Name: Spiced Pear Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk; 1 1/2 cups ripe pears, peeled and diced; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; Optional: coarse sugar for topping

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Spiced Pear Muffins are soft, moist, and full of warm, cozy flavor. With chunks of sweet, juicy pear and hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these muffins are perfect for fall baking—or anytime I want a comforting treat that’s not overly sweet. I love having one with a cup of tea or coffee, and they make a great breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these muffins come together quickly and fill the kitchen with the best warm spice aroma. The pears keep them moist without needing a lot of oil, and the spices bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit. Whether I eat them warm from the oven or pack them for later, they stay soft and flavorful for days. Spiced Pear Muffins

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Ground nutmeg
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Vanilla extract
Milk or buttermilk
Ripe pears, peeled and diced
Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans, coarse sugar for topping

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In another bowl, I mix the eggs, brown sugar, oil, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
I pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined.
I fold in the diced pears and nuts if using.
I spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
I sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
I let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 standard-size muffins. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake—ready in 35 minutes total.

Variations

I add a crumble topping made with oats, brown sugar, and butter for extra texture.
Sometimes I use chopped apples along with pears for a mix of textures.
I swap out the milk for almond milk or oat milk to make it dairy-free.
For extra richness, I add a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
I’ve used whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and white flour for more fiber.

storage/reheating

I store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, I warm one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. They also freeze well—I wrap them individually and thaw overnight or microwave straight from frozen. Spiced Pear Muffins

FAQs

What kind of pears work best?

I like using ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. They hold their shape while baking and don’t get mushy.

Can I use canned pears?

Fresh pears are best for texture, but canned (drained and chopped) can work in a pinch.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes. I use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Do I need to peel the pears?

I usually do for a softer texture, but it’s optional—especially if the skin is thin and smooth.

Can I make mini muffins?

Yes! I reduce the baking time to about 10–12 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

Spiced Pear Muffins are one of my favorite cozy bakes—soft, flavorful, and full of real fruit and warm spices. They’re quick to make, easy to store, and always welcome whether I’m baking for myself or sharing with others. If I want a comforting, lightly sweet treat, these muffins always hit the spot.