Are you craving a delicious and comforting treat that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! These mini applesauce muffins are the perfect answer. They're bursting with warm autumnal flavors, wonderfully moist, and surprisingly simple to whip up, even for beginner bakers. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a delightful addition to your next picnic, these muffins are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked muffins.
Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy muffins.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Bringing it all Together:
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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.
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Stir in the applesauce until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Muffins:
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Fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the mini applesauce muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for Perfect Mini Applesauce Muffins:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures better emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, they're ready.
- Variations: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or cranberries for added texture and flavor. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds a delightful crunch.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 4-6g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Fiber: 1-2g
These mini applesauce muffins are a delicious and healthy addition to your diet. They're a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy!
Delicious Variations to Try:
- Spiced Apple: Add a pinch of ginger and cardamom to the batter for a warming twist.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Create a cinnamon swirl by mixing cinnamon with a tablespoon of sugar and swirling it into the batter before baking.
- Oatmeal Apple: Add ½ cup rolled oats to the batter for a heartier muffin.
This recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or simple healthy meals. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of these homemade muffins! They represent the best recipes for both ease and taste.