Ingredients:
- 2 cups Raisin Bran Cereal (plain flakes)
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk (or buttermilk)
- 2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup Neutral Oil (e.g., Canola)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose (Plain) Flour
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Fine Sea Salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Optional)
Instructions:
- Hydrate the Bran: In a large bowl, combine the Raisin Bran cereal and the milk. Stir once and set aside for a minimum of 30 minutes (or preferably overnight in the refrigerator). The bran should swell significantly and soften the texture.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line the 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the lightly beaten eggs, oil, and vanilla extract directly into the soaked bran mixture. Whisk gently until just combined.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a second large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Ensure there are no clumps of baking powder.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients (the soaked bran mixture) into the bowl of dry ingredients.
- Mix Gently: Using a rubber spatula, fold the ingredients together until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
- Portion the Batter: Using an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling them nearly to the top.
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–22 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
- Test for Doneness: The muffins are done when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.