Mimi's Copycat Molasses Bran Muffins

Sweet, moist, and dense Molasses Bran Muffins are a copycat for the delicious pastry served at Mimi's Cafe.  These muffins will give the word Bran a brand new reputation after you taste just how mouthwatering they are.

My family loves these molasses bran muffins! And to be honest, they're one of my favorite sweet breads to bake. I think after you try them out you will totally agree!

If you enjoy this bran muffin recipe, you might also enjoy these strawberry bran muffins.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Healthy, yet heavenly. A healthy muffin that doesn't taste it!
• A hit with kids and adults!
• An easy recipe. Don't be frightened by the long ingredient list, these bran muffins with molasses are simple enough for any level cook!

What Is A Molasses Bran Muffin?

Some people turn their noses up when they hear the word "bran", but I promise that you will LOVE these muffins. They are sweet, tasty, moist, and full of fiber for your belly.  

These muffins are made with bran in the batter.  This particular recipe calls for brown sugar and molasses giving it a rich and deep flavor.

This recipe also has a delicious glaze that you put inside the bottom of your muffin tin, giving them a "pineapple-upside-down-cake-quality."  So forget that dry bran texture and dig into these tasty muffins!

Ingredients

I know the ingredient list is long, but trust me - they're easy to make and this combo makes one killer muffin!

For the bran muffin batter you'll need:

• Molasses: The signature ingredient that adds a dark, rich sweetness to these moist and delicious muffins.
• Other sweeteners: In addition to the molasses, this recipe uses honey and dark brown sugar.
• Raisins: Pureed to add to the batter in order to keep the muffins moist and delicious.
• Flavors: Vanilla and orange zest.
• Liquids and binders: Buttermilk and eggs give rich flavor, some tang, and contribute to the texture of the muffins.
• Wheat flour and wheat bran: This combination gives these muffins their hearty, dense texture.
• Leaveners: This recipe uses a combination of baking powder and baking soda.
• Glaze: You're also going to need butter, white and dark brown sugar, and dark corn syrup.

For the full list of ingredients and exact quantities, check the recipe card further down on the page.

What is Bran?

Bran is the hard outer layer of whole cereal grains such as oats, wheat, rice, and corn. Bran is a wonderful ingredient to add to your diet.

It contains protein, iron, fiber, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and other nutrients, including B-vitamins, and selenium. Selenium combats the effects of free radicals, lowering the risks of heart disease and cancer.

How to Make Bran Muffins

Let's look at how simple these bran muffins with molasses are to make. To get started, gather all your ingredients.

Step 1: Make the Molasses Glaze

1. In a medium bowl combine all ingredients.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Evenly divide the glaze into the bottom of your muffin tin.  You'll use about one-third tablespoon in each cup.

Step 2: Mix the Bran Muffin Batter

After your glaze is mixed, you're ready to mix up the muffin batter.

1. Combine water and raisins in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Transfer the puree to a large mixing bowl.
4. Add brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, eggs,  buttermilk, vegetable oil, and orange zest.

5. Mix until well combined.
6. Add wheat flour, bran, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
7. Mix until just combined.
8. Fill your muffin cups with batter, topping them all the way to the top of the cup. Bake at 350 degrees for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 3: Flip and Cool

9. When the muffins are done cooking, Immediately invert the muffins on a baking sheet.
10. Transfer to a cooling rack.
11. Serve warm.

Variations and Substitutions

Raisins: Swap with dates or prunes. These are all similar types of dried fruit and will work to add moisture and a hint of sweetness.

Mini size: For small muffins, you can eat in one or two bites, use a small muffin tin and follow the same instructions for filling it. Bake in the oven for ten minutes. Then check for doneness and extend the cooking time as needed.

What to Serve With Bran Muffins

These easy molasses bran muffins are perfect for an everyday breakfast or snack but they can also be served up for an elegant outdoor party or family brunch.

• Add a topping: They're great with a smear of butter or add some apple pear butter, jam, or your favorite nut butter.
• With a hot beverage: Serve up your favorite but you might want to try a Russian Tea or a Caramel Apple Spice Coffee Drink.
• Brunch side dish: They make a delicious side for all types of egg dishes, such as Egg Souffle, Farmer's Casserole, and Scrambled Eggs.
• Fresh fruit: Keep it simple with some berries or consider this Mojito Fruit Salad, Grilled Stone Fruit Salad, or Tropical Fruit Salad for something a little more special.

Expert Tips and FAQs

• Don't forget to spray the muffin tin! It definitely makes cleanup a whole lot easier and also your muffins will easily come out of the pan.
• Invert the muffins as soon as you remove them from the oven.
• For best flavor and texture, serve up these muffins while warm.

More Muffin Recipes

Are you looking for more muffin recipes? Be sure to check out our:

• Buttermilk Banana Muffins
• Coffee Cake Muffins
• Pumpkin Muffins
• Chocolate Muffins

Don't Be Shy!

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