Healthy Fall Spiced Apple Muffins

0 Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a muffin pan with oil.
1 In a glass measuring cup add 1/2 cup of milk + 1/2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar, set aside for about 5 minutes.
2 Make flax egg by mixing the ground flax and water in a small bowl. Set aside and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3 In a small bowl make your crumble: add coconut oil, coconut sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Stir with spoon and mix well until combined. Set aside.
4 In a medium bowl add all DRY ingredients EXCEPT the apples. Whisk together until evenly combined.
5 In a large bowl add applesauce, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Whisk until evenly combined then add oil, flax egg, and vanilla. Whisk until evenly combined. Pour in milk mixture and gently stir to combine.
6 Add bowl of dry ingredients into large bowl of wet ingredients. Using large spatula, gently combine until all dry ingredients are almost incorporated, then fold in diced apples gently. Careful NOT to overmix. Batter will be somewhat thick. Avoid over-mixing the batter or you’ll end up with tough muffins!
7 Evenly distribute batter into greased muffin pan, filling ¾ full. Sprinkle crumble mixture on top of batter in each cup, gently pressing slightly into batter.
8 Bake muffins at 425 F for 5 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350 F (do NOT open the oven) and continue baking for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until inserted toothpick in center of muffin comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in pan for about 10-15 minutes before gently removing. Transfer apple muffins to wire rack and allow to cool completely before storing. Muffins are best enjoyed fresh within 3 days.
9 Enjoy!
10 **You can also use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour, OR all whole wheat pastry flour.
11 (Recipe adapted from the Fit Mitten Kitchen)