I desperately wished I could bundle up in a sweatshirt, blue jeans, a stout pair of boots, and a tote a thermos of hot chocolate while the brisk air turns the end of my nose red. Attractive I know, but THAT is what I wait for all year. And even though, as a foodie, I love the produce and bounty of the warmer months the most when it comes to my kitchen, it is autumn that my heart belongs too. The smells that waft from a kitchen in fall are unlike any others and these muffins contribute to that. Also, most of my wardrobe is in earth tones so I am much more fashionable after Labor Day…
Apple butter is what makes these muffins stand out, giving them a sweet spiciness that sets them apart. They are healthy and super good for your heart and your scarf and boot clad bod. They somehow go perfectly with every hot drink in creation (I know. I’ve tried.) and they make the perfect snack or breakfast for this time of year. And yes, while baking, will make your house smell beyond amazing. Throw in a latte and you just won’t be able to stand it.
One Year Ago: Baja Fish Tacos, Double Chocolate Banana Bread & Pumpkin Pie Muffins
Apple Butter Bran Muffins
Idea from Eating Well
Of course, these freeze great. I recommend a double batch.
In a large bowl:
1 egg
1/2 c milk
1/2 c apple butter
1/3 c brown sugar or raw sugar
1/4 c canola oil
1/4 c molasses
Mix until completely incorporated. Add:
3/4 c wheat bran
3/4 c white whole wheat flour or whole wheat flour
3/4 c white flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
Fold ingredients gently, just until incorporated. Add:
1/2 c raisins
1/3 c chopped walnuts
Fold very gently just until mixed. Pour into greased or lined muffin cups (it seems to make exactly 10 every time I make these) and bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a crumb or two.
I can’t wait to try these! I just finished two huge batches of homemade apple butter (the first time I’ve tried making it)…and now I have all of this apple butter canned and frozen. 🙂 What a great way to use it. I’ll let you know how they turn out! (Pssst…how do YOU make apple butter?)
Noelle! You would be surprised how often people tell me they have apple butter but want other ways to use it! I know these muffins will turn out great because I have been making them for years and never had a problem with them! Make a double batch and then freeze them! Mike grabs them for breakfast right out of the freezer and they are nice to have around when I am pressed for time and company is over. I make apple butter on the stove (I have tried the crock-pot and it took FOREVER!) with apples and a bit of water. We found we like it best with white sugar instead of brown sugar. I add a tone of cinnamon and some cloves. Nothing else. But all recipes are good! I don’t think there could ever be bad apple butter!
Love this recipe! Will be linking back to this in my upcoming post 🙂
Thank you!
I made a double batch and brought it for a breakfast with Brad’s family. I love how healthy they are and that I can make them without buying cereal to go in it. The raisins, molasses and apple butter combine to make such a unique, sweet flavor (without tons of added sugar.) Thank you! Next time I make apple butter I think I’ll try it on the stove…I made two batches in our 6 qt. crockpot and each batch took about 2 days! Delicious…but a long process!
Thank you so much, Noelle! I am so glad you liked them. My kids INHALE them and when Lane is old enough, they make a good snack that I will just break up for him to eat with his fingers. Without the nuts and raisins of course. Happy Fall!!