Spiced Pear Muffins Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, irresistible treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and fresh fruit, these delightful Spiced Pear Muffins are exactly what you need. Bursting with tender, juicy pears and a blend of fragrant spices, these muffins offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast or a snack to brighten up your day, these Spiced Pear Muffins will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Spiced Pear Muffins recipe is carefully chosen to bring out the best flavor, texture, and aroma, making the baking process straightforward yet highly rewarding.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your muffins their structure and crumb.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and helps balance the acidity from the pears.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a sweet-spicy note to the batter.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle hint of nuttiness and depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a subtle zing that complements the pears perfectly.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom: Lends a unique floral and citrusy touch that elevates the spice blend.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates moistness and a rich, tender crumb.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness along with a hint of molasses for depth.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the muffins.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely fragrant note that ties the flavors together.
• 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
• 2 medium ripe pears (peeled and diced, about 1 1/2 cups): The star of the show, adding juiciness and natural sweetness.

How to Make Spiced Pear Muffins

Step 1: Prepare your oven and pans

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to make sure it’s hot and ready. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless.

Step 2: Whisk dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the full bouquet of spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. Whisking these together evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices so that each muffin bakes perfectly.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is important because it creates air pockets that help your muffins rise and yield a tender texture.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a luscious depth of flavor that enhances the spice blend beautifully.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can make muffins tough, so keep it gentle and minimal.

Step 6: Fold in the pears

Carefully fold the diced pears into the batter. These juicy morsels add moisture and a fresh sweetness, making every bite a delightful surprise.

Step 7: Fill muffin cups

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This ensures your muffins have room to rise without overflowing.

Step 8: Bake until golden

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the heavenly scent of the spiced pears baking away!

Step 9: Cool and enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and keeps the muffins’ texture perfect.

How to Serve Spiced Pear Muffins

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey over your Spiced Pear Muffins enhances their natural sweetness and makes them look picture-perfect. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a hearty brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt topped with granola to balance sweet and savory flavors on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Spiced Pear Muffins into a tempting dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spread of cinnamon butter. You can also slice them in half and toast lightly for a delicious breakfast treat that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Spiced Pear Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their softness and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a tasty treat anytime you want.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins warm, simply microwave for about 20 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their soft, fresh-baked texture and warms those cozy spices to perfection.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pear for these muffins?

Absolutely! Bartlett or Bosc pears work wonderfully here. Just be sure the pears are ripe so they add natural sweetness and moisture without being too firm or underripe.

Can I substitute the butter for oil?

You can use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, but keep in mind the butter adds a lovely richness and flavor that complements the spices uniquely.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, Spiced Pear Muffins freeze wonderfully after baking and cooling. Just wrap them well and thaw at room temperature or reheat gently before enjoying.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even some dried cranberries would add an exciting texture contrast and flavor boost to these muffins.

Is it okay to use canned pears instead of fresh?

Fresh pears are best for texture and flavor, but if you use canned pears, drain them very well and pat dry to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about biting into a warm, spiced muffin studded with juicy pears, and these Spiced Pear Muffins bring that comforting feeling right to your kitchen. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a regular in your baking rotation because every batch feels like a little celebration of cozy, flavor-packed goodness.

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