Easy Applesauce Spice Muffins

These easy spiced applesauce muffins use butter, applesauce, pumpkin pie spice, and a little ground flaxseed. They have a soft, moist crumb, nicely rounded tops, and a lovely combination of apple and warm spice flavors.

This is an easy recipe that makes 12 muffins, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. You don't need fresh apples, and the batter comes together with a few simple steps.

This recipe is part of my new collection of quick breads and muffins, which includes my popular Blender Whole Orange Bread, and this interesting vintage Depression Era Peanut Butter Bread (No Yeast).

Why This Recipe Works

• The butter and sugar are creamed together to give the muffins a lighter texture, while the applesauce adds moisture and flavor. Pumpkin pie spice brings together several warm spices in one convenient ingredient.
• I've also replaced two tablespoons of flour with ground flaxseed. It's a small addition that provides a little extra fiber and a subtle nutty flavor without changing the character of these traditional muffins.

Ingredients Needed

You will find the complete ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below. Here are a few things worth knowing before you start.

• Applesauce: I recommend smooth, unsweetened applesauce. You can also use homemade applesauce or a sweetened variety, but remember that sweetened applesauce will affect the overall sweetness of the muffins and you will need to cut down on the sugar amount.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter softened to room temperature. It should be soft enough to cream with the sugar but not melted.
• All-purpose flour: Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly. Measure two cups, then remove two tablespoons to make room for the ground flaxseed.
• Ground flaxseed: Use finely ground flaxseed, also called flaxseed meal. It blends easily into the batter and provides a little extra fiber. If you don't have any, simply use the full amount of flour instead.
• Baking powder: This recipe uses baking powder rather than baking soda. Baking powder provides the leavening needed for the muffins to rise without relying on the acidity of the applesauce.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Despite its name, this spice blend doesn't contain pumpkin. It usually includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Apple pie spice is another good option.
• Walnuts: Optional, but they add a little crunch to the soft muffins. Pecans work just as well, or you can leave the nuts out entirely.
• Cinnamon sugar: A little sprinkled over the muffins before baking adds extra sweetness. It's optional, especially if you prefer your muffins plain.

How to Make Spiced Applesauce Muffins

This recipe uses the traditional creaming method. Start with an electric mixer, then switch to a spatula when you add the dry ingredients. If you don't have a mixer, use a whisk.

Step 1. Prepare the muffin pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.

Step 2. Cream the butter and sugar

Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.

Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until incorporated.

Stir in the applesauce on low speed.

The mixture might look slightly curdled after adding the applesauce. This is normal because applesauce contains quite a bit of water.

Step 3. Combine the dry ingredients

Measure two cups of flour, remove two tablespoons, and replace them with two tablespoons of ground flaxseed.

Whisk the flour and flaxseed together with the baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.

Add the dry ingredients to the applesauce mixture and gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined.

The batter will be fairly thick. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using. I skipped them this time.

Step 4. Fill the muffin pan

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

If using the cinnamon sugar topping, sprinkle a little over each muffin.

Step 5. Bake the muffins

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Expert Tips for the Best Applesauce Muffins

Don't pack the flour into the measuring cup. Spoon it into the cup and level it off, or use a kitchen scale. Too much flour can make the muffins dense.

Don't overmix the batter. Once the flour goes in, use a spatula and mix gently until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and can make muffins tough.

Check for doneness. My muffins took 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Ovens vary, so use a toothpick to make sure the centers are baked through.

How to Serve Applesauce Muffins

These muffins are delicious warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them plain, with a little butter, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

They make a simple breakfast addition, an afternoon snack, or something to pack in a lunchbox.

Although apples and warm spices are especially popular in the fall, this is a recipe you can make year-round with a jar of applesauce from the pantry.

How to Store and Freeze

At room temperature: Let the muffins cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep for 2–3 days. A paper towel inside the container can help absorb excess moisture.

Freezing: Place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing: Let frozen muffins thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them briefly in the microwave if you prefer.

More Recipes To Enjoy

• Banana Coconut Bread
• Pecan Coffee Quick Bread Recipe
• Berry Protein Shake​
• Chocolate Chips Cappuccino Muffins

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