Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins

I'm ready for Fall!  Even though I know Fall will be followed by Winter, which will be really cold and last way too long, I can't help but wish Fall was here already.  I'm ready for crisp, cool air, colorful leaves, pumpkins, and apple cider.  I can't do anything about the weather or the leaves, but I decided it was time to break out a Fall recipe.  Packed into the one little muffin is a bounty of Fall goodness- pumpkin, apples, spices, and pecans!  It smells amazing while baking and is hearty and delicious!  So if you're ready for Fall like me try these out!  If not, keep these in mind for when Fall finally rolls around...but you might be sorry you waited so long to try them!


Pumpkin-Apple Streusel Muffins

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 TBSP pumpkin spice   ( 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 3/4 tsp ginger, 1/4 +1/8 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 + 1/8 tsp ground cloves)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup Libby's solid pack pumpkin (from can)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups peeled, finely chopped apples
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Streusel Topping

2 TBSP all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 tsp butter

For the muffins:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl combine the first 5 ingredients, set aside.  In a medium bowl combine eggs, pumpkin, vanilla, and oil.  Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients, stir until moistened.  Stir in apples and nuts.  Spoon batter into greased or paper lined muffin cups, filling 3/4 full.  Sprinkle streusel topping over batter.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

For the streusel topping:

Whisk flour, sugar, and cinnamon together.  Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.