Applesauce Cupcakes

June 6: National Applesauce Cake Day

For an early summer social with some priests at her brother’s Catholic order, Islander picked a simple dessert to share—applesauce cupcakes. Even without any frosting or sugar-crumble topping, the tiny treats were still a tempting indulgence! Applesauce cupcakes are paradise-perfect for potlucks and parties—and especially for National Applesauce Cake Day!

Recipe

(Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens)

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 ½ cups applesauce
• 1 cup raisins

Directions

In a medium sized bowl, sift together the flour with the baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves.  In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and the shortening. Beat in the applesauce.  Gradually add the flour mixture and blend well.

Fold in the raisins. Line a muffin tin with cupcake paper. Fill 2/3 full of batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes, using a toothpick to check for doneness.  Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: A little over a dozen.

Notes

• These applesauce cupcakes make hearty muffins for breakfast or snack time.