SPICED APPLESAUCE CUPCAKES

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 ounces butter or margarine, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup finely chopped pecans
FOR THE APPLE OR ORANGE GLAZE:
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
5 teaspoons apple juice or orange juice

Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until very well combined. Set aside.

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until creamy; add egg and beat until fluffy.

Stir in applesauce. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts. Spoon batter into paper-lined or well-greased 2 1/2-inch muffin pans, filling each about two-thirds full.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven until tops spring back when lightly touched (20 to 25 minutes). Let cool in pans on wire racks for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove cupcakes, place on racks, and brush with glaze.

TO MAKE THE APPLE OR ORANGE GLAZE:
Mix sugar and juice until smoothly blended and of a good brushing consistency.

Makes 1 1/2 dozen cupcakes
Source: Potluck Cookbook, Sunset Publishing, 1988

Category:  Desserts, Cakes
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