If you’re craving a treat that combines wholesome nutrition with a luscious chocolate twist, this Chocolate Bran Muffins Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These muffins strike the perfect balance between rich cocoa flavor and the hearty, wholesome texture of bran cereal. They’re tender, moist, and just sweet enough to satisfy your chocolate cravings while sneaking in some fiber and goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a nourishing snack, or a guilt-free dessert, these muffins deliver on every front. Get ready to fall in love with a muffin that feels indulgent but also fills you up the right way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each one playing a key role in creating these moist, chocolatey bran muffins. From the chewy bran cereal that gives great texture and fiber to the cocoa powder that infuses every bite with deep chocolate flavor, these components are kitchen staples that add up to something truly special.
- All Bran Cereal (2 cups or 123g): Provides fiber and a hearty chew to keep these muffins satisfying.
- Milk (1 ¼ cups): Helps soften the bran and blend all the flavors smoothly; nondairy or 2% works well.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup or 100g): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
- Unsweetened Applesauce (2 tablespoons or 33g): A natural sweetener and moisture booster that keeps muffins tender.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons or 30ml): Gives richness and moist crumb without heaviness.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a bit of lift.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures the muffins rise just right and stay light.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup or 40g): The star ingredient for that luscious chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup or 93g): Gives structure and a tender crumb to the muffins.
- Chocolate Chips (1 cup or 170g, optional): For extra bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Bran Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bran Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, then lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, soak the all bran cereal in milk, making sure the bran cereal is fully submerged. This soaking step is critical because it softens the bran just right, helping create a tender muffin rather than a tough one.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine sugar, applesauce, oil, egg, salt, and baking powder. Mix these ingredients thoroughly using a hand mixer or vigorous stirring until the mixture is smooth. Then add the cocoa powder and stir in well, ensuring the chocolate flavor is evenly distributed throughout your batter.
Step 3: Combine Bran and Flour
Add the soaked bran cereal mixture to your wet ingredients, then toss in the all-purpose flour. Stir or gently mix everything until just combined — overmixing can make muffins tough. If you love those surprise pockets of melted chocolate, fold in the chocolate chips last, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This leaves enough room for the muffins to rise without overflowing. Bake for 18 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, allow your muffins to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing the paper liners to avoid pulling off any crumb.
How to Serve Chocolate Bran Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
These muffins are delicious on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate their chocolatey charm for special occasions or a café-style treat. For a fresh touch, try sprinkling on some chopped nuts or a few fresh berries on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
A cup of warm coffee or a rich hot chocolate makes an ideal companion to these Chocolate Bran Muffins Recipe treats. Non-dairy milk or a fresh glass of cold milk also pairs wonderfully, balancing the chocolate intensity and rounding out your snack or breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these with friends or family, arrange them on a pretty platter lined with a colorful napkin and add small bowls of butter, honey, or jam on the side. For an indulgent yet wholesome dessert, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and tasty for up to three days, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months without losing their flavor or texture. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This will revive the softness and make the chocolate chips delightfully melty again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all bran cereal with bran flakes?
Bran flakes can be used in a pinch, but all bran cereal has a finer texture that soaks up the milk better and provides a softer muffin crumb. Using bran flakes might make the muffins slightly coarser.
Is it okay to use Dutch process cocoa powder instead of natural?
For this Chocolate Bran Muffins Recipe, natural cocoa powder is best because it reacts with the baking powder to help your muffins rise properly. Dutch process cocoa powder is neutral and may result in less rise and a different texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can swap the egg with a flax egg or chia egg, use plant-based milk, and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free. The unsweetened applesauce helps keep the muffins moist, making it easier to make vegan-friendly adjustments.
What’s the best way to keep the muffins moist?
Soaking the bran cereal in milk is key to moisture. Also, do not overbake and store muffins in an airtight container. Adding applesauce instead of some oil contributes to their softness as well.
Are chocolate chips necessary in the Chocolate Bran Muffins Recipe?
Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended! They add melty bursts of chocolate that elevate the flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can leave them out for a simpler, less sweet muffin.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Bran Muffins Recipe combines the best of both worlds—wholesome, fiber-filled bran and indulgent chocolate flavor—in a muffin that’s both comforting and nourishing. Once you try making these, they’re sure to become a go-to for breakfast, snack time, or even on-the-go fuel. I encourage you to bake a batch, savor each bite, and share the joy of these delightful muffins with those you love!
PrintChocolate Bran Muffins Recipe
These Chocolate Bran Muffins are a delicious and wholesome treat, combining fiber-rich bran cereal with rich cocoa and optional chocolate chips for a perfect balance of health and indulgence. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are moist, chocolatey, and easy to make in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (123g) All Bran Cereal
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
- ¾ cup (93g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups milk (nondairy, nonfat, or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons (33g) unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and spray the liners lightly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the muffins.
- Soak the Bran: In a medium bowl, combine the All Bran cereal with the milk. Press the bran beneath the milk to ensure it’s thoroughly soaked and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the batter. This helps soften the bran for a better muffin texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar, unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, large egg, salt, and baking powder. Mix these together with a hand mixer or spoon until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then stir in the cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the bran and milk mixture along with the all-purpose flour to the cocoa mixture. Stir or beat gently until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips if you are using them, making sure they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Store: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing the paper liners to prevent tearing. Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Notes
- Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- Milk can be substituted with any nondairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Applesauce helps reduce fat content while maintaining moisture; do not swap it with sweetened varieties to keep sugar content controlled.
- For extra fiber and crunch, add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds.
- Check doneness a few minutes before the minimum baking time as ovens vary.
