How to Make Applesauce Muffins from Scratch in 30 Minutes
When the air turns crisp, and the leaves start to fall, nothing hits the spot like a warm, spiced muffin with a hint of sweetness. These Applesauce Muffins are not only cozy and delicious, but they also come together in no time. The applesauce makes them incredibly moist and gives them that irresistible fall flavor. Plus, the buttery cinnamon-sugar topping? It’s the icing on the cake… well, muffin!
Why You’ll Love These Applesauce Muffins
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
- Perfect for Breakfast or Snack: Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go or a cozy snack with your coffee, these muffins fit the bill.
- That Topping!: Dipping these muffins in melted butter and cinnamon sugar is like giving them a little hug of sweetness.
Ingredients for Applesauce Muffins
Muffins:
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened is fine, but sweetened works if you like a sweeter muffin)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Applesauce Muffins
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and ½ cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4: Mix in Applesauce
Add 1 cup of applesauce to the wet ingredients and stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your muffins might turn out dense.
Step 7: Fill and Bake
Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the Topping
While the muffins are baking, melt ¼ cup of butter. In a small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.
Step 9: Dip and Coat
Once the muffins are done baking, let them cool slightly. Then, dip the tops of each muffin into the melted butter and immediately into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These Applesauce Muffins are delightful on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, here are a few serving ideas:
- With Coffee or Tea: These muffins are the perfect complement to your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea.
- Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For a dessert-like experience, serve them warm with a little whipped cream on the side.
- Pair with Apple Butter: Double up on that apple goodness by spreading a little apple butter on your muffin.
Tips for the Best Applesauce Muffins
1. Use Unsweetened Applesauce
While sweetened applesauce works just fine, unsweetened applesauce lets you control the sweetness of the muffins more easily. Plus, it’s a little healthier!
2. Mix It Up
Feel free to add some mix-ins like chopped walnuts, raisins, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a fun twist.
3. Don’t Overmix
Be sure to mix the batter just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your muffins tough and chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze These Muffins?
Yes! These muffins freeze well. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop one in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, and it’ll taste freshly baked.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The muffins may be slightly denser but still delicious.
What Can I Use Instead of Applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can use mashed bananas or even pumpkin puree for a different flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Applesauce Muffins are the epitome of comfort food—easy to make, deliciously moist, and filled with the cozy flavors of cinnamon and apples. Whether you’re baking them for breakfast, a snack, or to share with friends and family, they’re sure to be a hit. And don’t forget the buttery cinnamon-sugar topping—it’s the perfect finishing touch!
Applesauce Muffins
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup applesauce sweetened if you like a little sweeter muffin
- 1 3/4 cup flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and ½ cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
- Add 1 cup of applesauce to the wet ingredients and stir until everything is well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your muffins might turn out dense.
- Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the muffins are baking, melt ¼ cup of butter. In a small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Once the muffins are done baking, let them cool slightly. Then, dip the tops of each muffin into the melted butter and immediately into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.