Ah, the joy of waking up to the smell of freshly baked muffins! It’s a simple yet profound pleasure. As I sit here reminiscing about my childhood breakfasts I can’t help but think of the love that goes into making raisin bran muffins
2teaspoonsbaking soda: This helps the muffins rise beautifully. Who doesn’t want a fluffy muffin?
½teaspoonpure vanilla extract: This small addition packs a punch of flavor.
2cupsall-purpose flourleveled: Essential for that wonderful muffin structure.
1cupgranulated sugar: Because a touch of sweetness makes a world of difference.
2large eggsroom temperature: They add moisture and richness.
1teaspoonground cinnamon: This spices things up and gives warmth.
2cupsbuttermilk: For moisture and tang. You can substitute with milk and yogurt if needed.
½cupmild-tasting oil: Vegetable or sunflower oil works perfectly.
1teaspoonfine sea salt: Enhances the overall flavors.
4cupsRaisin Bran cerealslightly crushed: The star of our show!
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your muffins start baking at the right temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Grab a standard muffin tin and line it with paper liners or grease it with non-stick spray. I prefer liners for easy cleanup, but the choice is yours!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. Give it a good stir with a whisk. Mixing these ingredients first helps to distribute the leavening agent evenly and prevents any clumps.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The oil and buttermilk will contribute to that moist texture we’re looking for.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently. We don’t want to overwork the batter; a few lumps are perfectly okay!
Step 6: Fold in the Raisin Bran
Next, add the crushed Raisin Bran cereal to the batter. Fold it in carefully, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture. At this point, you can feel the excitement building!
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
Step 8: Bake
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for about 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool
Once they’re out of the oven, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Notes
Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to guarantee accuracy.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Old baking soda or flour can hinder your muffins’ ability to rise. Always opt for fresh.
Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even seeds for added texture and flavor.
Cool Completely: Letting muffins cool before storing them helps maintain their moisture and prevents sogginess.