Delicious Spiced Pear Muffins: A Happy Recipe

Oh, the smell of spiced pears baking in the oven… it instantly transports me back to crisp autumn mornings, the leaves changing color outside, and the happy chaos of my family getting ready for the day. There’s just something so comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of spiced pear muffins filling the kitchen. I remember one particular morning; I was rushing to get the kids ready for school while simultaneously trying a new pear muffin recipe, and I completely forgot about them!

Of course, the smoke alarm went off, and we all came running to a kitchen filled with slightly charred spiced pear muffins. My son declared them “extra crispy,” and surprisingly, they weren’t half bad! That’s how this spiced pear muffins recipe became a family favorite, born from a kitchen mishap and perfected over many years. Baking these spiced pear muffins has become a tradition, and the kids even help out now.

Honestly, life gets so busy, doesn’t it? Between school, work, and everything else, finding time to bake can feel impossible. But I promise you, this pear muffin recipe is worth it. It’s easy enough for a quick weekday breakfast or a weekend brunch treat. And the best part? The warm spices and sweet pears make every bite feel like a cozy hug. Come on, let’s make some spiced pear muffins together! I promise it’ll be fun, even if we burn a few along the way.

INGREDIENTS:

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious spiced pear muffins. I always try to use the freshest pears I can find; it really makes a difference.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced pears

For my spiced pear muffins, I always use Bosc pears if I can find them because they hold their shape well during baking. I’ve tried other varieties, but Bosc gives the pear spice muffins that perfect texture. Sometimes I even add a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top for a little extra sparkle and crunch. The Bosc pears are firm enough to not become mushy during the baking process, which ensures each muffin has a delightful bite.

Don’t be afraid to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand! I’ve used applesauce instead of oil when I was running low, and it worked just fine in this pear muffin recipe. Just remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly. And if you are in a pinch, use some canned pears. Canned pears can be a convenient option, but make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

One of my biggest shopping tips is to buy spices in bulk; it saves so much money in the long run! Plus, fresh spices really elevate the flavor of these cinnamon pear muffins. My family loves when the house smells like cinnamon! Buying spices in bulk not only saves money but also ensures you have them on hand whenever you’re in the mood for baking. Freshly ground spices can truly transform a recipe, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

How to Make – Step by Step

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get started on making these amazing spiced pear muffins. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. I prefer paper liners for easy cleanup, especially when I’m making these with the kids. Plus, they make the spiced pear muffins look so cute! Using paper liners not only simplifies cleanup but also gives the muffins a professional look.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure everything is well combined; this will ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the easy pear muffins.

Tip: Sometimes, I like to add a pinch of cardamom for an extra layer of warmth in my cinnamon pear muffins. It’s a little trick my mom taught me! Cardamom adds a unique and aromatic flavor that complements the other spices beautifully. It’s a subtle addition that can make a big difference in the overall taste of the muffins.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This wet mixture will help bind all the dry ingredients together for the perfect pear spice muffins texture.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough spiced pear muffins, and nobody wants that!

I’ve definitely made the mistake of overmixing before, and let me tell you, the muffins were not as light and fluffy as they should have been. It’s all part of the learning process, right? For more on baking techniques, check out All About Pears – Oregon Pear.

Step 5: Fold in the Pears

Gently fold in the diced pears. Make sure the pears are evenly distributed throughout the batter. I love seeing those little chunks of pear in every bite of these easy pear muffins.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This will give the spiced pear muffins enough room to rise without overflowing. I use an ice cream scoop to make sure they are evenly filled. Using an ice cream scoop is a great way to ensure that each muffin is the same size, which helps them bake evenly.

During waiting times I love to tidy up, or even catch up on a quick book. This pear muffin recipe is nice because you are in the oven and out!

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary. The spiced pear muffins should be golden brown on top.

Step 8: Cool

Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy. Cooling the muffins on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, preventing moisture from building up and making them soggy.

Troubleshooting tip: If your spiced pear muffins are browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Step 9: Enjoy!

SERVING & ENJOYING:

Now that you’ve baked these wonderful spiced pear muffins, let’s talk about how to best enjoy them! My family has all sorts of preferences when it comes to serving these cinnamon pear muffins.

My son loves to slather his spiced pear muffin with butter, while my daughter prefers hers plain with a glass of milk. I personally love to pair mine with a warm cup of coffee or tea. There’s just something so comforting about that combination. This pear muffin recipe is perfect with a warm drink.

These pear spice muffins are also great for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts. I often make a big batch for Thanksgiving or Christmas morning. They’re always a hit! To make the spiced pear muffins extra festive, I dust them with powdered sugar before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making them perfect for special occasions.

If you have any leftover easy pear muffins (which is rare in my house!), they store well in an airtight container for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag.

One time, I made a batch of these cinnamon pear muffins for a bake sale, and they were the first thing to sell out! I even had people asking me for the recipe. It felt so good to share something I love with others. If you love these muffins, then you should try my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins for more autumn flavors.

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about making spiced pear muffins.

Q: Can I use different types of pears?A: Absolutely! While I prefer Bosc pears for my spiced pear muffins because of their texture, you can use any variety you like. Anjou or Bartlett pears would also work well. I’ve even used canned pears in a pinch, just make sure to drain them well.

Q: Can I substitute the vegetable oil?A: Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter or applesauce. I’ve found that melted butter adds a richer flavor to these pear muffins recipe, while applesauce makes them a bit healthier.

Q: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?A: Definitely! These cinnamon pear muffins are great for making ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?A: Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to these pear spice muffins. Just fold them into the batter along with the pears. I’ve tried walnuts and they are amazing in this spiced pear muffins!

Q: My muffins are dry. What did I do wrong?A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry muffins. Make sure to check the muffins for doneness after 18 minutes, and don’t overbake them. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can also lead to dry muffins.

Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?A: Yes, you can make these easy pear muffins gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together. For another muffin recipe, try my Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in this pear muffin recipe if you prefer. I would recommend starting by reducing it by ¼ cup and see how you like the taste. The pears and spices add a good amount of sweetness on their own.

CLOSING:

This spiced pear muffins recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating memories. Every time I make these cinnamon pear muffins, I think of my grandmother, who taught me the importance of sharing good food with loved ones.

My Personal Spiced Pear Muffins Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices. Try adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor.
  • Use a cookie scoop to fill the muffin cups. This ensures that the muffins are all the same size and bake evenly.
  • Let the muffins cool completely before storing them. This prevents them from getting soggy.

Over the years, I’ve tried several variations of this spiced pear muffins recipe. My husband loves it when I add a streusel topping, while my kids enjoy it when I drizzle a little glaze over the top.

One of my favorite variations is to add a swirl of brown sugar cinnamon butter on top before baking. It creates a delicious, caramelized crust that everyone loves. Cinnamon also has healthy benefits, check out Cinnamon Health Benefits – WebMD. I’m sure you and your family will have different preferences too!

No matter how you choose to make them, I hope these pear spice muffins bring as much joy to your family as they have to mine. Don’t be afraid to make this easy pear muffins recipe your own, experiment with different ingredients, and most importantly, have fun! Happy baking!

 

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Spiced Pear Muffins

These spiced pear muffins are bursting with warm autumn flavors. Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, they’re a delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

  • Author: Kiera
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Gently fold in the diced pears and chopped walnuts (if using).
  8. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
  9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with turbinado sugar before baking. Serve warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream.

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