Apple-Pecan Muffins (Ellie Krieger)

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup plus 2 T packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 apple, cored, peeled, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces