Applesauce Spice Muffins

My children especially enjoyed these simple muffins.

Applesauce Spice Muffins

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can sub 1/2 c. with wheat flour)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup pecans or walnuts (3 1/2 ounces), coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. turbinado sugar

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F. Grease muffin pan (standard size - 12 muffins) using some of the melted butter.

Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together eggs and
brown sugar in a large bowl until combined well, then add butter, a little at a time, whisking until
mixture is creamy. Stir in applesauce, then fold in flour mixture until flour is just moistened. Stir in
nuts and divide batter among muffin cups.

Sprinkle turbinado sugar equally on top of muffins. Bake until muffins are puffed
and golden, about 20 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack 5 minutes, then remove muffins from pan and
cool slightly.