Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins Recipe

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If you’re searching for a cozy, utterly delicious treat to brighten your mornings or sweeten your afternoons, this Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins Recipe is an absolute winner. Bursting with warm spices and tender applesauce-infused crumb, these muffins strike the perfect balance between moist and crumbly, making every bite a comforting hug. Whether you’re baking for family or sneaking one with your coffee, these muffins bring that irresistible aroma and homemade charm that turns any simple day into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins lies in a handful of everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays a crucial role, from the all-purpose flour giving structure to the blend of aromatic spices that create a cozy flavor profile, and the applesauce that keeps things wonderfully moist and tender.

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the muffins their perfect tender crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for a balanced lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic spice notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle, nutty depth to the mix.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Imparts a cozy, slightly sweet spiciness.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Rounds out the spice blend for complexity.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overwhelming the spices.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moistness and a hint of caramel depth.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: The secret ingredient that keeps these muffins moist and light.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts flavors with a gentle sweetness.
• For the Crumb Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the crumbly topping’s structure.
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Sweetens the topping with rich depth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Spices up the crumb topping for extra warmth.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping and enriches flavor.

How to Make Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or use cooking spray to ensure your muffins come out easily and keep their shape beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. This aromatic spice blend is the heart of your Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins Recipe and promises a comforting scent as you bake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb and adds a sweet richness that balances the tartness of the applesauce.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the batter becomes smooth and well combined, which helps the muffins rise evenly and retain moisture.

Step 5: Mix in Applesauce and Vanilla

Stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract until fully blended. The applesauce adds natural sweetness and keeps the muffins soft, while the vanilla rounds out the flavor beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing here to keep your muffins light and fluffy rather than dense.

Step 7: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. This topping adds that irresistible crunchy texture and more spiced sweetness on each muffin crown.

Step 8: Fill Muffin Cups

Evenly divide the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full for the perfect rise without spilling over.

Step 9: Add Crumb Topping

Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin. This finishing touch creates a delightfully crunchy and flavorful top that makes these muffins extra special.

Step 10: Bake the Muffins

Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, revealing beautifully golden muffins with a crisp topping.

Step 11: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling step keeps the crumb topping intact and lets the muffins set perfectly for eating.

How to Serve Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

These muffins shine beautifully on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle smear of softened butter or cream cheese elevates their cozy spice notes and gives an extra creamy contrast to the crumbly topping.

Side Dishes

Pair your Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins Recipe with a warm cup of spiced chai, a robust coffee, or even a fresh fruit salad. The spicy warmth of the muffins complements both morning beverages and lighter sides perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or festive table, serve these muffins in a lined basket adorned with autumn leaves or napkins in warm hues to celebrate their harvest-time flavors. Alternatively, slice them in half and layer with a dollop of whipped cream or apple butter for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the crumb topping nicely crisp and the interiors moist and tender.

Freezing

To enjoy these Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins Recipe anytime, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can thaw and enjoy a fresh-tasting muffin whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover muffins by wrapping them in foil and warming in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick, cozy bite that tastes just-baked.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but be mindful of adjusting the sugar amounts slightly since sweetened applesauce adds extra sweetness that could overpower the balanced flavors of the muffins.

What can I substitute for the allspice in the spice blend?

If you don’t have allspice on hand, a pinch of ground cinnamon mixed with ground cloves or nutmeg provides a similar warm and complex flavor.

Are these muffins gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust baking times as needed.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

To veganize the recipe, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs or another egg substitute, and ensure your sugars and vanilla extract are vegan-friendly.

Why is the crumb topping so important?

The crumb topping adds an irresistible textural contrast — crunchy, sweet, and spiced — that turns these muffins from simple to spectacular, making every bite a delight.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely encourage you to try this Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins Recipe because it’s one of those comforting classics that feels like a warm hug in muffin form. The combination of spices, moist applesauce, and the irresistible crumb topping creates a bake that’s both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Once you make these, I promise they’ll become a favorite for breakfast, snack time, or any moment you need a bit of cozy sweetness.

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