Raisin Bran Muffins

Two cereals we have always had in the house are Cheerios and Raisin Bran. (Occasionally some Lucky Charms or Fruit Loops will sneak into the mix for a weekend treat.) Since we are never without them, I like to think of creative ways to use them. I toss Cheerios into my granola bars or GORP all the time. And I make muffins with the Raisin Bran. They are healthy (tons of fiber and very little fat), filling, and super tasty. My non-bread-eater, Tink, had 6 one morning for breakfast. 6! A true testament to how yummy these Raisin Bran Muffins are.

You will need:

1 1/4 cups flour (I used white whole wheat)
1 T baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups Raisin Bran
1 cup milk (skim is great)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2T oil



Preheat your oven to 380 degrees. You'll be increasing to 400 after putting the muffins in the oven. An Alton Brown trick that I love! He says that the burst of increased temperature gives the makes the muffins puff up and gives you a better muffin top. No more flat muffins! Line a 12-cup muffin tin with papers liners or grease heavily.


Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cereal. Toss.



Add the milk and let sit for 3 minutes.



Stir in the egg, applesauce, sugar, and oil. Stir until just moistened.



I use a 1/3 measuring cup and it seems to fill each muffin perfectly. I get exactly 12 with no leftover batter.



I always, always, always, put a cookie sheet under my muffin tin. It keeps the muffins from burning on the bottom and provides a more even heat. Place the muffins into the oven and crank the heat to 400 degrees. Bake for 18-20 minutes.



These muffins come out moist, not too heavy, and absolutely delicious. The cinnamon adds a nice subtle flavor that balances nicely with the bran and raisins.



You don't even need butter on these muffins, but ooooo they're good with it! :)



Wrap them in foil and put them in a freezer bag and they'll keep in the freezer for a month. Thaw them overnight and in the morning give them a quick zap in the microwave (20 seconds on 50% power) and you have breakfast to go.

Enjoy!!