Applesauce Cupcakes

Apples are in season and I am trying to find delicious ways to

cook and bake with them. I had a recipe for applesauce cake

that called for 2 cups of sugar and 1/2 cup of butter. I

reduced the sugar and butter significantly,added more

applesauce and raisins, and they still taste delicious. For

the frosting, I added some honey to give it a really wholesome

taste and reduce the amount of confectioner's sugar. These

hearty cupcakes are a good dessert that include real ingredients.

Ingredients:

(makes 20 cupcakes)

1 1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

6 TBS butter

2 eggs

1 cup applesauce

1tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

First, mix butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Then add the eggs. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda,

salt, and cinnamon. Add the dry ingredients to the

butter/sugar mixture.Don't over mix. Add the applesauce by

 folding in, again avoiding to over mix. Add raisins and

walnuts (optional).

The batter should be thick...

Add to a cupcake pan....

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately 15

to 20 minutes.

Mmmm.....I love it when the house smells like sweet,

baked apples.....

Let cool, then add frosting:

For the Honey Cream Frosting:

4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese

2 TBS butter

3/4 cup confectioner's sugar

1 TBS honey

pinch of salt

Mix together until creamy...

Mmmm......