With oat crumble topping and dollop of sweetened creme fraiche, these are the best Apple Zucchini Muffins ever!

Zucchini bread was one of the first things I learned how to bake from scratch. It was super moist, full of oils, and topped with a mound of cream cheese frosting.

My 20-year-old self was in love. Nowadays, especially since I bake so often, I try to look for healthier options. These apple zucchini muffins are the perfect compromise -- with their oat crumble topping and dollop of sweetened creme fraiche, that super-rich cream cheese frosting is hardly missed.

This recipe is a great way to incorporate both the last of the zucchini and the first apples of autumn. The zucchini adds moisture and is a great way to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables.

Because they stay so moist and are quite portable, these muffins are perfect for eating on-the-go or a quick breakfast --- or at least that is how I've been enjoying them all week.

They would probably make for a great after-school snack, too.

APPLE ZUCCHINI MUFFINS

Makes 12 muffins

For the muffins:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup grape seed oil, canola oil, or other neutral-flavored oil

• 1/4 cup applesauce

• 1 large egg

• 1 yolk from a large egg

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup shredded zucchini, drained and squeezed (see Recipe Note)

• 1/2 cup diced apple (diced small)

For the oat crumble:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup quick oats

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the creme fraiche:

• 3/4 cup creme fraiche

• 1 tablespoon honey, or to taste

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 12-cup cupcake or muffin tin with liners and set aside. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and salt, and set aside.

In the stand of an electric mixer, combine the sugar, oil, and applesauce. Add in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla. Mix until combined. With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in two batches, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl in between additions. Fold in the zucchini and diced apples. Divided the batter evenly between the muffin cups.

For the oat crumble, stir together the butter and brown sugar in a small mixing bowl. Add in the oats, cinnamon and flour until evenly combined. The mixture should be crumbly and not too wet.

Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of the oat mixture on top of each muffin (unbaked). Bake in the oven for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of a muffin.

Before serving, mix together the creme fraiche and honey to taste.

Recipe Notes

• Use a spring-loaded ice cream or cookie scoop to evenly distribute the batter between liners.

• If oat crumble is too wet, add in a bit more flour, one teaspoon at a time.

• Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible before getting started. Try squeeze the water out over a mesh sieve, squeezing and pressing the liquids out by pressing the zucchini against the side of the sieve with a rubber spatula.

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Tessa Huff is a writer for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to kitchn@apartmenttherapy.com