Introduction

Raisin bran muffins offer a moist, flavorful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a clever soaking method, these muffins are perfect for busy mornings or casual brunches. With optional add-ins, you can customize them to your taste.

The image shows four brown muffins with a rough, crunchy texture on the top and darker edges at the bottom. Each muffin has a few raisins scattered on the top, showing dark brown and golden colors. The muffins are all arranged on a round white plate with a subtle pattern at the center, placed on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the golden brown color and the detailed texture of the muffins, making them look fresh and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups raisin bran cereal
1 cup milk (whole or plant-based)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional: ½ teaspoon orange zest
Optional: ¼ cup additional raisins

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine raisin bran cereal and milk. Let soak for 5-10 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center.
Step 4: Add oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the soaked cereal mixture and stir until combined.
Step 5: Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined; batter should be lumpy.
Step 6: Fold in any optional add-ins (nuts, orange zest, extra raisins) with a few gentle strokes.
Step 7: Divide batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about ¾ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 8: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For gluten-free muffins, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free cereal.
For vegan muffins, substitute plant milk and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes).
Try replacing half the flour with whole wheat or oat bran for extra fiber.
Reduce sugar to ⅓ cup and add 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
Replace half the oil with applesauce to lower fat while keeping moisture.
Add 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds for omega-3 boost.

Storage

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days thanks to the cereal soaking. For longer storage, freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap inside a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave for 30 seconds or thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

The image shows four golden brown muffins with a slightly rough texture on their tops, dotted with dark brown and yellow raisins. Each muffin is rounded with a slightly raised dome-shaped top, showcasing a moist, crumbly surface with visible specks of oats or grain. They sit close together on a white plate with a gray patterned center, placed on a white marbled textured surface. The muffins' outer crust looks crisp while the inside appears soft and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bran cereal?

Yes! You can substitute plain bran flakes or bran cereals with other dried fruits, just maintain the cereal-to-milk ratio for proper soaking and moisture.

Why did my muffins sink in the middle?

This usually happens if the oven temperature is too high, causing rapid rising then collapse, or if the muffins are underbaked. Use an oven thermometer and test doneness with a toothpick for best results.