ORANGE APPLESAUCE CUPCAKES

Orange Applesauce Cupcakes image

Kids of all ages rave about these fruity cupcakes. I've been making them for 25 years to serve at potlucks, church picnics and family suppers. For a tasty variation, substitute crushed pineapple for the applesauce.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
2 to 4 teaspoons orange juice

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Beat in applesauce, vanilla and orange zest. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in pecans., Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely., For frosting, in a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Add orange zest and enough orange juice to achieve spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 315 calories, Fat 14g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 267mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (38g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.