Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

1/2 cup packed (light) brown sugar

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large firm apple, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• Baking cups or nonstick spray

1. Heat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Whisk the sugar, egg, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Grate the apple (or dice with a knife) and stir into the sugar mixture. Add in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and cardamom (if using), and stir until almost fully combined. Lastly, stir in the cooled melted butter until fully combined.
3. Place the baking cups in a muffin tin or coat with nonstick spray. Divide the batter into the tin for 6 (or so) muffins. Bake in the middle rack of the oven until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, 20 to 22 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving. To store, let cool completely and keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.