HEALTHY ALMOND JOY BRAN MUFFINS

Healthy Almond Joy Bran Muffins image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 cups (180g) oat bran (measured like this and gluten-free if necessary)
1/2 cup (120g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup (120mL) nonfat milk
2 tsp almond extract
1 cup (120g) whole wheat or gluten-free* flour (measured like this)
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp (7g) coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
2 large egg whites, room temperature
1/4 cup (60mL) molasses, room temperature
1/4 cup (60mL) pure maple syrup, room temperature
3 tbsp (15g) shredded unsweetened coconut
3 tbsp (42g) miniature chocolate chips, divided

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°F, and lightly coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, stir together the oat bran, Greek yogurt, milk, and almond extract. Let the mixture rest for at least 10 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a third bowl, whisk together the coconut oil and egg whites. Stir in the molasses and maple syrup. Add the oat bran mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Add the flour mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Fold in the coconut and 2 ½ tablespoons of miniature chocolate chips.
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups, and press the remaining miniature chocolate chips into the tops. Bake at 350°F for 18-21 minutes or until the tops feel firm to the touch. Cool in the muffin cups for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack.