Description
Homemade Applesauce Muffins blend comforting warmth with sweet apple essence, creating a delightful breakfast or snack. Tender crumbs and fragrant spices invite home bakers to savor each delectable bite of this classic American treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Sweeteners and Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
Optional Add-ins and Topping:
- ½ cup (50 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup (75 g) raisins or chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 375F (190C). Arrange paper liners inside a standard muffin tin or lightly coat the cavities with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a delicate dry mixture by combining flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate vessel, blend granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until the liquid components transform into a harmonious, smooth consistency.
- Gently introduce the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, using a delicate folding technique. Stir minimally to prevent toughening the batter, maintaining a light and airy texture. If desired, incorporate additional elements like chopped nuts or dried fruit at this stage.
- Carefully portion the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each compartment approximately three-quarters full. Dust the surface with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar topping for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Position the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should emerge without any raw batter clinging to it.
- Allow the muffins to rest in the tin for a brief 5-minute cooling period. Carefully transfer the golden-brown treats to a wire rack, permitting them to cool completely and develop their full flavor profile.
Notes
- Achieve the perfect texture by avoiding overmixing, which can lead to tough, dense muffins. Gently fold ingredients until just combined for a light, tender crumb.
- Swap out all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising flavor and moisture.
- Boost nutritional value by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or seeds to the batter, creating a more complex and satisfying muffin experience.
- Control sweetness and health benefits by using unsweetened applesauce and reducing sugar, or substituting with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more wholesome treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg