Lightly coat twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with cooking spray; set aside.
In a bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Make a well in the center; set aside.
In another bowl, mix applesauce, syrup, and egg whites. Add to flour mixture all at once. Stir until just moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in dates.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one 3/4 full. Top each of the muffins with 1 teaspoon of granola or Grape Nuts, if you like.
Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool in muffin cups on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups; serve warm. Makes 12 servings.