Petite Apple Cakes

Today is Fat Tuesday. If you're looking for a pancake recipe why not end Carnival with my Crepes with Hot Buttered Rum Sauce. Otherwise give these apple cakes a try. I love desserts and snacks that are not too sweet. These small snack cakes are not bad for you and they're easy to do. They also work with coffee in the morning. 'Nuff said!

Petite Apple Cakes

Ingredients:
3 cups + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided use
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided use
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided use
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1-1/2 cups plain yogurt
2 cups coarsely grated apple
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Confectioners' sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions:
1) To make the streusel topping, combine 3 tablespoons flour, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons cubed butter in a small bowl. Mix with finger tips until mixture resembles small peas. Set aside.
2) Adjust an oven rack to lower middle position. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 2 six-cup muffin tins with nonstick spray. Set aside.
3) Combine reserved flour, baking powder, baking soda, reserved 1 teaspoon cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
4) Combine butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in half of dry ingredients, then beat in one-third of the yogurt. Add remaining dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with remaining yogurt until incorporated. Fold in apples and walnuts.
5) Use a large ice cream scoop to evenly fill prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle tops with reserved streusel topping. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center of muffins comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Set pan on rack for 5 minutes. Remove cakes from pans. Dust with confectioners' sugar if using. Serve warm. Yield: 12 servings.