There’s just something about the smell of warm spices wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? It instantly makes the house feel cozy and inviting. For me, that scent is almost always tied to my Spiced Pear Muffins. I remember the first time I ever made them; it was a crisp fall day, and I had a basket overflowing with fresh pears from a local orchard.

I wanted to bake something comforting, something that would capture the essence of the season. I stumbled upon a basic muffin recipe, but it just didn’t feel quite right. It needed something. That’s when I decided to add a generous pinch of cinnamon, a little nutmeg, and cloves. And just like that, my Spiced Pear Muffins were born!

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. My first batch was a bit of a disaster – the muffins were dense and soggy. Turns out, I had overmixed the batter, a classic mistake. But I learned from it! Now, I’m careful to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. It makes all the difference, I tell you.

These Spiced Pear Muffins have become a beloved part of our family traditions. My kids ask for them all the time, especially when the weather starts to cool down. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert. I love that I can whip up a batch in under an hour, which is a lifesaver on busy weekdays.

I’ve even adapted them to be a little healthier over the years, using whole wheat flour and reducing the amount of sugar. Want to learn how to make my family’s favorite Spiced Pear Muffins? Come on, let’s get baking! And if you are looking for other muffins to bake, then have you checked out these Nectarine Muffins Recipe, it’s lovely in the summer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Spiced Pear Muffins. The combination of spices and sweet pears makes for an unforgettable treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pears or add-ins to customize the recipe to your liking. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 cup all-purpose and 1 cup whole wheat)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
2 cups peeled and diced ripe pears (about 2 medium pears)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

When making Spiced Pear Muffins, I always use buttermilk because it gives the muffins a lovely, tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry, you can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes, and it will thicken up nicely. I like to use Bosc pears for my Spiced Pear Muffins because they hold their shape well during baking and have a nice, firm texture. However, you can use any type of pear you like. Anjou pears, for example, are a great alternative with their slightly sweet and juicy flavor.

Here’s a Spiced Pear Muffins trick I learned from my mom: after you dice the pears, toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning. It keeps them looking fresh and vibrant in the muffins. When I am making Spiced Pear Muffins I buy my spices in bulk from the local organic store.

It is a cost saving trick I started doing years ago. Store any leftover ingredients from your Spiced Pear Muffins, such as nuts or spices, in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh for longer. Speaking of pears, have you seen this article about Healthy-ish Pear Oatmeal Muffins – Marisa Moore Nutrition. I think it would be a great snack too.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Spiced Pear Muffins. Each step is designed to ensure that your muffins come out perfect every time. From preheating the oven to cooling the finished product, attention to detail is key. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen!

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well. Getting the oven preheated is crucial for ensuring your Spiced Pear Muffins bake evenly. This helps the muffins rise properly and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined to avoid any pockets of baking soda or spices in your Spiced Pear Muffins. This even distribution ensures a consistent flavor throughout each muffin.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Don’t worry if your melted butter has cooled down a little too much and started to solidify. You can just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to melt it again. Ensure the wet ingredients are well emulsified for a smooth batter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. This is the most important step to avoid tough muffins. Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in dense, chewy Spiced Pear Muffins. Use a light hand and stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just moistened.
Fold in the diced pears and nuts (if using). I learned the hard way with Spiced Pear Muffins that you need to be gentle when folding in the pears. If you stir too vigorously, they will break down and turn the batter mushy. This step requires a delicate touch to maintain the integrity of the fruit.
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. Using a cookie scoop makes this process much easier and ensures that all the muffins are the same size. This helps with even baking and a uniform appearance.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, Spiced Pear Muffins usually takes about 19 minutes to bake, but oven times can vary. Keep a close eye on them and check them frequently after 18 minutes. Your Spiced Pear Muffins should smell like a warm hug when they’re done! It’s such a comforting aroma.
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms of the muffins from getting soggy. Allow the muffins to cool slightly before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
Serve and enjoy!

While the Spiced Pear Muffins are baking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or start preparing dinner. It’s a great way to multi-task and make the most of my time. If you find this recipe too time-consuming you can try these easy pear muffins.

Serving

Once your Spiced Pear Muffins are ready, it’s time to think about serving. These muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, there are plenty of options to make them extra special.

The kids love our Spiced Pear Muffins when I add a dollop of whipped cream on top or a drizzle of maple syrup. Sometimes, I’ll even sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the tops before baking for an extra touch of sweetness. My go-to side dish to pair with Spiced Pear Muffins is a simple fruit salad. The fresh, juicy fruit complements the warm, spiced flavors of the muffins perfectly.

This Spiced Pear Muffins is perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy afternoon treat. I love to serve them warm with a cup of tea or coffee. For presentation, I like to arrange the Spiced Pear Muffins on a pretty platter and garnish them with a few fresh pear slices and a dusting of powdered sugar. If you have extra Spiced Pear Muffins, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

I like to experiment with seasonal variations of this Spiced Pear Muffins recipe. In the fall, I add a little pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. In the winter, I use cranberries and orange zest. My friends always ask for this Spiced Pear Muffins recipe, and I’m always happy to share it! A trick with this recipe is also making it with cinnamon, so you can make cinnamon pear muffins.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Spiced Pear Muffins. These tips and tricks will help you troubleshoot any issues and ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time. From flour substitutions to freezing advice, we’ve got you covered.

Can I use a different type of flour for these Spiced Pear Muffins? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour. I often use a blend of half all-purpose and half whole wheat for a slightly healthier muffin. You can even try using gluten-free flour if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in these Spiced Pear Muffins? Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture of the muffins. I often do this when I’m trying to make them a little healthier.
Can I freeze these Spiced Pear Muffins? Yes, these muffins freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Why did my Spiced Pear Muffins turn out tough? The most common reason for tough muffins is overmixing the batter. Be careful to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
Can I add other fruits to these Spiced Pear Muffins? Definitely! Apples, cranberries, and blueberries all make delicious additions to these muffins.
What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk? You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You know what I do when my Spiced Pear Muffins come out too dry? I make a quick glaze with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice and drizzle it over the tops. It adds moisture and sweetness.
My pears are not very sweet. Will that affect the taste of the Spiced Pear Muffins? If your pears are not very sweet, you may want to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the batter to compensate.

Looking for more information about spiced pear muffins? You can read this too: Spiced Pear Muffin Recipe (Not Too Sweet) | The Kitchn.

My Final Thoughts

This Spiced Pear Muffins recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents the warmth and comfort of home. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and I hope that it will continue to be a favorite in your family as well. The combination of simple ingredients and heartfelt preparation makes these muffins a truly special treat.

My Spiced Pear Muffins Pro Tips:

Don’t overmix the batter! This is the key to tender muffins.
Use ripe but firm pears. They should be sweet but not mushy.
Add a streusel topping for extra flavor and texture.

Here are some Spiced Pear Muffins variations I’ve tried with my family:

Spiced Pear and Walnut Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter.
Spiced Pear and Cranberry Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the batter.
Spiced Pear and Ginger Muffins: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the batter.

My daughter loves the Spiced Pear and Cranberry Muffins, while my son prefers the Spiced Pear and Walnut Muffins. I encourage you to make this Spiced Pear Muffins your own by experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

I hope you enjoy making these Spiced Pear Muffins as much as I do. They’re a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall and create lasting memories with your family. So go ahead, grab your apron, and let’s get baking! Also you can check this Perfect Plum Muffins Recipe, this is a wonderful recipe.

Spiced Pear Muffins

Print Recipe

Warm and comforting, these spiced pear muffins are the perfect treat for a cozy morning or afternoon snack. The tender pears and fragrant spices create a delightful flavor combination that everyone will love.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and diced pears.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a richer flavor, try browning the butter before adding it to the sugar. A sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking adds a nice crunch.