Heavenly Strawberry Muffins

1 (16 ounce) package 1-step angel food cake mix
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup skim milk
2/3 cup applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 egg whites
2 teaspoons strawberry extract
4 drops red food color (optional)
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 24 (2 1/4-inch) muffin cups with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, prepare angel food cake mix according to package directions.

In another large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.

In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, milk, applesauce, oil, egg whites, strawberry extract and, if desired, red food color. Stir applesauce mixture into flour mixture just until moistened.

Fill each muffin cup 1/3 full with applesauce batter. Top with angel food cake batter, filling each cup almost full. (There will be some angel food cake batter left over.) Bake 20 minutes or until puffed and golden. Immediately remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack. Sprinkle tops with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Makes 24 servings.