In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter by hand. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine dry ingredients. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with applesauce. Mix just unitl combined. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 2/3s full. Sprinkle some sugar on top. Bake at 350 f. for 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.