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This ultimate pantry applesauce muffins recipe is made with simple ingredients you already have. Soft, moist, and full of warm cinnamon flavor, these muffins are perfect anytime.
There’s something comforting about an old fashioned recipe that uses basic pantry ingredients. These applesauce muffins are soft, moist, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor. The kind of treat that feels like home. The best part is they come together quickly, and you don’t need anything fancy to make them. Whether you’re baking a batch for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or just because you’re craving something cozy, these muffins are sure to hit the spot. Grab a bowl and let’s get started.
Ingredient Notes
The Process
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare your muffin pan by spraying the vessels with nonstick baker’s spray, or by using muffin liners. Set aside.
- Whisk together in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt.
- To the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl using a hand mixer, add the brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, butter, and vanilla. Mix together.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two increments.
- Mix well, until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Using a large scoop, divide the batter between the 12 muffin vessels.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Do not open the oven door.
- Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. (Oven temps vary, so watch the muffins at the end.)
- Muffins are done when they are lightly browned, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
A Few Tips
- Use unsweetened applesauce: this keeps the muffins from being too sweet and lets you control the sugar. (It’s generally recommended to use unsweetened applesauce in baked goods. However, I have used regular applesauce to make these muffins many times and they are great! So use what’s in your pantry.)
- Don’t overmix the batter: stir until just combined to keep the muffins soft and tender.
- Check for doneness early: ovens vary, so start checking a minute or two before the recommended baking time.
- Let them cool slightly: the muffins continue to set as they cool, so let them rest for a few minutes before eating.
- Store properly: keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage. (They freeze beautifully.)
A Great Base Recipe
This is a wonderful base recipe that can be personalized to fit your family’s taste:
- Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- A handful (about ½ cup) adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Swap out the raisins for mini chocolate chips for a fun treat.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for even more warmth and flavor.
- Replace half of the butter with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- A light dusting of cinnamon-sugar before baking gives a subtle crunch on top.
Brown Sugar or White Sugar?
Either works! When I use brown sugar, these muffins have an earthy and dense texture. When granulated sugar is used, they are a bit lighter. Both are delicious!
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Applesauce Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar or granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup applesauce
- 5 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare your muffin pan by spraying the vessels with nonstick baker's spray, or by using muffin liners. Set aside.
- Whisk together in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt.
- To the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl using a hand mixer, add the brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, butter, and vanilla. Mix together.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two increments.
- Mix well, until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Using a large scoop, divide the batter between the 12 muffin vessels.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Do not open the oven door.
- Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. (Oven temps vary, so watch the muffins at the end.)
- Muffins are done when they are lightly browned, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!
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