Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Step 1 - Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. This temperature is ideal for creating a nice dome on your Best Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins.
- Step 2 - Combine Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking, as opposed to stirring, is a key technique that aerates the dry ingredients, ensuring your leaveners are evenly distributed for a uniform rise.
- Step 3 - Mix Wet Ingredients In a separate medium bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. (Pro tip: Letting the egg come to room temperature before mixing helps it incorporate more easily).
- Step 4 - Combine Batters Step 5 - Fill Muffin Cups Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full. I find using a cookie scoop or a measuring cup makes this process clean and ensures even baking.
- Step 6 - Bake to Perfection Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Unlike denser baked goods, these muffins will spring back lightly when touched.
- Step 7 - Cool and Serve Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the structure to set, preventing them from falling apart. Enjoy warm or store for later.