Gingerbread Apple Muffins

Steps

1. 1

   Place a rack in the center of your oven, then preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly coat a muffin tin with nonstick spray or line with paper liners. In a small bowl, melt the coconut oil in the microwave, then set aside to cool to room temperature.

2. 2

   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk, coconut sugar, molasses, and egg. Let rest 5 minutes for the coconut sugar to dissolve slightly. If the mixture is not yet at room temperature, wait for a few additional minutes, then add the coconut oil. (If the wet ingredients are much colder than the coconut oil, the oil will resolidify and not incorporate properly. If this happens, gently warm the bowl in the microwave in 30-second bursts, just until it melts.)

3. 3

   In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and cloves. Fold in the diced apples, stirring gently to coat.

4. 4

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently by hand, just until the flour disappears. The mixture will be lumpy and thick, but do not overmix.

5. 5

   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups (I like to use a large scoop like this, as it helps the muffins rise the best), then sprinkle the tops with sparkling sugar, if desired. Bake the muffins for 16 to 18 minutes, until the tops are dry to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.