Healthy Toddler Bran Muffins

Welcome back winter, where have you been hiding? Saturday it was 50F and today (Monday) the high is 25F. Nothing like a cold day to make a baker out of anyone. Today I made bran muffins. I made this recipe with my toddler's breakfast in mind but they are delicious for my whole family! A friend of mine told me about this muffin recipe. They turned out great... but you know me, I have to experiment. ;) 

Here's the link to the original recipe: 

http://impressiveengineering.com/the-evolution-of-superman

Now I'll share the recipe as we make it in our house. I found it to be a really great base recipe and it made 6 dozen mini muffins! Step 1 - Make coffee ;)

Here is what you'll need:

1 c hot water

2 c bran cereal

1/4 c butter 

1/4 c applesauce

3/4 c sugar (1/4 c less than original recipe)

2 eggs

2 c buttermilk (or whole milk with 2 TSB of vinegar- more on this later)

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour

1 c all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

2 tsp vanilla (optional)

1/2 tsp banana extract (optional)

Addition 1 c bran cereal (you'll see why)

How She Does It:

Preheat your oven to 400F

Mix hot water and 2 c bran cereal together and set aside. If you don't have buttermilk then mix 2 c milk and 2 TBS vinegar and set aside for 5 minutes. 

Cream together butter, applesauce, vanilla, sugar, & eggs.

Mix in the buttermilk.

Add flour, salt, cinnamon, & baking soda and mix until fully incorporated.

Add water bran cereal and combine. 

Lastly add the dry 1 c bran cereal.

Fill greased mini muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 10-12 minutes.

I froze 4 dozen. Start with 10 minutes on a plate in the freezer then transfer to a freezer bag. It's not the quickest recipe but definitely an easy one and my freezer is now well stocked with a healthy breakfast option. I hope y'all enjoy.

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