Bran Muffins are a wholesome, old-fashioned breakfast favorite that date back to early 20th-century American baking traditions. This recipe, written on vintage stationery from The Home Insurance Company of New York, evokes a sense of timeless kitchen warmth. Bran muffins became popular as part of the early health food movement, valued for their fiber-rich bran and simple ingredients. Their mildly sweet, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with butter or honey, making them a comforting choice for breakfast or afternoon tea. These muffins represent the simplicity of homemade baking, no frills, just pure, hearty flavor that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups bran (wheat bran or bran cereal)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar (heaping)
- 1 tbsp lard (melted, or butter as modern substitute)
- 1 egg
- milk (about 1 cup, enough to create a medium-soft batter)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin lightly with butter or oil.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, bran, baking powder, and sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the melted lard (or butter) and the egg to the bowl. Gradually pour in enough milk to form a medium-soft batter, it should be thick but spoonable.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups
- Spoon the batter evenly into prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow muffins to cool slightly in the tin before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with butter or honey.
Tips
- Use paper liners or grease tins well to prevent sticking.
- Do not overmix; stir just until combined for tender muffins.
- Substitute melted butter or oil for lard if preferred.
- Add a small handful of raisins or chopped dates for sweetness.
- A pinch of salt (⅛ to ¼ tsp) can enhance overall flavor.
- Let batter rest 5 minutes before baking for better hydration.
- Sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking for a light crust.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean to avoid dryness.
Nutrition
Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 140mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 50IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.2mg
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