Maple Apple Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (260 g) soft whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (180 g) smooth unsweetened applesauce
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup (70 g) coconut oil, melted (or vegetable oil, or melted butter)
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (210 g) shredded apple (about 2 peeled apples)
• Optional: coarse sugar for topping

Directions:

1. Prep the oven: Preheat to 425°F (218°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir a few times, then fold in shredded apple until just combined.
5. Fill & bake: Divide batter evenly into muffin cups, filling right to the top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
6. Bake in two steps: Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then (without opening the oven) lower the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 16-18 more minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Total bake time is about 21-23 minutes. For mini muffins, bake 11-14 minutes at 350°F.
7. Cool & enjoy: Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.