We’ve been living in the Bay Area for the past 3 months and so far we’re loving it! The weather’s great, there are endless things to do, and the food has been outstanding! But something’s missing. It’s the end of September and the leaves are ever-green. My readers on the East Coast – have the leaves started changing yet?
It’s right around now that the leaves start changing. And it always seems to happen suddenly. One day you drive down the road and you suddenly notice the pops of red, yellow, and orange. Driving through the Shenandoah Mountains was always a fall-time favorite. The roads leading to the park are dotted with little country stores and stands selling apples, pumpkins, boiled peanuts, jams, and apple butter. I miss that.
Which is why I’ve made these Apple-Date Oat Bran Muffins for you. I’ve been making these every fall for about 10 years; it reminds me of the changing season and my childhood home. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
- 1 cup oat bran
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- ½ cup pitted dates, chopped
- ½ cup milk (I used whole, but you can use low-fat if you prefer)
- ½ cup unsweetened apples sauce
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- apple butter for serving*
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a muffin tin with canola oil.
- In a large bowl, stir together the oat bran, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the apples, dates, and toss to coat.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, apple sauce, canola oil, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir just until blended - don't over mix.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups.
- Place the muffins in the center of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Test with a toothpick - when inserted into the center of the muffin, it should come out clean. Allow to cool in the pan slightly before turning out.
- Serve with apple butter and enjoy!
I saw your most recent post, The lovely Panna cotta, but somehow I missed these magically delicious muffins! Whaa!?? No No No! So glad I am finally seeing these babies, because Hello Deliciousness! Loving the apple, date and oat combo! Get in my belleh! Pinned! P.s. yes the leaves have changed and it’s been in the low 50s. I’m cold. I might have to come visit you!! Xoxo
Girl, you’re welcome anytime! Then you can make me some of your amazing dishes! 😉 Stay warm my dear!
It is still scorching hot here in Hong Kong too. However today once I felt a slight breeze so maybe fall if thinking about making its rounds. I miss the crackle of leaves under my feet, the crisp smell of fall in the air and delicious apple recipes. Yours delicious muffins with the dates sounds so good, easy and healthy to make. We still get apples here even if we do not get changing leaves or even jackolanterns so I will have to give these a try for the boys lunches. Just pinned!
It’s finally cooling here. No substantial leaf changing though. I hope things cool off for you soon. Do you guys get a cold winter in HK?
At most it might get down to 16 celsius and of course that is excuse enough for the locals to crack out their furs and boots… LOL (While us Michiganders are still in our shorts and flip-flops) Have a super day Kathleen.
Kathleen, these look so fluffy and moist. I love the combination of apples and dates. You’ve captured the spirit of the season perfectly with these delectable muffins!
Thanks so much sweetie! One of the things I love most about the fall season are all of the warm spices that come with it!
I’m on the East Coast, however way too far south for the leaves to be changing. We can pretend together! Love these oat bran muffins, know my girls would love these for breakfast!
Ha! Yes, let’s pretend together! Of course in the dead of winter we can also be thankful that we’re not experiencing several feet of snow 😉
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the Bay Area – it’s incredible isn’t it!?
It’s so true that the leaves go from green to WOWZERS overnight! 🙂 Our leaves are about half way there.
Gorgeous muffins too – that shot of the inside is making my mouth water!
Yes, it is incredible! There’s just so much to do! We really are loving it. But I do miss those east coast leaves this time of year. That being said, I don’t think I’ll being missing my old hometown when winter comes 😉 Cheers sweetie!
These apple bran muffins look beautiful! I am on the east coast and I can report that the weather has been pretty cool and the leaves have just started to change!! I will be super jealous of you come winter!!
Aww… totally jealous of your current leaf situation! We haven’t spent a winter out here in the Bay Area yet, but yeah… I have a feeling I won’t be missing the east coast winters when they come 😉
Oh I know… I’ve lived on the East cost too and Fall is just splendid there. Now, in WA state, we get some color amongst the evergreens, but not quite like the East. I love the dates you’ve used in this recipe. They add such nice texture and sweetness to muffins. Delicious!
Thanks so much, Traci! I love dates – they have such a wonderful natural sweetness.
I actually saw a tree here in the Bay Area that was turning – I got so excited! I know, it doesn’t take much 😉
Yeah, leaves have started changing here 🙂 Glad you guys like it in the Bay Area! These muffins sound and look delicious! Will try them this weekend!
These are beautiful, Kathleen…I love the mood of your pictures. So, yes, leaves are beginning to turn..and, like you, it’s a favorite time of year for me. I could handle sitting outside with a good book enjoying these delicious muffins on a regular basis. 🙂
This Mediterranean-like weather out here certainly does have its ups – not too hot, not too cold. Although I know we’ve only been out here for a few months, I can already tell I’m going to miss the changing seasons. Of course I may not be saying that in the dead of winter 😉
These apple date oat muffins look so rich and delicious, Kathleen. Sounds perfect for breakfast! 🙂
Thank, Anu! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Yes the leaves are turning and I love it but I’m not looking forward to the cold weather 🙁 Now about your muffins. They look so wonderful. Perfect food for fall.
Aw… I wish I could see them! I love the cooler weather, but I’m with you – the winter that follows is just too cold for me.
Dude, I totally know those road side farm stands with the boiled peanuts and apples! I’m in NC and we have minimal color changes right now in Charlotte, but I bet they have some color action up in the mountains! I love these apple date oat bran muffins for a taste of fall!
I went to school in Boone, NC! Oh my gosh, the leaves in the Smokies are phenomenal! I meant to go back for a visit before we moved out to CA, but just ran out of time 🙁 I’d love to go back though.