These Applesauce Muffins with walnuts are so moist and flavorful ~ filled with sweet applesauce, crunchy walnuts and pumpkin pie spices.
Today’s Question Is: What is your least favorite part about baking?
You guys ~ last weekend, I have to say…I literally moved mountains.
Mountains and mountains of dishes! All in one day. A Sunday filled with Apple Crisp, Apple Juice, Cinnamon Applesauce, and these Applesauce Muffins.
Did I mention it was a Sunday filled with dishes? 🙂
All from The Little Apple Tree That Could.
The good news is, that on Thursday, I’m going to finally answer the question “What is the best recipe you’ve ever used Applesauce in?” I can’t wait to share it with you!
Now, on to these muffins. I lovvvvve muffins for breakfast, don’t you?
They’re a quick, grab-and-go treat that goes great with a steaming hot cup of coffee.
And, you know what you’ll love about this recipe? It was so easy and came together fast!
The house smelled heavenly while baking them and when I pulled them out of the oven, I just couldn’t resist taking that first warm bite.
There was no sense letting them cool ~ there were muffins to eat! And, when I pulled them apart…, steam came wafting out of them, and the smell of apples was so exhilarating!
These muffins taste like fall! If you know what fall tastes like. 😉
They are so moist, they stick to the roof of your mouth!
One more thing… I feel like I’m repeating myself 🙂 but again, I had trouble with the eggs. Sigh.
People, I do not make this stuff up. See this? It’s for real.
No, it’s not staged. I promise. This happened. In my kitchen. Again.
Gahhhhh!!!!! It’s sssooo frustrating.
THAT is my answer to this week’s question. The least thing I like about baking is cracking the eggs. Oh, and maybe dishes. But definitely the eggs.
By next week, I promise, I’m going to have successfully cracked eggs with no shells. Wish me luck! 🙂
Enjoy!
Applesauce Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups applesauce
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
- Cinnamon-sugar optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir in the applesauce. Combine flour, baking soda and spices and stir into the creamed mixture. Gently fold in nuts.
- Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar if desired.
- Makes 2 dozen full-sized muffins.
Notes
Recipe from Taste Of Home @ Applesauce Muffins.
[email protected] says
Fall in a muffin. LOVE these gorgeous ‘thangs, Kristi! They look so so soft and moist inside and I can practically smell the spices and everything baking! That being said, my least favorite part about baking is probably recipe fails. They suck as I’m sure you and I both know. 😉
Kristi says
Yes, recipe fails are the WORST. And, I’ve had my share of them ~ many of them to do with egg shells! Hahaha! Have a beautiful week Sarah!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
I’m with ya… recipe fails are so depressing! Especially when you think you have this great idea and are super pumped about it and then…. wha wha wha. Totally let down. Hahaha, but then when you get it right? Victory dance!
Kristi says
YES!!! I am so with you Chris. If only we could erase all the recipe fails we’ve had over the years. Victory dance! 🙂
Katie @ Sweet Society says
I love your egg honesty. It’s happens to me all the time too and it’s baffling… but try giving it one good tap on the top of your countertop. I find that if you have to tap it a few times is when the shells find their way into the bowl. Let me know how it goes:)
Kristi says
pssst…(secret!) I finally learned to crack an egg ~ I’m telling the story in an upcoming post. My problem is so silly too! But yes, it happens to me every single time. Hopefully I’m over it! 🙂 Katie, is there any way to comment on the Sweet Society site? I’d love to share the love. 🙂
Katie @ Sweet Society says
Haha, awesome. I definitely want to hear the secret. We have Disqus on the right lower side of each recipe shared and then below on Sweet Society’s posts. Would love to hear from you:)
Kristi says
Great – count it on it!!! Love your site Katie! 🙂
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
Kristi, I can’t even with these muffins! So moist, so cinnamony, so perfect! Did you add more cinnamon to your cinnamon applesauce for this recipe? Because if you did, then I am double sad that coming in for IFBC didn’t work out. You are probably the only person I know that likes cinnamon as much as me. On that note, let me check flights again!
Not to brag but I can crack eggs with one hand…look mom, no shells! 😉 It’s one of my few, practically useless talents…
Kristi says
Yes, I added more cinnamon! 🙂 Of course I did, darling…there’s simply no such thing as too much cinnamon. 🙂 I am really, really, really sorry you aren’t coming to IFBC. We’d have so much fun. But, you’d have to come early so you could come to my house and see the beautiful valley that I get to enjoy every day. It would take your breath away. Maybe some day. 🙂 And BTW, you braggart! I’m telling you girl ~ I so need to nail that one handed egg cracking trick!! Useless talent or not, I’ll take it. Hahaha!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
Literally 2 minutes before reading your comment I dumped cinnamon into my oatmeal because I thought the little top with the holes was on it and it wasn’t. You *can* have too much cinnamon! It tastes terrible but I don’t want to waste it. Someday I’ll make it there, someday. 🙂
Kristi says
Hahahaha! Poor Lindsey. Thanks for solving the mystery of whether there *can* be too much applesauce. Sorry you ruined your breakfast girl! {Hugs}
marcie says
These muffins look SO soft, and I can smell them through the screen…I really can. They do smell like fall! As much as I’m a pumpkin fanatic, the next best thing for me is apples and pears in the fall. And my least favorite thing about baking? It’s the dishes. 🙁
Kristi says
Ah, I am so with you Marcie! Boo with the dishes! And, I am a HUGE pumpkin fan too!!! Simply adore it and pumpkin pie is one of my FAVORITE things. I’m sssooo glad you can smell the muffins ~ that’s exactly what I was going for. I wish you were here to enjoy them with me! 🙂 Have a beautiful week my friend!
Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} says
Oooh, these muffins look just perfect. I can’t wait to hear what your favourite thing to make is 😀
My least favourite thing about baking is waiting for the stuff to bake 😉 It can be so hard….
Kristi says
Hahahaha! I know what you mean Josefine! Especially when it’s making the house smell so good and it takes a long bake time. I am sssooo with you, my sistah!
Monica says
I love a good muffin and these sound so good eaten warm. I’m also all for any super-moist muffins and those with walnuts, so I’m in.
As for baking…I do love it so I suppose it’s the clean up I could do without. Also remembering to take stuff out (cold butter, etc.) can cramp a girl’s baking style and impulse a little bit. I may have missed this with the eggs – do you crack them at room temp or cold? Cracking them while they’re cold tends to make for a clean break. At room temp, I get shells all time. I hope it won’t deter you from baking up more goodies.
Kristi says
Oh my gosh Monica – I so get you. I ALWAYS forget to get the butter and eggs to room temperature, which I’m sure doesn’t help me with the baking. I have done both – cold eggs and room temp eggs and I still have the same problem. It won’t deter me, that’s for sure – I love too cook to much. Thos eggs just need to start behaving. Hahahaha! I’m so glad you like the muffins! Have a wonderful week!
Cheryl says
Aww, my mom used to make applesauce muffins for me every year when school started up again. I even got her to send me a batch when I was away at college! So I have very fond memories of this sort of thing. Think I might have to make these!
Kristi says
What a great story Cheryl! I love that! That’s a really comforting, loving memory from your mom ~ and I love that you still treasure it! I hope these come even 1/2 as close as tasty as your moms. I can’t (and don’t want to) replace the memories, but maybe these will remind you of the flavors. I hope you love them.
Sara {Home is Where The Cookies Are} says
I love muffins with coffee too! I just can’t decide if I like them more in the morning for breakfast, or in the late afternoon for a pick-me-up. . . . Both. I like them for both. 🙂 these look yummy. Are you actually having fall weather to go along with all these fall-ish delights?? We are NOT. 🙁
Kristi says
Sigh, Sara… I live in Seattle. I NEVER know what kind of day it’s going to be!!! Hahahaha! The other day, it was so darn cold, we wore sweats and turned the heat up. Then yesterday, it was so hot, we were inside in the air conditioning with tank tops and shorts. Welcome to Seattle weather. If you don’t like it, just wait 5 minutes!!! Hahahaha! I love muffins in the afternoon too – so I can completely relate to where you’re coming from! There’s never a bad time for muffins.
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
This is definitely fall in a muffin, Kristi! They must make your house smell absolutely heavenly as they bake. 🙂 Pinning! My least favorite part of baking is definitely all of the dishes it creates. Our kitchen is tiny so even after washing them nearly all of our counter space is taken up by dishes air drying. Ugh, dishes! haha
Kristi says
Yes!!!!! Fall in a muffin – I love that! And, I agree Alyssa. I don’t think it matters how big your kitchen is or not (I have a huge kitchen), and it still looks like a disaster hit it with all the dishes that are everywhere. I even have a dishwasher, and when it’s full, the countertops still are too! Sometimes I wonder about this food blogging thing. I think, “Kristi, seriously….Couldn’t you have found a less messy and less disasterous hobby???” 🙂
Kelly says
Love these fall in a muffin girl! They look so moist and full of walnuts and cozy warm spices which are my favorite. I can just imagine how awesome these smell baking in your oven. Pinning 🙂 My least favorite thing about baking is definitely the dishes and clean up. Wish we could have our own clean up fairies to take away all the mess we make after baking up a storm.
Kristi says
I am so with you – a kitchen fairy would be a dream! Dishes ~ seriously, they need to learn to do them, themselves! Hahaha! Thanks for the pin Kelly. Hugs!
Medeja says
These muffins would be nice for breakfast 🙂 I always dream about it, but never make muffins for breakfast 😀
Kristi says
I’m with you, but I will say I don’t make them often ENOUGH. 🙂 Have a great day Medeja!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Your Sunday sounds like my Saturday last week, Kristi! I baked a bunch of fall recipes, all in one day, and was in a never-ending pile of dishes! 🙂 These muffins sounds perfect for a fall day! I love baking with applesauce, though I’ve never made it into the star ingredient. Sounds incredible! Pinned!
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Gayle! Yes, last weekend was weird. I whipped out those recipes like nobody’s business ~ and yet sometimes I can’t even get one good dish on the table! Hahaha!
Annie @Maebells says
I am such a muffin person too! I love them! All flavor combos! But these look so perfectly moist and fluffy!
Kristi says
Thanks Annie! I love fluffy muffins! Hahahaha! I’m glad you do too!
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
My least favorite part of baking – the clean up! Haha! I tend to make such a mess when I am experimenting! These muffins look perfect for Fall! I love adding applesauce to baked goods – such a good flavor and texture. Pinned 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Chelsea! I’m not a big fan of the clean-up either. Love the creating part, but the clean-up, not so much!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
the least thing I like about baking is the clean up! It’s fun while you are baking but once it’s done and you look at all the dishes, oh my god! these muffins look perfect for fall morning Kristi!
Kristi says
Hahaha! I agree with you Manali! During the process, I’m dirty-dishing-it away and then when I turn around, I’m like “Whaaaat!”? Hahaha! So, I know exactly what you mean. Have a great week!
Johlene says
Love what you did with these muffins.. a great use for that hreat apple sauce you made!!! They look so moist inside!!! Happy week friend 🙂 xoxo
Kristi says
Thanks Johlene ~ they WERE moist inside and sssssooooo good! Have a beautiful week. xoxo!
[email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says
Woah.. Look at those muffins!! so moist and delicious.. Perfect fall recipe! 😀
Kristi says
Thanks Arpita ~ great minds think alike. I thought so too!
Ashley says
The dishes!! I hate all the dishes!! Gah, so much. And loading and unloading the dishwasher and still having to wash things by hand! haha
These muffins sound amazingggg. I love a good muffin with my coffee in the morning! And if they taste like fall then I am definitely in!
Kristi says
Hahaha! Hahaha! I LOL’d at this comment Ashley. I can sssooo feel what you mean. It’s a GAHHHHH moment when it becomes dish time. Unfortunately a lot of my stuff I don’t put in the dishwasher, because I’m typically using it [again] 3.5 seconds from now. 🙂 The only hope I have, is that muffin with coffee in the morning! Have a beautiful week and don’t dream of dishes! Haha!
Chocolate Shavings says
You didn’t even need to mention that these muffins are moist — you can tell by your photos! They sound delightful — especially as Fall makes it way in!
Kristi says
Hahaha! I know, right. I almost pointed that out. Moist is definitely the word for these! Have a great week!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Wow, Kristi these muffins look incredible. I love all those little walnut pieces. I’m hunting for fall recipes to make for my upcoming guests. These are definitely going on the list. Pinning
Kristi says
Thanks Cindy! I’m a huge fan of walnuts in desserts. Oh, and pecans, and almonds, and pine nuts and peanuts, and… you get the idea! Hahaha! Have a great week.
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ says
When I hear “applesauce” I’m in ecstasy. I can almost feel happier just by looking at these pics of your muffin. Now I only need to taste them…
Kristi says
Thanks Daniela! Have a great week!
Janet says
Hi! Wanted to try this recipe – just wondered if you use unsweetened applesauce? I have some storebought applesauce with sugar that I would like to use up. Could I just cut some of the sugar in the recipe if I use this applesauce? Thanks!
Kristi says
Hi Janet! The applesauce I used had sugar in it (it was a homemade applesauce), so I think you’d be fine with an applesauce with sugar. Since all brand of applesauces are different, what I would do is taste the applesauce to see how sweet it is, before you cut the sugar. If it’s really sweet, cut back a bit. If not, you should be just fine. I know you’ll love these bars no matter what you use! Enjoy! And, thanks for stopping by.