Picture the aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen as you whip up a batch of Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins.
These delightful treats are incredibly easy to make, offering a cozy indulgence that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
As the pumpkin puree and applesauce meld with cinnamon and nutmeg, magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into something special.
Let’s bring this comforting dish to life and enjoy the delicious results together!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 muffin tin
- 12 muffin liners
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
- Spend a brief 5 minutes reading through the recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment. This will help streamline the process.
- Prep Time (10 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the muffin tin with liners.
- Measure and whisk together dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mixing and Filling (5 minutes):
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients using a spatula, stirring just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
- Cook Time (20 minutes):
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Resting and Cooling (5 minutes):
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
- Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Serving Tips
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a touch of sweetness and creaminess by serving each muffin with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple, elegant finish to the muffins.
- Paired with a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Complement the warm spices of the muffins with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.
- Served with Fresh Fruit: Balance the muffin’s richness with a side of fresh berries or apple slices for a revitalizing contrast.
- Topped with a Spoonful of Yogurt: Add a creamy and tangy twist by serving the muffins with a spoonful of plain or flavored yogurt.
Storage
To store Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Alternatively, refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezing
To freeze Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins, first let them cool completely.
Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.
Place in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave them for 20-30 seconds until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
They’re easy to prepare and bring together the comforting flavors of pumpkin, apples, and warm spices.
With a total time of 35 minutes, including prep, baking, and resting, you can enjoy these muffins in no time.
Be sure to use room temperature ingredients for best results. This guarantees even blending and a light, fluffy texture.
Remember to avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are barely combined to prevent dense muffins.
Enjoy these muffins as a dessert or a tasty snack.
Their combination of wholesome ingredients makes them a delightful choice for any time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Pumpkin Puree?
You can use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree. Peel, deseed, and cut pumpkin into cubes. Cook until soft, then mash to achieve a smooth consistency. Use 1/2 cup of this homemade puree to replace the canned version.
How Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Replace all-purpose and whole wheat flours with 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Confirm it’s a blend containing xanthan gum. Follow the same mixing and baking instructions, and don’t overmix to maintain texture.
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
For a vegetable oil substitute, use 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. Confirm the coconut oil is cooled before mixing. This maintains moisture and texture while slightly altering flavor profiles.
Are These Muffins Suitable for Vegans?
These muffins aren’t vegan because they contain an egg. Substitute the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) to make them suitable for a vegan diet.
How Can I Enhance the Pumpkin Flavor?
To enhance the pumpkin flavor, increase pumpkin puree to 3/4 cup and add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Replace vegetable oil with melted butter for richness. Make certain thorough mixing for even distribution of pumpkin throughout the batter.
Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
Equipment
- 1 muffin tin
- 12 muffin liners
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
