Vegan Date and Walnut Cupcakes

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare homemade applesauce: Peel and cut 1 pound of Granny Smith apples into small pieces and place in a medium saucepan with 3/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft. Transfer to a food processor and puree until smooth, then let cool completely. This yields approximately 1 1/2 cups of applesauce.
   ▶ ≈1:36
2. 2
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) with the rack positioned in the center. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners.
   ▶ ≈8:28
3. 3
   Prepare the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, anise, cardamom, and nutmeg into a medium bowl. Whisk together until well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
   ▶ ≈3:15
4. 4
   Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix by hand for about 2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated.
   ▶ ≈4:14
5. 5
   Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, mixing gently with a whisk just until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing. Carefully fold in the chopped dates and walnuts until evenly distributed.
   ▶ ≈5:36
6. 6
   Fill the cups: Distribute the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, aiming to fill each cup to the same level. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of each cupcake for decoration.
   ▶ ≈7:52
7. 7
   Bake: Place the cupcake pan on the center rack and bake for approximately 22 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   ▶ ≈8:34
8. 8
   Make the glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until you reach a thick, drizzleable consistency. Transfer to a small pastry bag or plastic bag with a small corner cut out, and drizzle decoratively over the cooled cupcakes.
   ▶ ≈9:40