5 Delicious Applesauce Cupcake Recipes You'll Love

If you're seeking to add a delightful twist to your baking adventures, applesauce cupcakes might be the perfect treat to bake. Not only are they easy to make, they bring a rich, moist texture to your desserts, making each bite a joy. Here, we explore five different applesauce cupcake recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy these scrumptious treats.

1. Classic Applesauce Cupcake Recipe

The classic applesauce cupcake is where simplicity meets flavor. Here’s how you can create these comforting cakes:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cupcake tins with liners.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and applesauce.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  6. Scoop batter into cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting with your favorite buttercream.

🍏 Note: For an extra burst of apple flavor, try adding small chunks of fresh apple to the batter.

2. Vegan Applesauce Cupcakes

Vegan baking can be challenging, but these applesauce cupcakes are a breeze:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
  3. Add oil, applesauce, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry mix, stirring until well blended.
  4. Fill each liner about 3/4 full with batter.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool completely before topping with vegan frosting.

3. Gluten-Free Applesauce Cupcakes

These cupcakes cater to those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste or texture:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs or a flaxseed egg replacement
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare your muffin tin with liners.
  2. Mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: almond milk, applesauce, coconut oil, honey, vanilla, and eggs.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cupcakes spring back when lightly touched.
  7. Let cool before decorating.

🌾 Note: Always check for cross-contamination when preparing gluten-free food if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance.

4. Chocolate Applesauce Cupcakes

These cupcakes combine the richness of chocolate with the moisture of applesauce for a truly indulgent experience:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tins with liners.
  2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in one bowl.
  3. In another, cream butter and sugar together, then add eggs, one at a time.
  4. Stir in applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, blending just until smooth.
  6. Fill liners 2/3 full with batter.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs.
  8. Let cool before frosting.

5. No-Sugar Added Applesauce Cupcakes

If you're looking for a healthier option, these no-sugar added cupcakes are sweetened naturally:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup date paste or purée
  • 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tray with liners.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, mix applesauce, coconut oil, date paste, milk, and vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just blended.
  5. Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cupcakes are firm to the touch.
  7. Cool, then frost with a sugar-free frosting or a whipped coconut cream.

🍮 Note: Date paste provides a natural sweetness and adds fiber, making these cupcakes a nutritious treat.

These five applesauce cupcake recipes not only highlight the versatility of applesauce in baking but also cater to a wide variety of dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free and no-sugar added. Each recipe brings its unique twist to traditional cupcakes, ensuring that every guest can indulge without any dietary restrictions standing in their way. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, these recipes are sure to add a new dimension to your dessert repertoire, proving that delicious baking can be inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Can I substitute applesauce for oil in any cupcake recipe?

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Yes, applesauce can replace oil in many recipes. Typically, you can use a 1:1 ratio, but you might need to adjust the amount depending on the consistency of the applesauce.

How long can I store these cupcakes?

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Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Frosted cupcakes are best refrigerated and will last about the same time.

What type of frosting pairs best with applesauce cupcakes?

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Cinnamon, cream cheese, or caramel frosting would complement the flavor of applesauce cupcakes beautifully. However, vanilla, maple, or any nut-based frosting can also be delicious.

Can I make these recipes with sweetened applesauce?

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Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but you’ll need to adjust the sugar content in the recipes to prevent them from being overly sweet.