Apple Crisp Muffins

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. packed brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
1 c. 2% milk
1/2 c. canola oil
2 c. finely chopped peeled apples
FILLING:
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
4 tsp. grated orange peel
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
TOPPING:
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. old-fashioned oats
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 Tbsp. cold butter
1/4 c. chopped peanuts


Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.  In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk and oil.  Stir into dry ingredients, just until moistened.  Fold in apples.  Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full.


In a small bowl, beat the filling ingredients until smooth.  Drop by tablespoonfuls into centers of muffins.


For topping, in a small bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  Stir in pecans.  Sprinkle over filling.  Bake at 400 degrees for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in muffin comes out clean.  Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack.