Seasonal Spiced Pear Walnut (Printable)

Moist muffins bursting with juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices for cozy mornings or treats.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
11 - 1/2 cup whole milk or plant-based milk
12 - 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Fruit & Nuts

14 - 2 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
15 - 3/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Fold the diced pears and chopped walnuts into the batter evenly.
06 - Divide the batter equally among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
07 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The pears stay tender and juicy inside while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
  • Warm spices fill your kitchen with a smell that makes everyone wander in asking what's baking.
  • These muffins taste like a special occasion but come together with pantry staples and minimal effort.
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter creates dense, tough muffins, so stop stirring the moment you no longer see dry flour.
  • Firm pears are essential because overly soft ones turn mushy and release too much moisture during baking.
  • If your muffins sink in the middle, your oven temperature may be too low or the batter was overmixed.
03 -
  • Room temperature eggs and milk mix more smoothly into the batter and help the muffins rise evenly.
  • If you want bakery-style domed tops, fill the cups all the way to the top and bake at 400°F for the first five minutes, then lower to 375°F.
  • A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds a sweet, spiced crust that makes them feel extra special.
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