Apple-Filled Muffins

Yum. I know it is not Autumn yet, but since when is the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and apples not in season with our tastebuds?! I think you will really like this recipe. It is easy to prepare and smells so good when you are preparing the filling. Enjoy these for breakfast or as midday snack.

Filling:
2 T butter
2 apples, peeled, seeded, and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 T pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Muffin Batter:
1 T coconut oil or other suitable baking oil
2/3 cup coconut sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup milk
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly oil a large 6-muffin tin.

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in maple syrup, apples, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cook about 10 minutes, stirring often. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together oil, coconut sugar, vanilla, egg, applesauce, and milk.

In a small bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients except walnuts.

Stir dry ingredients into the large bowl of wet ingredients until thoroughly combined.

Fill each muffin cup with about 1/4 cup batter. Spoon apple mixture into the center of each cup. (Do not spread the mixture.) Top the apple mixture with remaining batter. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with chopped walnuts. 

Bake about 20 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Makes 6 large muffins.

Note: I had sweetened applesauce, so I only used 1/3 cup coconut sugar. If your applesauce is also sweetened, 2/3 cup coconut sugar might make your muffins too sweet, so adjust the recipe accordingly.