Fall is my favorite season and these muffins are like fall in muffin form which is why I love them so much, and I think you will too.
I used to be so intimidated by baking because I'm not typically exact in my measurements when it comes to other dishes. But I've come to appreciate measuring out each ingredient exactly and when I do mess up, its rarely as disastrous as I imagine it will be.
Because I'm not incredibly experienced when it comes to baking, I like to use a recipe I trust as a base and then change flavors or ingredients from there so at least I have the wet to dry proportions sorted out.
The recipe uses apple sauce as a wet ingredient which keeps the muffins so moist and soft. Plus its perfectly seasonal for fall.
Also- these are topped with cinnamon honey butter that I came across on Half Baked Harvest. So credit to Tieghan for this butter because it perfectly tops these off and adds a little extra dimension. Plus if you serve them slightly warmed or fresh out of the oven, the butter melts and it's just heaven in your mouth.
Okay recipe time:
Ingredients
-12 tablespoons butter, melted
-¾ cup brown sugar, packed
-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-2 eggs
-1 cup unsweetened applesauce
-¼ cup milk
-2 ½ cups all purpose flour
-2 teaspoons baking powder
-½ teaspoon baking soda
-½ teaspoon each of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg
Streusel
-¾ cup all purpose flour
-½ cup brown sugar, packed
-6 tablespoon cold butter, cubed
Cinnamon honey butter (from www.halfbakedharvest.com)
-4 tablespoons salted butter, room temp
-2 tablespoons honey
-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line a muffin pan with paper liners
2. In a large bowl, mix together the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Add the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the applesauce and milk, beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Mix on low-speed until just combined, being sure the batter is completely mixed.
4. To make the streusel. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Next, add the butter and use your fingers to mix the butter into the flour until a crumble forms.
5. Divide the batter among the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the streusel over the batter.
6. Transfer to the oven bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. For the butter, add ingredients to a small bowl and combine.
8. Remove from pan, top with cinnamon honey butter and enjoy!