Description
These Applesauce Spice Crumb Muffins are a deliciously moist and flavorful treat featuring warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, complemented by a sweet and crunchy crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these muffins bring comfort with every bite and use applesauce to keep them moist and tender without added oil.
Ingredients
Scale
Muffin Batter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to ensure even texture.
- Add Applesauce and Vanilla: Mix in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry spice and flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms loose crumbs.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Add Crumb Topping: Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin for a crunchy, flavorful finish.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin emerges clean.
- Cool Muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep muffins light and tender.
- Ensure butter is softened (not melted) before creaming for best texture.
- Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
- Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can enhance texture and flavor.
- These muffins freeze well: wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
