With loads of whole grains and fiber and the option to make them with chocolate chips, these are the very best kid-friendly Raisin Bran Muffins!

Bran muffins in line with one cut in half.

For the longest time, I didn’t think I liked Bran Muffins—or raisin bran muffins—so I had no interest in making them. And then I realized I simply hadn’t gotten the recipe right. Now that I figured out this recipe, all I can say is I am officially a Bran Muffin super fan!

With a nutty flavor and texture and lots of nutrition, this is the very best Bran Muffin recipe I’ve ever made. They also have lots of fiber (which you expect from a bran muffin!), so they’re a great high-fiber foods for kids.

(You may also like my high-fiber recipes for kids, including my Morning Glory Muffins, Blueberry Bran Muffins, and my Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding. Find more tips on toddler constipation if that helps, too.)

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Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have to make theis Raisin Bran Muffin recipe. The recipe is fairly flexible, so you might be able to make these with ingredients you already have on hand.

Ingredients for bran muffins on countertop.
  • White whole wheat flour: I use white whole wheat flour here for tender texture and whole grains. You can also use a mixture of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour instead if that’s what you have.
  • Wheat bran: Wheat bran is the hard outer layer of a grain of wheat. When removed from the grains, it’s a flake that contains a lot of fiber and can easily be added to baked goods. Look for it near oats in the supermarket. Common brands include Bob’s Red Mill and Arrowhead Mills.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: A combination of these results in muffins that bake through easily and rise perfectly.
  • Cinnamon and vanilla: I like to add ground cinnamon and vanilla extract to my bran muffins for an added element of flavor.
  • Milk: I use whole dairy milk in my baking, but you can use any milk you have on hand—including a nondairy milk.
  • Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the base of this muffin recipe. To make them dairy-free, you can use melted coconut oil as needed.
  • Honey or maple syrup: You can use either honey or maple syrup to help sweeten the muffin. Avoid honey for babies under 1 year old.
  • Applesauce: Smooth applesauce helps ensure that these hearty muffins are tender and moist. You can use store-bought applesauce or homemade applesauce.
  • Raisins: I used regular raisins here but golden raisins also work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is an overview of how to make this Raisin Bran Muffin recipe for kids so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information, including the timing and amounts.

how to make bran muffins in grid of 4 images.
  1. Add the dey ingredients to a large bowl and stir to combine gently.
  2. Add the wet ingredients and whisk gently to combine.
  3. Divide the batter into the prepared muffin pan, using a heaping ¼ cup in each.
  4. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use in place of raisins in Raisin Bran Muffins?

You can swap them out and replace with chocolate chips or blueberries. The muffins are most delicious with an add-in that has some sweetness.

Are bran muffins healthier than regular muffins?

These muffins have fiber, whole grains, and are low in added sugars, making them a nutritious choice to share with the kids.

How much sugar is in a bran muffin?

These raisin bran muffins have some natural sugars from the raisins, and a little added sugar to ensure they taste good. See the recipe below for the full information.

How to Store

Store cooled Raisin Bran Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. Or, freeze cooled muffins in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 6 months.

Bran muffins on plate with one cut in half.

Best Tips for Success

  • We prefer these Raisin Bran Muffins warmed slightly to serve. (So if the muffins seem to have firmed up during storage, warm slightly and they will soften.) Top with butter, peanut butter, jam, apple butter, or other desired topping.
  • Add one fruit flavor to the whole batch or stir in 1 tablespoon into each muffin to make a mixed batch or use chocolate chips.
  • To make the Raisin Bran Muffins as mini muffins, follow the recipe and reduce the baking time to 10 minutes.
  • Dairy-free: Use melted coconut oil and nondairy milk.
  • Egg-free: Omit the eggs. Increase the baking soda to 1 teaspoon and add ½ cup more milk (so 1 ½ cups).
  • Look for wheat bran near oatmeal in the cereal aisle. It’s commonly available from Bob’s Red Mill or Arrowhead Mills.
  • Use blueberries or other diced fruit in place of the raisins if desired.

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Bran muffins in line with one cut in half.

Favorite Raisin Bran Muffins

With loads of whole grains and fiber and the option to add chocolate chips, these are the very best kid-friendly raisin Bran Muffins! (These are best served slightly warm.)
5 from 16 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Breakfast
Calories 168kcal
Servings 12
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Ingredients

  • cups white whole wheat flour (or ¾ cup each all-purpose and whole wheat flour)
  • 1 cup wheat bran (look for it near oats in the supermarket)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup milk
  • cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
  • cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • cup applesauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • cup raisins

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a standard muffin pan with nonstick spray.
  • Add the flour, wheat bran, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to a large bowl. Stir to combine gently.
  • Add the milk, eggs, butter, honey, applesauce, and vanilla and whisk gently to combine.
  • Stir in the raisins (or blueberries, carrot, or chocolate chips). Divide the batter into the prepared muffin pan, using a heaping ¼ cup in each.
  • Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool (at least a little) and serve slightly warm.

Notes

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. Or, freeze cooled muffins in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 6 months.
  • We prefer these muffins warmed slightly to serve. (So if the muffins seem to have firmed up during storage, warm slightly.)
  • To make as mini muffins, follow the recipe and reduce the baking time to 10 minutes.
  • Dairy-free: Use melted coconut oil and nondairy milk.
  • Egg-free: Omit the eggs. Increase the baking soda to 1 teaspoon and add ½ cup more milk (so 1 ½ cups).
  • Look for wheat bran near oatmeal in the cereal aisle. It’s commonly available from Bob’s Red Mill or Arrowhead Mills.
  • Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter if you prefer.
  • Use blueberries or other diced fruit in place of the raisins if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 muffin, Calories: 168kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 43mg, Sodium: 197mg, Potassium: 136mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 240IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published April 2023.

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5 from 16 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These bran muffins are super easy to make and delicious! The whole family loves them! We use mini chocolate chips in half the batter and golden raisins in the other half! Love that my children are getting fiber! Great for breakfast or a healthy snack! Thanks for another excellent recipe!

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve made these twice now and they’re delicious! Not heavy at all. I like using chocolate chips and raisins.

  3. 5 stars
    Made these for my fairly picky 3yo and she and my 1yo devoured 2 each that afternoon! (I cut them off from the thirds they requested since I didn’t need their bellies overloaded with so much fiber in a day!)

    I subbed oat bran for the wheat bran since that’s what we had on hand, and they turned out amazingly. Thanks for always having such reliable, easy recipe-wins!

  4. Could this be made in a loaf pan as a quickbread? I have a gallon of milk to use up, and I was thinking that would be a faster way to do it! Thanks for any suggestions!

    1. You can do it in an 8×8-inch pan and bake for maybe 4 more minutes. And I bet it would work as a loaf in a 9×5 inch pan. Usually the baking time is about an hour if you bake at 350, but check it at 50 minutes to start.

  5. 5 stars
    I made this recipe and used gluten free flour and oat bran and they turned out great! One of the best gluten free muffins I’ve made.

  6. 5 stars
    Can you use oat bran? Would that work instead of wheat? I have a bag of it that I would like to get rid of and loooooove bran muffins!

    1. 5 stars
      Just made a second batch with oat bran since the first turned out so well. Would definitely recommend!

  7. 5 stars
    If I have a choice between coarse and fine wheat bran do you think one would be preferable for this recipe? Thanks! Love every single one of your recipes!!

    1. I am not sure that it will matter all that much (the one I used doesn’t seem to say either) but maybe fine?

  8. Could you use bran flakes instead of wheat bran? Maybe ground up? I have two boxes of bran flakes to use up. 🙂