Kaya’s Applesauce Spice Muffins

We are so happy that you have joined us for our next program for our inaugural exhibit, American Girl: 35 Years of Strong Characters. 

For today’s program, we will be making Applesauce Spice Muffins, a recipe inspired by American Girl character, Kaya, whose story takes place in 1764.

Today’s recipe can be found online at Epicurious. The following directions make 12 muffins. We hope you enjoy Kaya’s Applesauce Spice Muffins.

Ingredients for Muffins

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 cup pecans or walnuts (3 1/2 ounces), coarsely chopped

Ingredients for Toppings

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Equipment

• Muffin pan with 12 (1/2-cup) muffin cups

• Two large bowls

• Spoon

• Whisk

Directions

1. Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. Grease muffin pan.

2. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together eggs and brown sugar in a large bowl until combined well, then add butter, a little at a time, whisking until mixture is creamy. Stir in applesauce, then fold in flour mixture until flour is just moistened. Stir in nuts and divide batter among muffin cups.

3. Stir together all topping ingredients and sprinkle on top of muffins.

4. Bake until muffins are puffed and golden, about 20 minutes.

5. Cool in pan on a rack 5 minutes, then remove muffins from pan and cool slightly.

Photo of Applesauce Spice Muffins | 2004 | Epicurious