Apple Pie Muffin

My local Big Apple Bagels location offers an apple pie muffin that is absolutely amazing!!!  I have tried a few recipes and added my own twist in an attempt to duplicate this muffin that I love so much.  I think I finally have it figured out!!!

Apple Pie Muffin

Ingredients:

Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Batter

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2/3 cup applesauce

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

2 cups diced apples

1 can apple pie filling

Directions:

1.  Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line muffin tin with paper cups (makes 18 regular sized muffins or 15 large muffins). 

2.  Topping:  Combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix until crumbly; set aside.

3.  Combine the brown sugar, apple sauce, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl.  Mix and set aside.

4.  Sift together flour, soda, salt and cinnamon.  Blend the flour into the mixture, alternately with the buttermilk.  Add the diced apple.  mix until just combined.  Spoon into prepared muffin tins.    

5.  Top each muffin with two slices of apple from the apple pie filling.

6.  Sprinkle generously with topping.

7.  Bake for 30 minutes (38 for large muffins), until golden brown.  Insert toothpick to test the batter has baked completely.

Optional:  Mix powdered sugar with a little bit of water.  Drizzle on top of muffins.