Preheat oven to 170ºC (about 340ºF) for fan-forced or 185ºC (about 365ºF) for standard. Place muffin liners in a 12-cup muffin tin and set aside.

In a small bowl, place the chopped apple and microwave for 2-3 minutes until apples start to soften.

In a large bowl, mix together applesauce, sugar, eggs and vanilla.

Sift in the flour, xanthan, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; mix. Stir in the apple cider until just mixed (don’t overmix).

Place 1 tablespoon batter into each muffin cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of apple mixture. Use remaining batter to fill each muffin cup. Place 1 tablespoon or so of granola on top.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Note: I tented the pan with foil after about 10 minutes to prevent the granola from burning. Alternatively, you could add the granola at about the 10-minute mark.