These Healthy Oat Bran Muffins are easy, fluffy, and too good to pass up!
There’s nothing like a pan of freshly baked muffins to start the day. Whether it’s a batch of healthy zucchini muffins with applesauce or some indulgent muffins loaded with chocolate chips, muffins are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or honestly, any time! They’re a delightful, easy snack that’s hard to resist for young and old.
But here’s a little confession: I absolutely love bran muffins. I know, they might sound a bit like a “health food” throwback (much like prune juice), but hear me out. Bran muffins have this amazing texture. They’re slightly chewy, with wholesome flecks of goodness that make each bite more satisfying than the last. Rustic, hearty, and totally addictive. I’m so excited to share these healthy oat bran muffins with you! You’ll love their tender, moist crumb and how they’re deliciously balanced with just the right touch of sweetness to curb your cravings. Plus, they’re dairy-free and made with wholesome ingredients, a better choice than the typical refined options often found in other muffins.
Are These Oat Bran Muffins Healthy?
Yes! Oat bran is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which not only keeps you satisfied but has also been linked to improved blood sugar levels and helps to naturally reduce cholesterol. They can easily be made vegan with flax “eggs.” In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of flax meal with six tablespoons of water. Leave this for ten minutes until it becomes gelatinous, and use instead of the eggs.
Oat bran Vs. Oatmeal: What’s The Difference?
While oat bran and oatmeal both come from oats, they’re processed differently but offer similar nutritional benefits. Oatmeal includes the entire grain, or the whole oat groat, while oat bran is the outer layer of the oat groat, which is removed during processing. Oat bran is slightly higher in soluble fiber and protein than oatmeal, but both have similar amounts of fat and carbs. Oat bran, however, has fewer calories. Both are healthy choices, but bear in mind that oat bran should be used differently than oatmeal, as it has a shorter cooking time and tends to absorb a lot of liquid. Therefore, in baking recipes, it should never replace oatmeal 1:1 and should be adjusted accordingly.
How to Make Ahead And Store
Muffins should preferably be stored at room temperature, as refrigerating them tends to dry them out. Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen in Ziploc bags for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Why not serve these muffins as part of a healthy and relaxed weekend brunch? In that case, I would include an Easy And Creamy Quinoa Casserole, a stack of wholesome Blueberry Waffles and some Shirred Eggs.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups oat bran
- 3/4 cup oat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Whisk the bran, flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, almond milk, oil, eggs and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Use an ice cream scoop (a spoon works too) to fill 9 muffin cavities about 2/3 of the way full.
- Bake for 5 minutes. Then, turn the oven temperature down to 375°F and bake another 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan completely before enjoying.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Very nice!
I’ve been looking for a good oat bran muffin recipe and needed it to be gluten free. This was an easy recipe and the muffin was delicious and very filling. A great breakfast option for this busy writer who struggles to have time for breakfast. AND I can freeze them. 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed them Vonnie
Where do you buy oat bran?
Would it be possible to use almond flour as a substitute for the oat flour?
Hi Susan – Yes, almond flour can typically be used as a substitute for oat flour but taste may change a bit.
Love this recipe!! I use stevia and a teaspoon of Carmel flavoring instead of coconut sugar. Do use a good brand of oat bran, Red Mill or Quaker Oats are good, used a store brand once and the muffins were way too dense.
Thanks for letting me know, so happy you like it!
Fantastic! This is a delicious recipe. I can’t believe there is no oil or fat in this because the muffins are so moist and flavorful! This is a real winner!
They really do come out great! Thanks for reading. Glad to hear you enjoyed them.
I am diabetic so could I substitute applesauce and/or swerve for the sugar? Also, could I add dates?
Hi Bonnie – I haven’t tried but I think that should work. Please let me know if you try.
I want to make healthy bran muffins without alot of sugar.Could I use applesauce instead of brown sugar?? I’m trying hard to eliminate sugar from my food source.I’m also pre-diabetic, so it is important to me. I would add chopped walnuts to the muffins. Any suggestions besides what I’ve typed??
I’m almost 80 years old and starting 6 rounds of chemotherapy next week.
I love muffins, but just want healthy. This recipe is the best I’ve seen so far. Thank you
Hi Ilene, You can definitely use unsweetened applesauce instead of brown sugar; start with a 1:1 swap and adjust to taste. Adding chopped walnuts should work well! Wishing you strength and healing on your journey. 🙏💛
An I add frozen blueberries and if so, how can I keep them from dropping to the bottom when baking?
Hi Olga – Yes, you can add frozen blueberries. I recommend tossing them in a bit of oat flour before mixing to help keep them from sinking.
can these be baked in a ninja sirfryer
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the time since it may cook faster than a regular oven.
Delicious! I added 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and used Truvia brown sugar blend.
Added cinnamon is a great idea! Thanks for the 5-star rating