Carrot Applesauce Bran Muffins

A long time ago, in college, a sweet mentor brought me and my best friend applesauce bran muffins. They were nothing short of amazing — perfectly moist and delicious — with a nice slab of butter on them. I’ve been thinking about them lately — that they might be easy to make here. Plus my current anticipation of fall had me wanting something warm and comforting (yet healthy) the other morning. Enter: these muffins. If I could put the Gilmore Girl’s “laaa laaaa lalalala” soundtrack behind this post, I would. They are incredibly delicious and you really have no idea that there’s no refined sugar in them. Just honey and some applesauce. Now, here in South Asia, we have to make our own applesauce. So if you’re not into that — I’d either just do sugar or try grating a large apple into the mix. You can always add some more honey if it’s not sweet enough for you. Either way, you HAVE to make the honey butter to top them with. They’re so great! My kids both ate TWO whole muffins for breakfast. Please let me know if you make them!

Carrot Applesauce Bran Muffins

12 muffins - 30 minutes

2 cups Special K

1 1/4 cups milk

2 eggs

1/4 cup coconut oil (or melted butter or ghee)

1/2 cup applesauce (or 1/2 cup brown sugar, or you could even try 1 large grated apple)

1 tsp vanilla

1/3 cup honey

2 medium grated carrots

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius on convection with both top and bottom elements on.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add the special K and the milk. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.

3. To the cereal/milk mixture, add the eggs, coconut oil, vanilla, and honey, stirring well.

4. Add remaining ingredients and stir until incorporated. Divide the batter evenly into 12 muffin tins and place in the oven.

5. Once you place the muffins in the oven, turn off the top element so that just the bottom element is on.

6. Bake for 25-27 minutes.

7. Serve warm with honey butter (1/4 cup butter, 2 tbs honey mixed together)!

Don’t forget to try my yummy breakfast cookies!