Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 12-count muffin/cupcake tin with 12 liners.

In a large mixing bowl add applesauce, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix to combine.

In a smaller mixing bowl whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, kosher salt, cardamom, and nutmeg.

Add the flour to the applesauce mixture and gently stir to combine.

Fold in the chopped apples until well dispersed throughout the batter.

Divide the batter into the 12 muffin liners.

Rap the muffin tin on the counter for the batter to spread evenly. Add 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar topping on top of each muffin.

Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Let the muffins cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin.