Easter

Apple Hazelnut Muffins

by:
May 16, 2018
5
1 Ratings
Apple Hazelnut Muffins
Photo by recipe runner
  • Prep time 20 minutes
  • Cook time 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Makes 18
Author Notes

My son always smiles when I make these. The last line of a children's story I read to him called ‘One Hungry Monster’ states: ... “From behind the toaster, my secret hiding spot, I take an apple muffin the monsters never got!” He is my apple muffin monster :) —Miss_Karen

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • APPLE CIDER APPLESAUCE
  • 1 pound APPLES (Cortland, Braeburn, Gala, or Wine Sap) peeled, cored and chopped
  • 3/4 cup APPLE CIDER
  • 1 tablespoon SUGAR (optional)
  • 1 pinch SALT
  • 1 splash LEMON JUICE
  • MUFFINS
  • 1/2 cup BUTTER, softened
  • 3/4 cup SUGAR
  • 1/2 cup BROWN SUGAR
  • 4 LARGE EGGS, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups APPLE CIDER APPLESAUCE (See above- or store bought)
  • 2 cups FLOUR
  • 1 teaspoon each: GROUND CINNAMON, GROUND GINGER, & BAKING SODA
  • 3/4 teaspoon SALT
  • 1/2 teaspoon NUTMEG
  • 1/8 teaspoon GROUND CLOVES
  • 1 cup RAISINS
  • 1 cup CHOPPED HAZELNUTS
  • 2 handfuls BROWN SUGAR *(see note about topping)
Directions
  1. Bring apples, cider and lemon juice to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover pan: reduce heat. Simmer until apples are very soft, about 12 minutes. Remove lid; stir in sugar and salt. (I usually omit the sugar- recipe doesn’t really need it.) Cook over medium heat until apples are broken up and most of the liquid is evaporated, about 15 minutes. Let cool. Lightly puree. I prefer a few small chunks. If you want smoother applesauce then puree a bit more.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. Cream the butter and the sugars until smooth, about 3 minutes. Mix in eggs, one at a time. On low speed, mix in the applesauce. Sift together all dry ingredients. Add to butter mixture. Stir in raisins if desired. Divide batter into muffin cups. Fill about 3/4 full. *Sprinkle brown sugar on top. Bake until centers test clean, about 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan.
  3. *OPTIONAL TOPPING: 3/4 cup light brown sugar 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (or quick oats) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup walnuts, (chopped or halved) 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Whisk the brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, salt, and nuts together. Make sure to get out all those brown sugar lumps. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or a fork until the mixture is crumbly. Evenly sprinkle topping over the muffins. Bake as directed.
Tags:
Contest Entries

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Miss_Karen
    Miss_Karen
  • Catherine Iino
    Catherine Iino

Popular on Food52

4 Reviews

Miss_Karen
Miss_Karen October 25, 2018
The recipe says to sprinkle brown sugar on the top of the muffins before baking. However, you may substitute a streusel topping if you prefer. Scrumptious either way :)

3/4 cup light brown sugar
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (or quick oats)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted nuts, chopped (I use hazelnuts)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Whisk the brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, salt, and pecans together. Make sure to get out all those brown sugar lumps. Add the butter and stir with a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon to break up the butter until the mixture is crumbly. (A fork works for this too!) Evenly sprinkle topping over the muffins.
 
Catherine I.
Catherine I. October 25, 2018
Thanks! So that is just brown sugar in the photo?
 
Catherine I.
Catherine I. October 25, 2018
Never mind. Ms. K says this was streusel. Sure looks good!
 
Catherine I.
Catherine I. October 24, 2018
In the photo, there seems to be a streusel topping on these muffins, but that's not in the recipe. Do you have a streusel recipe that you prefer?