Autumn’s crisp air is here, and what better way to welcome the season than with a batch of warm, fragrant Spiced Pear Muffins?
These moist, flavorful muffins aren’t just delicious – they’re a nutritious way to start your day or satisfy your sweet tooth.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of spices and fresh pears!
The Perfect Pear: Choosing and Preparing Your Fruit
When it comes to baking with pears, Bosc and Anjou varieties are your best bet. They hold their shape well and offer a sweet, subtle flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
To check for ripeness, gently press near the stem – if it yields slightly, it’s perfect for our muffins!
To prepare your pears, wash them thoroughly, then peel and dice into small, uniform pieces.
If you’re not using them immediately, toss the diced pears with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. This extra step ensures your muffins will look as good as they taste!
Spice It Up: The Ultimate Flavor Combination
Our spice blend is what sets these muffins apart! Cinnamon takes the lead, providing that classic fall warmth, while nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom add depth and complexity.
Feel free to adjust the ratios to suit your taste – maybe you’d like a stronger kick of ginger or a hint more cardamom. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own signature blend!
Creative Variations on Spiced Pear Muffins
Want to mix things up? Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
For a healthier twist, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
And if you’re catering to dietary restrictions, these muffins can easily be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, or vegan by swapping the butter for coconut oil and using plant-based milk.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
While fresh pears are ideal, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and pat dry before dicing.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, give it a quick stir, scoop into muffin tins, and bake.
How can I make these muffins healthier?
Try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar slightly, or adding some ground flaxseed for extra nutrition.
Spiced Pear Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2 medium ripe pears peeled and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the diced pears.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
These were delicious. Was wondering if they can be frozen?
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed them😊. Yes, you can freeze the muffins – just wrap them individually once cooled and store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.