Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! These applesauce muffins are the perfect solution for a quick breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert. Packed with the sweet goodness of applesauce and a hint of cinnamon, these muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with this simple and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, ½ cup raisins
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step creates a well-combined base for your muffins, preventing clumps and ensuring even leavening.
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Using softened butter is key for a smooth batter. A stand mixer or hand mixer works well here. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
Add Mix-ins (Optional):
- If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts and/or raisins. Adding these at the end preserves their texture.
Bake the Muffins:
- Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This leaves room for the muffins to rise. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on them.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and ensures they cool evenly.
Tips for the Best Applesauce Muffins:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and applesauce creates a smoother batter and helps the muffins rise better.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices, extracts, or mix-ins like chocolate chips, cranberries, or blueberries.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 1-2g
These nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy applesauce muffin recipe is perfect for any occasion. They're a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!