Ingredients

Makes 12 muffins

　　

For muffins:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose 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

　　1 cup packed light brown sugar

　　1 stick (1/2 cup) plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

　　1 cup unsweetened applesauce

　　1 cup pecans or walnuts (3 1/2 ounces), coarsely chopped

　　

For topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

　　1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

　　1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

　　1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

　　

Special Equipment

a muffin pan with 12 (1/2-cup) muffin cups

　　

Prepare muffins:

Step 1

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. Grease muffin pan.

　　

Step 2

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.

　　

Make topping and bake:

Step 3

Stir together all topping ingredients and sprinkle 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.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Muffins, cooled completely, keep in an airtight container at room temperature 1 day.