Two-ingredient muffins with spice cake mix and applesauce
Applesauce Muffins
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12
12 muffins
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Applesauce Muffins
Two-ingredient muffins with spice cake mix and applesauce
★4.6(20)
Incredibly easy muffins made with just spice cake mix and applesauce—no eggs, no oil, no butter. The easiest muffin recipe that produces surprisingly moist, flavorful results.
5m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
12
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These applesauce muffins are famous for their simplicity—just two main ingredients stirred together and baked. The applesauce replaces eggs, oil, and water, creating incredibly moist muffins with a warm spice flavor.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon for topping
- 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- 2
In a large bowl, stir together cake mix and applesauce until just combined. Fold in extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins if using.
- 3
Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
- 4
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top of each muffin.
- 5
Bake 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in the pan.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty start
Substitutions
Spice cake mixYellow cake mix with added cinnamon
Add your own spice blend for more control
ApplesaucePumpkin puree
Creates a pumpkin spice version that is equally easy and delicious
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Don't overmix—a few lumps are fine and overmixing makes the muffins tough.
Use unsweetened applesauce since the cake mix already contains plenty of sugar.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store in an airtight container up to 5 days. Freeze up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 12 servings
Calories140
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein1g
Carbohydrates2g
Fat30g
Fiber240mg
Sugar0g
Sodium18g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cake mix?
- Yellow or white cake mix works too—add 2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp nutmeg for the spice flavor.
- Are these really only two ingredients?
- The base recipe is just cake mix and applesauce. Everything else is optional enhancement.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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