Healthy Gingerbread Bran Muffins — High Fiber, No Added Sugar

The holidays are a time when traditional favorite recipes make their yearly grand entrance. And honestly, it’s fun to give them a healthier twist because that’s how new traditions begin.

Here’s a gingerbread bran muffin that brings festive warmth, cozy spice, and a touch of molasses without all the extra sugar. A perfect way to keep things moving along during the holiday season.

Ingredients (Makes 12 Muffins)

Serving Size: 1 muffin

Dry Ingredients

♥ 1 cup wheat bran

♥ 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

♥ 1 tsp baking soda

♥ 1 tsp baking powder

♥ 1 ½ Tbsp ground ginger

♥ 2 tsp cinnamon

♥ ¼ tsp nutmeg

♥ ¼ tsp ground cloves

♥ ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

♥ ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce

♥ 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened nut milk)

♥ 2 eggs, lightly beaten

♥ 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

♥ 2–3 Tbsp molasses

♥ 1–2 Tbsp honey

♥ 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

♥ Zest of ½ an orange

Mix-Ins

♥ ½ cup chopped pecans

Note: One of the brands I personally like for the flour and bran is Bob’s Red Mill Organic.

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.

• In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients until smooth.

• Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture.

• Gently stir until just combined — avoid overmixing.

• Fold in the pecans and orange zest.

• Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

• Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.

• Cool and enjoy this healthier festive holiday treat.

Macro Profile (per muffin)

Calories: ~185

Protein: ~5 g

Fat: ~6 g

  • Saturated Fat: ~1 g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: ~3 g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: ~1 g

Carbohydrates: ~29 g

  • Fiber: ~5 g

  • Total Sugars: ~7 g

  • Added Sugars: ~3–4 g

Enjoy the Vibe

Whether you discover this recipe during the holiday season or stumble upon it in another cozy moment of the year, may it add a bit of fun — and a new, healthy memory — to your day.  Sometimes the best traditions are the ones you create unexpectedly.

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