Description

These Chocolate-Date Bran Muffins are a wholesome yet indulgent treat, made with whole wheat flour, bran, Medjool dates, bittersweet chocolate, and a bright touch of orange zest and juice. They’re perfect for a nourishing breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

2 cups (250 g) whole wheat flour

1¼ cups (80 g) wheat bran

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

¾ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp ground cinnamon

2 large eggs

1¼ cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

⅔ cup (133 g) light or dark brown sugar

⅔ cup vegetable oil

2 tsp finely grated orange zest

3 Tbsp fresh orange juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

12 Medjool dates, pitted and coarsely chopped

3 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

⅓ cup slivered almonds

Demerara or raw sugar, for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, wheat bran, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs until blended. Stir in yogurt, brown sugar, oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Fold in chopped dates, chocolate, and almonds.
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about ⅓ cup per muffin). Sprinkle tops with Demerara or raw sugar.
Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let muffins cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Notes

Use soft, ripe Medjool dates for the best texture; soak in warm water if dry.
Substitute dried cherries or chopped pecans to vary the flavor.
All-purpose flour can be used but will yield a lighter muffin.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Microwave frozen muffins for 20 seconds to reheat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 270
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg