Easy & Healthy Bran Muffins the Whole Family Loves

Muffins - Purple

Muffin - Open

Muffin - Multicolored

If you’ve ever tried to find a snack that’s healthy, filling, and loved by both adults and kids—you know it’s not easy. That’s why bran muffins have become a staple in our house.

They’re simple to make, packed with heart-healthy ingredients, and versatile enough to satisfy everyone’s flavor preferences. With six of us under one roof, we go through a dozen every 1–2 days. These muffins show up at breakfast, alongside coffee, and even as that essential afternoon snack when someone (okay, all of us) starts to get a little hangry.

Why We Love Them

• Healthy and heart-friendly

• Quick to prep—done in 45 minutes

• Customizable with endless mix-ins

• Easy to store and grab on the go

  
  

Everyone in the family gets in on the fun by tossing in their favorite additions—my 15-year-old daughter likes hers with dried cherries, while my 11-year-old son votes for banana and mini chocolate chips. (No judgment if you sneak in caramel chips… they’re so good.)

Storage Tips

Let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container:

• On the counter: 3–4 days

• In the fridge: Up to 1 week

They also freeze well—just pop them in a freezer bag and thaw overnight for busy mornings.

Bran Muffin Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bran flakes (crushed)

• ½ cup raisins or other mix-ins (dried cranberries, banana, nuts, caramel or chocolate chips, etc.)

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ¾ cup milk (dairy-free works too!)

• ½ cup molasses (or swap for honey or maple syrup)

• 2 tablespoons oil (I use olive oil)

• 1 egg (lightly beaten)

• 1½ cups whole wheat flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• Muffin Liners

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Line and spray your muffin liners and pan.

3. In a large bowl, combine the crushed bran flakes with the applesauce, milk, molasses, oil, and egg.

4. Let the mixture soak for 5–6 minutes until the flakes are soft and soggy.

5. Stir in your mix-in of choice (raisins, fruit, etc.).

6. Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

7. Spray muffin cups with nonstick spray and divide the batter evenly.

8. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Let cool, then store in an airtight container.

   
   

Bonus Tip: Make It a Family Tradition

Want to get your kids more involved in the kitchen? Let them choose the next batch’s flavor combo. It’s a small way to give them ownership and it turns snack time into something everyone looks forward to.

Let me know what mix-ins your family loves most. And if you try this recipe, tag me. I’d love to see your muffin creations!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share products we use and love in our own home. Thanks for supporting my blog and our muffin habit!