Mimi's Kitchen: Cream Cheese Bran Muffins

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Cream Cheese Bran Muffins

Bran muffins always sound boring and healthy and not really tasty, but these are not your typical bran muffin. These are light, full of nutty bran flavor and plump raisins, then topped with a creamy cheesecake like topping. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea or as a quick breakfast as you rush out the door.

You could say these muffins have stood the test of time. I've been making them since I got the recipe from my friend Marlene over twenty five years ago, and even my kids still love them so they are definitely on our breakfast treat list.
Not that they need it, but there are plenty of way you could dress them up. You could add a little orange zest to both the batter and the topping for a bright citrus punch, or you could add cinnamon or espresso powder for the perfect afternoon snack with that pumpkin spice latte.

Bran Muffins

1 1/4 cup bran cereal (I use all Bran)

1 cup milk

1/4 cup oil

1 egg

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup raisins (I plump in hot water for ten minutes or so)

Topping:

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

Pre heat oven to 375F.

1. In a medium bowl combine cereal and milk; let stand 2 minutes.

2. Add oil and egg; mix well.

3.Add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in raisins.

4. Spoon into muffin tin, either lined with a paper liner or greased and floured, filling 2/3 full

Topping:

1.Mix cream cheese, sugar and egg until smooth and well blended.

2.Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over muffin batter.

Bake 375F for 20-25 minutes.

Makes 12 muffins

By the way you still have a chance to win this awesome Dove Chocolate give away sponsored by my favorite chocolatier Laura Cryns at Dove Chocolate Discoveries.