Loaded with soluble fiber, the old-fashioned oats in these muffins help reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar. Dates and applesauce—both full of fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars—create a complex caramel flavor when combined with the honey.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 2 dozen

　　2 cups unsweetened applesauce

　　2 ounces dates, pitted and chopped (about 1/2 cup)

　　1 cup wheat bran

　　1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk

　　1 large egg

　　2 tablespoons honey

　　3/4 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger

　　1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

　　1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

　　2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

　　1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

　　1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)

　　Vegetable oil cooking spray

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook applesauce and dates in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture is reduced to 1 1/4 cups, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, and let cool completely.

　　

Step 2

Add bran, buttermilk, egg, honey, ginger, and vanilla to applesauce mixture, stirring to combine. Let stand 10 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Whisk together flour, flaxseed, baking soda, salt, allspice, and 1/4 cup oats. Stir into applesauce mixture.

　　

Step 4

Coat two mini-muffin tins with cooking spray. Spoon batter into prepared cups, filling each to the brim. Sprinkle the remaining1 tablespoon oats over muffins, dividing evenly. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a tester inserted into the centers comes out clean, 20 to 23 minutes. Let cool completely in tins on wire racks. Muffins can be stored up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

　　

Nutrition Information

Step 5

Per Serving (1 muffin)

　　

Step 6

Calories: 43g

　　

Step 7

Saturated: 1g

　　

Step 8

Unsaturated Fat: 4g

　　

Step 9

Cholesterol: 9mg

　　

Step 10

Carbohydrates: 9g

　　

Step 11

Protein: 1.4g

　　

Step 12

Sodium: 86mg

　　

Step 13

Fiber: 1.6g

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