Recipe for heart-healthy muffins
Batter up: These applesauce bran muffins are cholesterol-free and contain less than 1 gram of saturated fat. | SUPPLIED PHOTO
Cook’s Tip
A spring-loaded ice cream scoop works well for filling the muffin pan cups. Lightly spray the scoop with cooking spray first, and the batter will slide right out.
Bake a batch of these muffins to enjoy throughout the week. They’re great for breakfast on the go.
APPLESAUCE BRAN MUFFINS
Serves 12; 1 muffin per serving
Cooking spray 1 1/2 cups bran flakes cereal 1 cup fat-free milk 1/2 cup uncooked quick-cooking oatmeal and 2 tablespoons uncooked quick-cooking oatmeal, divided use 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup egg substitute 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
In a medium bowl, stir together the bran flakes, milk, 1/2 cup oatmeal, applesauce, egg substitute, and oil. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes, or until the bran flakes and oatmeal are softened.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda. Stir into the bran flakes mixture until just blended (no flour remains visible). Don’t overmix; the batter will be slightly lumpy. Spoon into the muffin cups. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons oatmeal.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the muffin pan to a cooling rack and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn the muffins onto the rack and let cool completely, 20 to 30 minutes. You can store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to four months.
Nutritional analysis
(per serving):
Calories: 129
Total fat: 1.5 g
Saturated fat: 0.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.5 g
Monounsaturated fat: 1.0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 149 mg
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 9 g
Protein: 4 g
Dietary exchanges: 1 1/2 starch
This recipe is courtesy of the American Heart Association’s Patient Education program. Look for other recipes in American Heart Association cookbooks, which are available at heart.org/recipes.