Strawberry-Orange Streusel Muffins

I'm not usually a huge fan of fruit in pastries, (especially oranges), but this recipe changed my mind! The struesel accents the slight tangy flavor perfectly.

 Muffin Batter:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup strawberries, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 tsp. grated orange peel



Streusel Topping:
2 Tbsp. all purpose flour
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp. cold butter

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly.  Beat in egg, milk, applesauce and vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into butter mixture just until moistened.  Fold in strawberries and orange peel.

Coat muffin cups with cooking spray; fill 3/4 full with batter.  For topping, combine the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  Sprinkle over batter.

Bake at 400 degrees for 18-22 minutes.  Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.