These would have to be my favourite muffins at the moment... easy to make and very yummy indeed! Comes from my trusty muffin book called "the muffin book". I love dates and the crunchy topping on these muffins is yum!

Muffins
1 large green apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1 cup (6oz/185g) chopped, pitted dates (fresh or dried)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (250ml) boiling water
½ cup (4 oz/125g) butter
¾ cup (6 oz/185g) granulated sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cups (10oz/315g) self-rising flour, sifted

Topping
¼ cup (2oz/60g) butter
½ cup (3 ½ oz/100g) firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup (1 oz/30g) shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 190degC (375degF/Gas Mark 4). Grease muffin tin or line with paper cases.

For muffins, combine the apples, dates, baking soda, and boiling water. Allow to cool.

Using an electric mixer on medium to high speed, cream the butter and sugar until pale. Beat in the egg. Fold in the sifted flour alternately with the apple and date mixture. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly in pans while you make the topping.

For topping, place butter, brown sugar, and coconut in a small saucepan and stir over moderate heat until the butter melts and the ingredients are combined.

Spoon topping over muffins and return them to the oven. Bake until topping is bubbling and golden and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean, 5-8 minutes more. Serve warm, or transfer to a wire rack to cool.