Healthy Apple Bran Muffins
Posted: 02/19/2014
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Apple bran muffins are easy to make with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Low in fat and high in fiber — they make a great breakfast for your whole family!
I’m always looking for healthy breakfasts that I can prep ahead of time and quickly pull out in the mornings and feed to my kids. I often make these healthy morning muffins with oats, raisins, carrots, and flaxseed. They love whole wheat pancakes, too, so I make a bunch and freeze them. They reheat perfectly in the toaster oven (or toaster).
I want to them to have a healthy breakfast. But honestly, the real reason? I’d rather drink coffee than spend a lot of time in the kitchen first thing in the morning. My husband also loves an easy breakfast that he can grab and take into the bathroom while he shaves, or something he can grab on the way out the door.
Meanwhile, I get to drink coffee.
I joked on my Facebook page yesterday about giving up coffee. I went without it for two days because I had a terrible stomach flu (seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever felt worse in my life). So I went two days without coffee because it didn’t sound good. I had terrible headaches, maybe from the flu, maybe from the lack of coffee.
So I started thinking — I’ve already begun the coffee detox, maybe I should just continue and cut it out for good! But then I wake up and smell the coffee (literally and figuratively) and realize I have two toddlers to take care of, one of whom likes to get up before 6 AM every day. Pour me some coffee and pass me a muffin. Stat.
About these apple bran muffins
These apple bran muffins are simple to make, nutritious, and so tasty. I’ve made similar blueberry muffins before.
This recipe uses whole wheat flour and wheat bran for lots of grainy texture and flavor. You can easily substitute all-purpose flour if you don’t have whole wheat or if you would like a lighter muffin.
What kind of apples? I use Granny Smith apples because they are tart and stay firm when cooked. Go ahead and use whatever kind of apple you have or like, the results will be similar.
For this recipe, I use a combination of butter flavored olive oil and Greek yogurt rather than butter. They turn out amazingly flavorful and are better for you, as well. Since butter flavored olive oil may not be in your pantry, you can easily substitute extra light olive oil, butter, canola or vegetable oil.
You’ll love how the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking apples fill the kitchen while these apple bran muffins bake. It’s heavenly!
Lots more muffins!
I have lots of muffin recipes to share with you. I mentioned a couple, but here’s more for you to try:
- Triple Chocolate Banana Muffins — don’t worry, these are healthier than you would expect!
- Strawberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Morning Glory Muffins
- Pumpkin Bran Muffins
- Skinny Banana Bread Muffins
- Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
- Blueberry Strawberry Muffins
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
muffins
Apple bran muffins are easy to make with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Low in fat and high in fiber — they make a great breakfast for your whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2/3 cup wheat bran
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 tablespoons butter flavored olive oil (a extra light olive oil would work too)
- 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line 12 muffin cups with liners, or lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Whisk dry ingredients in a medium bowl, set aside.
- Using a mixer, beat oil, yogurt, and sugar on high until combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. With mixer on low, alternate adding flour mixture and milk (about half of each at a time). Fold in chopped apples.
- Divide into prepared muffin cups and sprinkle tops with turbinado sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Notes
- If desired, replace butter flavored olive oil with melted butter, vegetable or canola oil.
- Any type of apple will work. I like apples that stay firm when cooked.
- Batter can be mixed by hand if you don't want to get your mixer out.
- Substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat, or a combination, if you prefer.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1muffin, Calories: 167kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 225mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 11g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Husband’s take: He loves these. Kids do too!
Changes I would make: None are necessary.
Difficulty: Easy!
This post is NOT sponsored, but I did receive STAR Fine Foods Butter Flavored Olive Oil to try at no cost.
Mignon McKennon says
Rachel, due to pandemic, I am not able to go out and get the butter flavored olive oil. Could I substitute butter flavored Crisco? How much? I realize they won’t be quite as healthy but running to store is not possible right now.
Rachel Gurk says
I haven’t tested it that way, but it should work alright. Do you have canola or vegetable oil available?
Robin F says
Hi, Rachel. These muffins sounds good. I am counting calories, could you yell me the calories content per muffins? I would love to try them, Greek yogurt in them sounds good.
Rachel Gurk says
Hi Robin –
Thanks! I don’t calculate nutritional values for my recipes due to the variations in brands, etc. But there are lots of great online calculators if you want to do a quick calculation yourself. Hope you love the muffins!
max says
I’m feeling crabby this morning…..I probably DO NOT have these things already in my pantry: butter flavored olive oil, non fat Greek yogurt
Rachel Gurk says
Ha! No worries. I always have non-fat Greek yogurt on hand but I understand that not everyone does. As for the butter flavored olive oil, you could easily use canola or just a light olive oil.
Anne [A Squared] says
These look so great– I am always looking for healthy muffin recipes and this is perfect!
Lauren says
Any time I can give my family something healthy without them knowing it, I do it!! We will definitely try these!
Paula – bell’alimento says
Girl, I have to have a cup of coffee and these muffins would be perfect companion to it!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
I’ve recently given up coffee, it’s SO hard!!! All I want right now, is a big steaming cup with french vanilla creamer. I’ve been having caffeine free a couple times a week, but it’s just not the same. It’s even harder when there’s something yummy like these muffins and all I want to do is relax with my muffin and my coffee. I think maybe I could make an exception for these though…. They look just scrumptious, and I’m always looking for healthier breakfast options, that don’t feel or taste healthy. Yum!
laurasmess says
Sorry to hear that you’ve been feeling so ill. Sounds horrible! I hope that you’ll have a swift recovery and be back to normal in no time. On a happier note, these muffins look divine. Oh, and coffee? Uh, it’s medicinal right?! xx
Happy Valley Chow says
Dannggg those muffins sound delicious! I definitely wouldn’t mind having this with a big cup of coffee :)
Happy Blogging!
Liz @ Virtually Homemade says
Stomach flus stink! I never want coffee either and trust me I love my coffee! It’s so hard to give up. These muffins look great!
Cassie says
I always think I would like to cut back on coffee but then I realize that NO ONE would want to be around me. Ever. Love these muffins!
denise says
muffins sound great
going cold turkey on caffeine is rough–my doctor told me to never do it again (if possible)–I know when you’re sick it cant’ always be helped. Johns Hopkins University had an interesting study that proved the addiction of caffeine is real for some people. I am one of them.
Susan Hurley says
I don’t have butter-flavored olive oil or extra light olive oil, and I’m hesitant to buy a bottle of either just for one recipe. If I use butter, should I use 3 Tbsp.? Or how about canola oil? I’ve also seen recipes where applesauce is used as a substitute. Would a combination of applesauce with a small amount of olive oil work? If you think so, what amounts would you recommend?
Rachel Gurk says
I would do canola or butter — 3 tablespoons, yes. I wouldn’t do the applesauce only because I already use non-fat Greek yogurt in these and a little fat will help the texture and moistness.
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I have never heard of butter flavored olive oil…I gotta try that!
I love muffins for the same reasons! I have actually only ever used blueberries in bran muffins and I am totally diggin this apple version! Pinned!
Taylor @ greens & chocolate says
I tried doing a detox/cleanse about a month ago and I think not having coffee was the worst part. I seriously felt awful the second day, so the detox did not last long :) I also love having quick and easy breakfasts ready for me on weekday mornings…these healthy muffins look delicious, Rachel! Oh and I’m glad you’re feeling better!