Cinnamon & Spice Apple Muffins

I love this extended Fall season with very little rain.  The leaves are gently dancing down the street and hopefully departing my yard.  I am a dreamer.  Any that have left are being replaced.  At least I can enjoy the aroma of cinnamon and apples that just came out of the oven with a cup of tea.  These muffins are not overly sweet, nor were my apples so it's a nice break from the Halloween candy.

Cinnamon & Spice Apple Muffins

1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup mascarpone, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 3/4 cup flour

Topping

1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter, softened

In a medium bowl, combine butter, mascarpone and both sugars.  Add in the buttermilk. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.  The dough will be dense, but it will loosen up as the apples release their juices while baking.  Fill cupcake liners up 3/4's full.  In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt.  Blend in the butter and sprinkle on top of each of the muffins.  Bake for 20 minutes at 350°.