Cracker Barrel Apple Bran Muffins Recipe

Craving a delicious start to your morning?

These Cracker Barrel Apple Bran Muffins are packed with fiber and flavor, making them a perfect breakfast choice.

You’ll love how the apples add a natural sweetness, while the bran provides a hearty texture.

One key trick is to let the bran soak in the milk for about 10 minutes; this helps soften it and makes the muffins more tender.

The combination of oat bran, whole wheat flour, and flaxseed ensures these muffins aren’t just tasty but also nutritious.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits—it’s versatile and always a hit!

How to Make Cracker Barrel Apple Bran Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 cup Oat Bran
• 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 cup Apple (peeled and diced)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a muffin tray with paper liners.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix the oat bran and buttermilk.

Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to soften.

Step 3:

In another bowl, combine whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4:

To the oat bran mixture, add the egg and vegetable oil, stirring well.

Step 5:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Stir until just combined.

Step 6:

Fold in the diced apples gently.

Step 7:

Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter.

Step 8:

Bake for around 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choosing the Right Apples

Use firm apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

These varieties add a nice texture and flavor contrast to the muffins.

Measuring Ingredients

Accuracy in measuring ingredients, especially flour and bran, helps maintain the right texture.

Spoon the ingredients into the measuring cup and level off with a knife for best results.

Batter Consistency

The batter should be thick but not dry.

If it seems too thick, you can add a little more buttermilk.

This ensures the muffins stay moist and tender after baking.

Storing Muffins

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Reheat in the microwave for a warm treat.

You can enjoy them later, saving you time on busy mornings.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Apple Bran Muffins

Fresh Fruit Salad

Pair your muffins with a colorful fruit salad.

This combination adds a vibrant and juicy counterpoint to the hearty texture of the muffins.

Mix fresh berries, melons, and citrus fruits for a refreshing side.

Greek Yogurt and Honey

Serve a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt sweetened with a drizzle of honey.

The smooth and tangy yogurt balances nicely with the bran muffins’ rich flavors.

Add a sprinkle of granola for extra crunch.

Scrambled Eggs

Whip up some fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper.

They provide a savory balance to the sweet muffins.

Include fresh herbs like chives for added flavor.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

Try smoked salmon with a spread of cream cheese on the side.

This pairing might be unexpected, but it offers a delightful mix of flavors.

The smoky, creamy elements complement the muffins remarkably well.

Apple Slices with Almond Butter

Sliced apples with almond butter make a nutritious companion.

This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your breakfast.

Choose sweet or tart apple varieties to match your preference.

Variations and Substitutions

Changing Up the Apples

You can swap out the apples in this muffin recipe with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile.

Each alternative fruit should be peeled and diced to maintain the right consistency in your muffin batter.

Altering Sweeteners

If you want to reduce sugar, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

You can also use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lower glycemic index.

Different Flours

Whole wheat flour can be substituted with almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free option.

You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to account for the different absorption rates of these flours.

Adding Nuts and Seeds

Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and nutrition.

Seeds such as chia or flax can also be mixed into the batter for additional fiber and omega-3s.

Milk Alternatives

Use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk if you are lactose intolerant or prefer a vegan option.

Each alternative will slightly change the flavor but will work well in maintaining moisture and consistency.

How to Store Leftover Cracker Barrel Apple Bran Muffins

Cool Completely

Let your muffins cool completely before storing.

This helps prevent condensation that can make muffins soggy.

Place them on a wire rack to cool.

Airtight Container

Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container.

If you need to stack them, place a sheet of wax paper between layers.

This helps maintain their texture.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap.

Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer bag.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing the batter can cause your muffins to become dense and chewy instead of light and fluffy.

Make sure to stir the wet and dry ingredients until they are just combined, being careful not to overdo it.

Using Cold Ingredients

Using cold ingredients can prevent your muffins from rising properly.

Let your ingredients like eggs and milk reach room temperature before mixing them into the batter for the best results.

Skipping the Soak Time

Skipping the soak time for the bran can lead to dry and hard muffins.

Allow the bran to soak in the milk or liquid for at least 5 minutes to ensure it hydrates properly.