If you’ve ever cruised with Princess Cruises, you might recall the warm, comforting aroma drifting from the ship’s bakery — the unmistakable scent of their famous bran muffins. These muffins are not only a delightful start to your day but also a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and subtle sweetness.
Whether you enjoyed them on deck with a cup of coffee or found yourself craving that unique texture and flavor back at home, this recipe will bring that cruise ship magic right to your kitchen.
Princess Cruise bran muffins are known for their moist crumb, hearty bran base, and just the right touch of cinnamon and molasses. They strike a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition, making them a favorite for breakfast or a snack.
In this post, I’ll share a detailed, step-by-step recipe that replicates the original muffin you loved on the cruise ship. Plus, you’ll find tips to customize the recipe, nutrition facts, and even some serving ideas to make your mornings extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bran muffins have a nostalgic charm and healthful appeal that makes them stand out among typical breakfast pastries. Using wheat bran as a star ingredient, they provide a great source of fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.
The natural sweetness from molasses and brown sugar complements the nutty bran flavor without being overpowering.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add nuts, dried fruits, or even swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these muffins hold up well when stored, making them a convenient grab-and-go option.
Lastly, the recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll have bakery-quality muffins in no time — no cruise ticket required!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups wheat bran
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Muffin tin (12-cup size)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Paper muffin liners or non-stick spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with non-stick spray.
- Combine wheat bran and buttermilk. In a medium bowl, stir together the wheat bran and buttermilk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften the bran.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg, then add the vegetable oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Add the bran mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently until incorporated.
- Whisk dry ingredients. In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine dry and wet. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins light and tender.
- Add raisins and nuts. If using, fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Fill the muffin cups. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy! These muffins are delicious warm or at room temperature and store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips & Variations
“For a moister muffin, try substituting half of the vegetable oil with applesauce.”
Here are a few ways to customize your Princess Cruise bran muffins:
- Swap raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates for a flavor twist.
- Add spices such as nutmeg or ground ginger for extra warmth.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose to boost fiber content even more.
- Top each muffin with a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for a crunchy finish.
- For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based milk with a splash of lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Muffin |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Total Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Cholesterol | 25mg |
Sodium | 180mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 25g |
Dietary Fiber | 4g |
Sugars | 10g |
Protein | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
Princess Cruise bran muffins are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- With a pat of butter or cream cheese for a simple, classic treat.
- Split and toast, then spread with your favorite fruit jam or honey.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit and a cup of hot coffee or tea for a balanced breakfast.
- Use as a base for a breakfast sandwich with eggs and cheese for a hearty start.
Conclusion
Recreating the beloved Princess Cruise bran muffin at home is easier than you might think, and the results are truly rewarding. These muffins offer a perfect harmony of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors that can brighten any morning.
Whether you’re reminiscing about your cruise adventure or simply seeking a nutritious and delicious breakfast option, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of room for personalization, these muffins make a wonderful treat for family and friends. Try them out, experiment with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy a little slice of cruise ship bliss anytime you want.
For more delicious muffin recipes, check out our Blueberry Lemon Muffins, Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins, and Healthy Oatmeal Muffins to keep your mornings exciting!
📖 Recipe Card: Princess Cruise Bran Muffin
Description: A moist and wholesome bran muffin inspired by the famous Princess Cruise recipe. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups wheat bran
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine wheat bran and buttermilk; let sit 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg, oil, and brown sugar.
- Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, and vanilla to wet mixture.
- Stir in bran mixture and flour until just combined.
- Fold in raisins gently.
- Spoon batter into greased muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool muffins on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 28 g
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