Description
Scrumptious applesauce muffins combine warm spices with tender crumb for a delightful breakfast treat. Cinnamon and nutmeg elevate these simple, wholesome muffins that will satisfy morning cravings with comfort and charm.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts
- ½ cup (80 g) raisins
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsps (25 g) sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat: Heat oven to 375F (190C), establishing the perfect thermal conditions for muffin creation.
- Prepare Pan: Line muffin tin with paper cups or generously coat with cooking spray to ensure effortless muffin release.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until completely integrated and lump-free.
- Merge Wet and Dry Components: Create a central cavity in dry ingredients, then introduce applesauce, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Blend with minimal stirring to maintain a delicate, tender crumb.
- Customize Batter: Gently incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruit, distributing evenly throughout the mixture for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Fill and Bake: Portion batter into muffin cups, filling two-thirds full. Transfer to preheated oven and bake 18-22 minutes until tops turn golden and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
- Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to rest in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Finish with an optional dusting of powdered sugar or delicate glaze drizzle.
Notes
- Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep muffins light and fluffy, stopping as soon as ingredients are just combined to avoid developing tough gluten.
- Moisture Management: Use unsweetened applesauce to control sugar levels and ensure a moist, tender crumb without excess sweetness or wetness.
- Customize Mix-Ins: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans, or swap dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries to personalize flavor profiles without compromising texture.
- Storage Strategy: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to one month to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 162
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg