Graham Muffins

📜 Collection: GC | ✍️ Attribution: Ruth Marshel | 📂 Category: Bread A classic large-batch refrigerator bran muffin recipe from Ruth Marshel that yields delicious, fresh-baked muffins on demand. The versatile batter can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
25 mins20 mins1-2 weeks (refrigeration)5-6 dozen muffins

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Very large bowl
  • Separate mixing bowl
  • Muffin tins
  • Oven

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
6 CupsAll-Bran or Bran Buds CerealDivided
2 CupsBoiling WaterHot
1 CupCrisco or other vegetable ShorteningSoftened
2 ½ CupsSugarGranulated
4EggsLarge
1 Quart (4 Cups)ButtermilkCold
5 CupsFlourAll-purpose
5 TeaspoonsBaking SodaLeavening
1 ½ TablespoonsSaltStandard
To TasteRaisins or DatesOptional

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Bran

  1. In a medium bowl, pour the 2 cups boiling water over 2 cups of the bran cereal. Stir and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Cream the Base

  1. In a very large bowl, cream together the 1 cup vegetable shortening and 2 ½ cups sugar. Add the 4 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fluffy and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Liquids and Dry Elements

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk the 5 teaspoons baking soda and 1 ½ tablespoons salt into the 1 quart buttermilk.
  2. Add the buttermilk mixture to the creamed sugar mixture. Stir in the cooled, soaked bran cereal from the first step until incorporated.
  3. Add the remaining 4 cups dry bran cereal and the 5 cups flour to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.

Step 4: Add Mix-ins and Store

  1. If desired, gently fold in raisins or dates.
  2. Store the batter in a large, covered container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for 1-2 weeks.

Step 5: Bake

  1. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Spoon the cold batter into greased or lined muffin tins, filling them about two-thirds full.
  2. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store the unbaked batter in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks, baking fresh batches as needed.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card