Cran Apple Bran Muffins (Faux VitaTop Muffin Copycat)

I have developed a love for the lowfat, low calorie muffin tops that are the Vitalicious VitaTop Muffin Tops. However, I DON’T love the exorbitant amount of money these little morsels cost. So, I set out to make my own.  My two favorite flavors are Deep Chocolate and Cranberry Apple Bran.  I think I have successfully found recipes that copy both (chocolate one to come at a later time).  After finding a nice base recipe for a Cranberry Apple Bran recipe (full fat), I started tweaking (while enduring some pretty dry/flat versions) until I got a lowfat/low cal version of it that I’m happy with. And here I am to share my results with you.

Plus, like the VitaTops, these are right around 95 calories each with just 0.4 g fat and about 2.2g fiber. (i.e, good for you!). The full nutrition stats are at the bottom of the post for all of you out there who want the deets.

These muffins are GOOD. So good I can’t wait for them to cool down after they come out of the oven and generally end up burning my tongue off on the super hot apples inside. Worth the burn.

Cran Apple Bran Muffins

Makes 18 muffins. (faux vitatop muffin copycat recipe)

• 1 c wheat bran
• 3/4 c skim milk
• 1 1/4 c wheat flour
• 1 1/2 t baking powder
• 1/4 t baking soda
• 1/4 t salt
• 1 1/2 t cinnamon
• 1/4 t nutmeg
• 1/4 c brown sugar
• 1/2 c splenda
• 1/3 c applesauce, unsweetened
• 1/4 c nonfat egg substitute (or egg whites)
• 1 Tbsp vinegar
• 1 1/2 chopped, peeled apples
• 1/3 c Craisins

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat a 18 cups of 2 muffin tins with nonstick spray.
2. Combine wheat bran and milk. Let rest 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, splenda, applesauce, egg and vinegar.
5. Add wheat bran and milk mixture and wet ingredient mixture to the dry mix and stir until just combined (do not over mix)
6. Stir in apples and Craisins (or reserve Craisins to sprinkle over the top if you wish).
7. Divide batter evenly between 18 muffin cups. Bake 12-15 mins, until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Devour!

Nutrition: 95 calories. 0.4g fat. 20.7g carb. 2.2g fiber. 2.2g protein.

Vote for my Cupcakes

Voting begins today for the Iron Cupcake Challenge and closes at noon, central time, on Dec 5th. If you’d like to vote for my Pound Cupcakes with White Chocolate & Cranberry Mousse…

VOTE FOR ME HERE!
(The poll is on the right column. Select “VegSF” and click “Vote”)

Thanks for the votes!

Pound Cupcakes with White Chocolate & Cranberry Mousse

It’s time again for the Iron Cupcake challenge where you can vote for me starting Nov 30th and help me win. This is my second month, so I’m feeling less nervous this time around and more excited. I didn’t win last month’s challenge, unfortunately, but maybe this month. Hopefully? Thanks to everyone who voted for me last month. Keep voting for me and eventually, we’ll win it!

This month’s challenge ingredient is Cranberry.I have an amazing holiday pudding recipe that uses homemade vanilla and chocolate puddings, pound cake, cranberry sauce and whipped cream. It’s a delicious combination of flavors and that is what became my inspiration for these cupcakes.