1 c. applesauce
1 egg
1/4 c. firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2/3 c. chopped dates, dried figs, or dried prunes
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt

Combine the applesauce, egg, brown sugar, and vegetable oil in a small bowl; stir in dates and set aside. Combine flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl; add applesauce mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon batter into 12 paper-lined muffin pans.