These moist applesauce muffins have a delightful apple-cinnamon flavor and are sweetened with applesauce. The cinnamon-sugar topping gives them an irresistible crunch. 
If you want a warm, cozy muffin that’s hard to resist, these applesauce muffins are exactly that. They offer a gentle apple taste, fluffy texture, a super-moist crumb, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar finish.
The apple flavor is subtle, while brown sugar and cinnamon add depth—making these especially lovely in autumn, though they’re perfect any time of year.
What I love most is that these muffins never get dry. Applesauce adds moisture and flavor, preventing the crumb from becoming tough or crumbly—so they stay tender and delicious every time.
Applesauce Muffin Recipe
These muffins are easy and require no electric mixer. Melted butter provides richer flavor than oil and lets you whisk the batter by hand. Start by whisking melted butter with white and brown sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, and unsweetened applesauce. Unsweetened applesauce is recommended to avoid overly sweet muffins; cinnamon-flavored applesauce works well if you want extra spice.
Next, gently fold in the dry ingredients. Ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg heighten the warm, apple-spice notes, and the right amount of flour keeps the texture tender—not dry. For best results, whisk the flour first, then spoon it into a measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing.
The muffins bake at 375°F, which helps them rise with nicely domed tops. A slightly higher temperature encourages a good rise without over-browning; 375°F strikes the right balance.
After baking, let the muffins cool about 10 minutes until warm but manageable. Dip each top in melted butter, then into cinnamon sugar for a crunchy, flavorful finish. That topping adds texture, extra flavor, and a touch of nostalgia—like a cinnamon-sugar donut in muffin form.
These applesauce muffins are moist, flavorful, and full of cozy apple-cinnamon notes. The cinnamon sugar topping elevates them into a special breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
For more apple-inspired baking ideas, consider other favorite recipes featuring apples and warming spices.
Applesauce Muffins
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Ingredients
Applesauce Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
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Sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and both sugars until combined. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and applesauce.
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Stir about half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, then gently fold in the rest until just combined.
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Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
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Bake 17–22 minutes, until the tops are slightly firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the topping.
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Dip the top of each warm muffin into melted butter, shake off excess, then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat for all muffins.
Notes
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