Perfectly spiced and moist apple sauce cupcakes are great for a Valentine’s Day treat or any other celebration for that matter. A simple nine ingredient recipe is a breeze to whip up and will certainly delight anyone who you wish to share with.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

8 eggs, at room temperature

3 cups North Coast Apple Sauce

4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting: 

1/2 cup butter, softened

8oz. cream cheese, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons North Coast Apple Juice or Cider

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs by two, mixing on medium speed after each addition. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the apple sauce alternating with the dry mixture and fold with a spatula until combined. Do not overmix. Divide batter evenly between 24 lined cupcake molds, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes until nicely golden brown, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. Combine the butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Beat on high for 5 minutes, adding the apple juice as needed. You may need to add an additional tablespoon or two to get the desired consistency. Once cupcakes are cool, frost and decorate with your sprinkle of choice. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.