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Pear Bran Muffins for #SundaySupper

Pear Bran Muffins | Magnolia Days

Hearts are everywhere in February. They are especially prevalent in the first half leading up to Valentine’s Day. You see them everywhere. Cards, gifts, clothes, food, and even text messages are filled with them. However the most important ones are on the inside. Those precious heartbeats need to keep going. To have a strong and healthy heart is a goal one should not put aside. It is with that thought in mind that I made Pear Bran Muffins.

February is American Heart Month. It is a time of awareness and action. Even taking small steps and making a few changes can be very beneficial. I know this because I have high blood pressure. It is in my best interest to keep the pressure within normal range and not put a strain on my heart. How to do that? Well, first read on for my story.

Pear Bran Muffins Topped with Orange Zest | Magnolia Days

Several years ago I knew something was off. They say high blood pressure is a silent killer because it doesn’t have obvious signs. I could feel it. I took a reading and my BP was high. So I researched on what to do. It starts with heart healthy eating and exercise. I went all out. My salt intake was reduced to a bare minimum. I checked sodium levels on labels, cooked according to the suggested guidelines, and bumped up my exercise routine. What was the result after several months? My blood pressure went up. Yep, exactly the opposite of what should happen.

Pear Bran Muffins Topped with Orange Zest | Magnolia Days

The next step was a visit to the doctor. Something had to be done. My pressure was so high they almost didn’t let me leave the office. After a lengthy conversation with my doctor, he said my condition was hereditary. The only thing left was to start taking medication. It worked beautifully. My pressure is in normal range now. I do have to admit though that I’d rather eat healthy food like Pear Bran Muffins instead of taking a daily pill. Oh and please do not let my story discourage you from eating heart healthy meals. I’m in a small minority.

Pear Bran Muffins Topped with Orange Zest | Magnolia Days

How are the Pear Bran Muffins? Healthy and tasty too. They are made with cholesterol lowering wheat bran, whole wheat flour, and olive oil. Applesauce and pear brings sweetness and fruitiness to the mix. Healthy spices of cinnamon and ginger gives them warm and comforting flavors. Fiber will keep you satisfied for hours. There’s even a touch of citrus with orange zest sprinkled on top. Enjoy the muffins with a glass of juice and you have a lasting vitamin packed breakfast.

Pear Bran Muffins | Magnolia Days

Are you on a heart healthy plan or wanting to start? Scroll down to find lots of recipes by Sunday Supper contributors. We have you covered from morning to night. Eating healthy no longer means food that tastes like cardboard. Keep your heart strong and enjoy your meals one healthy and delicious bite at a time. Special thanks to Lori at Foxes Love Lemons and Ethel of eating in instead for hosting this week’s event. For another heart healthy recipe I’ve shared before, take a look at Farro and Fruit Salad.

Pear Bran Muffins | Magnolia Days
3.72 from 7 votes
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Pear Bran Muffins

Start your day with these delicious and healthy pear bran muffins filled with pears, spices, and topped with orange zest.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 10 muffins
Author Renee

Ingredients

For the topping:

  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest

For the muffins:

  • 1 cup wheat bran
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1/2 medium pear peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces

Instructions

For the topping:

  1. Stir together turbinado sugar and orange zest in a small bowl.

For the muffins:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with 10 paper liners (leaving 2 muffin cups empty).
  2. Whisk together wheat bran, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk together buttermilk, applesauce, oil, and egg in a medium bowl.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined and dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in pear pieces.
  5. Divide batter among the 10 lined muffin cups. Sprinkle orange-sugar topping on top of each muffin.
  6. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer muffins to a wire rack and cool completely.

Recipe Notes

Start your day in a delicious and healthy way with these Pear Bran Muffins. They are filled with pears, spices, and topped with orange zest.

Recipe adapted from Woman’s Day magazine February 2014 edition.

Are you looking for heart healthy recipes? Take a look at these by Sunday Supper contributors:

Better for you breakfasts:

Jump start your health with these appetizers and snacks:

Soups that’ll win your heart:

Veggies, Sides, & Salads your heart will thank you for:

Healthy is the center of attention in these main courses:

Staying healthy doesn’t mean giving up desserts!

We heart wine.

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Recipe Rating




The Wimpy Vegetarian

Saturday 21st of February 2015

These look delicious! I know I should eat more wheat bran, and this is a great way to do it.

Katherine G

Tuesday 17th of February 2015

These muffins look so delicious! I'm going to have to try these.

Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook

Tuesday 17th of February 2015

Thank you for sharing your story - glad you figured out the problem. These muffins look incredible. I love baking with applesauce and there's zero guilt having this frosting-less cupcake for breakfast! ;)

Sarah

Monday 16th of February 2015

I love bran muffins, and pears! This would be a shoo in for sure

Anita at Hungry Couple

Monday 16th of February 2015

Healthy, shelthy, I love pear anything! But I'm glad you got help and are under treatment. I have a friend with the same hereditary condition so I understand. Take care of yourself...and keep baking!