Healthy Oat Bran Muffins with Powdered Freeze-Dried Apple

Oat bran muffins are an easy weekday breakfast to batch-prep ahead of time, and the fiber in oat bran helps you feel full longer and can help with blood sugar control. Powdered freeze-dried apple adds natural sweetness to the batter without needing much added sugar.

Preparing the Apple

Slice apples uniformly with an apple slicer, and soak the slices briefly in lemon water first to keep them from browning before freeze-drying. Once the slices are fully freeze-dried, blend them into a fine powder — it adds a noticeably good natural sweetness to baked goods. (For more on freeze-drying apples generally — snacking on them plain or pairing them with cinnamon, brown sugar, or even popcorn — see freeze-drying apples.)

Oat Bran Muffins with Powdered Apple

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup oat bran
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• A dash of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 powdered freeze-dried apple

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Sift the dry ingredients together in one bowl; whisk the wet ingredients together in another.
3. Combine the two mixtures, stirring gently just until mixed.
4. Coat the muffin cups with oil or use paper liners.
5. Fill each cup about halfway.
6. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Pineapple, banana, cherry, or blueberry powder can all substitute for apple in this recipe if you'd rather use a different fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep sliced apples from browning before freeze-drying?
Soak the slices briefly in lemon water before freeze-drying — it prevents browning without affecting the final flavor.

Can other fruits be used instead of apple in this muffin recipe?
Yes — powdered freeze-dried pineapple, banana, cherry, or blueberry can all substitute for the apple.

How long do these muffins need to bake?
15 to 17 minutes at 375°F, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.