Fiber! Fiber! Get your fiber! These muffins are full of fiber, but even better they are full of flavor. This recipe is a bran muffin that actually tastes good! The key is the coconut oil. It provides a subtle coconut flavor to the muffins that give them a new and improved taste. Who knew bran muffins could be so delicious?
Why Our Recipe
- Finally! A bran muffin that actually tastes good!
- Coconut oil is the secret ingredient that gives it a good flavor.
- Packed with fiber from 100% bran cereal to get you going in the morning.
The doctor handed me a recipe for bran muffins many years ago when I was pregnant with my first child. We like bran cereal okay enough, and those muffins tasted okay, but they were definitely not the best. Over the years, we took that recipe and tweaked it here and there until it evolved into this! It’s a tried and true hit with everyone!
Ingredient Notes
- 100% All Bran Cereal: Stick with a 100% bran cereal for maximum fiber content. You can find it in the cereal aisle near other high-fiber options. Avoid bran flakes, as they don’t absorb liquid the same way.
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Coconut Oil: Use melted coconut oil. It adds a subtle coconut flavor without being overpowering. You could also use melted butter, but trust me, the flavor isn’t the same.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works here.
- All-Purpose Flour: Stick with all-purpose flour for the best texture. Whole wheat flour can be used for a dense muffin, but it tends to be a bit drier.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Make sure these are fresh and not expired for the best rise in your muffins.
Bran Cereal Options
100% Bran Cereal: Look for cereals labeled as “100% bran,” which are typically small, twig-like pieces. This is the ideal choice for bran muffins. It provides a high fiber content and a robust bran flavor. Brands like Kellogg’s All-Bran or Post Bran Flakes are excellent options.
Bran Flakes: While bran flakes are common, they don’t absorb liquid the same way as 100% bran cereal, resulting in a thinner batter. If using bran flakes, reduce the buttermilk by 1/4 cup to maintain the proper consistency.
Store Brands vs. Name Brands: Most stores carry a generic version of 100% bran cereal that is just as effective as name brands like Kellogg’s All-Bran.
Mix-Ins
These bran muffins are pretty amazing as is, but if you’re feeling creative by adding mix-ins to your batter.
Fruits: Toss in some dried raisins, chopped dates, or cranberries. About 1/2 cup should do the trick.
Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Stick to around 1/3 cup.
Spices: Want to spice things up? Try a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a mix of both.
Shredded Coconut: Amp up the coconut vibes with 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut.
Chocolate Chips: Treat yourself with 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks—because who doesn’t love chocolate?
Why Bran?
Bran is packed with dietary fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion and helps keep everything moving smoothly (if you know what I mean). It’s also great for keeping you satisfied, so you’re not reaching for snacks an hour after breakfast.
But the benefits don’t stop there! Bran is also a good source of important nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, making it a smart choice for a balanced diet. It’s wholesome, hearty, and, best of all, tastes amazing in this recipe. So, if you’re looking to add a little health boost to your mornings, bran is where it’s at!
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store your bran muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature or warm them up slightly in the microwave before serving.
Freezer: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop one in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or let it thaw on the counter for a quick grab-and-go option.
More muffin recipes…
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
I can’t tell that this is going to be wonderful. I would like to put chopped walnuts in the batter. I like lots of walnuts but I don’t want it to get too dry or fall apart because of the walnuts. What’s the highest amount of walnuts I can put in?
This recipe is fantastic! I only had raisin bran on hand, and I made my own buttermilk with the vinegar….other than that I followed the recipe. I made 10 muffins instead of 12, as I like a nice size muffin. I was pleasantly surprised that I could not taste the coconut oil. Super recipe!!!!!
I have been looking for a better bran muffin recipe and finally found it. We LOVED these….similar to Dose Coffee Shop in Nashville Bran Muffins. The coconut oil makes a difference! I may play with this a little to replace some white flour with wheat but almost hate to change a great thing!
Add a 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and even better 8)
These were so delish !! I only had jumbo tins so had to adjust the bake times, but they came out so nice, just a little crumbly, but that might be due to my cook times. Will definitely bake these again.
Modified the recipe: 2/3 cup pure maple syrup for brown sugar. 2 eggs, 1 container vanilla yogurt, Flour increased To 1.5 cups, and added chocolate chips! Excellent
These muffins were delicious. I made a couple changes; all I had was Raisin Bran but the few added raisins just added to the great flavor. I added cinnamon and a few chopped walnuts , and I’m not crazy about coconut oil so I used peanut oil instead . They had a great flavor and the texture was great. Will definitely make again!
BEST Bran Muffins ever! I LOVE these! Easy to make and delicious! I sometimes add one Banana to the mixture and they are delicious, but these muffins are delicious without a banana in them. Thank you so much!!
I made these after watching your video, I’m 84 yrs young and I have been making bran muffins since I can remember. Without a doubt these are the BEST that I have ever made. I can’t stop eating them. My husband and I have one every night with a hot drink. Thank you for the new joy in our lives.
These muffins were great! My kids loved them, but my toddler has a hard time eating them without a substantial mess, so I was hoping to make some as mini muffins, but am hesitant on how to go about doing so because of the oven temperature change part-way through… Do you have any suggestions on how to adjust the time with this recipe as mini muffins? Thank you for the great recipe!