Spiced Applesauce Cupcakes Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
🥄 Servings: 12 cupcakes
Description:
These Spiced Applesauce Cupcakes are a delightful treat that has been a favorite in my kitchen for years! They come out of the oven perfectly moist and bursting with warm, cozy flavors. For an extra indulgent touch, top them with my homemade cream cheese frosting (recipe #90142) or your favorite frosting of choice. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cupcakes are sure to please!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground clove
- 3/4 cup applesauce
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly and rise perfectly.
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Prepare Muffin Cups: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This prevents the cupcakes from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender texture in the cupcakes.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of sweet aroma.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Sifting ensures a smooth batter without any lumps.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the applesauce. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise as they bake.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cupcakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they set properly without collapsing.
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Frost (Optional): Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with your favorite frosting. I recommend my cream cheese frosting recipe #90142 for a deliciously tangy contrast to the spiced cupcakes.
Enjoy these Spiced Applesauce Cupcakes as a delightful dessert or a sweet indulgence any time of day! They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying all to yourself. Happy baking! 🧁🍎
