Description
Homemade Applesauce Muffins beckon with irresistible warmth and comfort from classic American kitchens. Sweet spices and tender crumb invite you to savor each delectable bite of pure seasonal pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cups (177 milliliters) unsweetened applesauce
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) oil or melted and cooled butter
Sweeteners:
- ½ cup (100 grams) white sugar
- ½ cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375°F and arranging 12 muffin liners in a standard tin.
- Create a fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture by combining white sugar and ground cinnamon in a small container, setting it aside for later use.
- Sift together all dry ingredients in a medium bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, optional nutmeg, and salt.
- In a larger mixing vessel, thoroughly blend white and brown sugars with oil until smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract into the sugar-oil mixture, whisking until the liquid components are completely integrated.
- Delicately fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using gentle strokes to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
- Portion the batter evenly into prepared muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full for optimal rising.
- Generously dust the top of each unbaked muffin with the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 17-22 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin.
- Once the toothpick emerges clean, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Versatile Breakfast Treat: These applesauce muffins deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making them ideal for quick morning meals or afternoon snacks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the batter in advance and store in the refrigerator overnight, saving precious morning minutes for busy families.
- Moisture Magic: Applesauce acts as a secret ingredient, ensuring the muffins remain incredibly soft and tender without excess oil.
- Storage Savvy: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature, where muffins will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Customization Option: Boost nutrition by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or dark chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months, perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 176
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 116 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg