Easy & Flavorful Spiced Pear Muffins: Your Go-To Recipe for Cozy Fall & Winter Treats

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting irresistible Spiced Pear Muffins! These delightful treats are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of the crisp, comforting flavors of fall and winter. Imagine soft, moist muffins bursting with tender chunks of fresh pear, infused with a warm medley of spices, and crowned with a deliciously crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for a quick breakfast on a chilly morning, an elegant addition to afternoon tea, or a comforting dessert after a family meal, these muffins are surprisingly simple to make, coming together in just 35 minutes from start to finish. Get ready to fill your home with an aroma that’s as inviting as the muffins themselves.

Close up on a spiced pear muffin over baking paper and a wooden board, showcasing its golden crust and crumbly topping.

Why You’ll Adore These Spiced Pear Muffins

There’s something incredibly special about baking with pears, especially as the cooler months arrive. Pears offer a subtle sweetness and delicate texture that truly shines in baked goods, making them a fantastic alternative or complement to apples. I personally find immense joy in incorporating this versatile fruit into my autumn and winter baking, whether it’s in a rich Almond and Pear Cake, elegant Pear Frangipane Tartlets, comforting Pear Crumble Cake, or even simple Stewed Pears. These spiced pear muffins embody everything delightful about seasonal baking: they are wonderfully fragrant, richly spiced, generously packed with fresh fruit, and exceptionally comforting.

The moment these muffins begin to bake, your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and sweet pears – a sure sign that something delicious is on its way! Just like my popular Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, these pear muffins are incredibly versatile. They are perfect to kickstart your day, enjoy during an afternoon tea break, or simply grab as a satisfying snack. Their wholesome goodness also makes them an ideal lunchbox treat for kids and adults alike.

Beyond their incredible taste, these pear muffins offer fantastic convenience. They can be easily made ahead of time, saving you precious minutes on busy mornings. Plus, they are perfectly suitable for freezing, allowing you to enjoy a homemade treat whenever a craving strikes. And did I mention how quick and straightforward they are to prepare? You’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe yields such spectacular results!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pear Muffins

Crafting these delectable spiced pear muffins requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. For exact quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down this page.

A flat lay shot of all the dry and wet ingredients for pear muffins, neatly arranged on a white background.

Scroll down to the recipe card below for all precise quantities

Pears: The star of our show! Opt for medium-sized pears that are slightly firm to the touch but not overly ripe. This ensures they will soften beautifully during baking while still retaining their shape and not turning mushy. Bosc, Bartlett, Anjou, or Concorde varieties are excellent choices for baking.
Canola Oil: A neutral-flavored vegetable oil like canola oil is ideal for muffins as it contributes to an incredibly moist crumb. Its mild taste won’t overshadow the delicate pear and spice flavors.
Greek Yogurt: For the most wonderfully moist muffins, full-cream, unsweetened Greek yogurt is a must. Its rich texture and slight tang help to tenderize the batter, resulting in muffins that stay fresh and soft for longer.
Eggs: Use medium to large eggs, preferably at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a lighter texture.
Spices: Our signature Fall and Winter flavor blend includes Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, and Allspice. This combination creates a warm, aromatic profile that perfectly complements the pears. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices, such as a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even star anise for a unique twist.
Self-Rising Flour: This convenient flour already contains leavening agents, simplifying the recipe. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily substitute it with plain/all-purpose flour combined with baking powder and a pinch of salt. Refer to the FAQs section below for precise quantities for this substitution.

To give these pear muffins an extra layer of texture and sweetness, I love to add an optional, yet highly recommended, cinnamon sugar topping. This is made by mixing Demerara sugar (or raw cane sugar, Turbinado sugar, or even coconut sugar) with a touch of cinnamon. It bakes into a delightful, crunchy crust that provides a wonderful contrast to the soft interior.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

Flexibility in the kitchen is key! Here are a few common ingredient substitutions you can make:

Canola Oil: If you prefer, melted butter can be used, but be aware that butter-based muffins tend to dry out a bit faster. Coconut oil is another alternative, but it will impart a distinct coconut flavor to your muffins, which might be a delicious variation if you enjoy it!
Greek Yogurt: Any natural yogurt will work as a substitute, including dairy-free yogurt if you need a lactose-free option. Sour cream is also an excellent alternative, lending a similar richness and moisture.

Crafting Your Delicious Pear Spice Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these spiced pear muffins is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of warm, fragrant muffins that will impress everyone.

Process shot showing wet ingredients (eggs, brown sugar, oil, yogurt) being whisked together in a large mixing bowl.

Prepare Your Oven & Muffin Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F. This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your muffins are ready to bake, leading to a perfect rise. Next, prepare your muffin pan by lining it with paper liners. If you prefer not to use liners, make sure to grease the pan thoroughly with a little oil or baking spray to prevent sticking. Silicone muffin cups are also a great, non-stick option.
Prepare the Pears: Carefully peel, core, and then slice your chosen pear into very small, uniform cubes. This step is crucial; if the pear chunks are too large, they tend to sink to the bottom of the muffin batter before the cakes have a chance to set and bake properly. Set the diced pears aside for later.
Whisk Wet Ingredients (Part 1): In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature eggs and brown sugar. Whisk them together vigorously for approximately one minute. You’re looking for the mixture to become slightly foamy and lighter in color, indicating that the sugar is dissolving and air is being incorporated.
Whisk Wet Ingredients (Part 2): Now, gently stir in the canola oil and Greek yogurt. Continue to whisk until all the ingredients are fully combined, resulting in a smooth, light, and uniform batter. This combination of oil and yogurt is key to achieving incredibly moist muffins.

Process shot showing dry ingredients (flour and spices) being added to the wet mixture, followed by diced pears.

Once all of your wet ingredients are perfectly combined and smooth, it’s time to incorporate the dry components and, of course, the fresh pears.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, mix and sift together the self-rising flour and your chosen spices (cinnamon, ginger, and allspice). While optional, I highly recommend this step. Pre-mixing and sifting ensures that your spices are thoroughly and evenly distributed throughout the batter, preventing any “pockets” of dry flour or concentrated spice in your finished muffins.
Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Using a whisk or spatula, mix them together just until smooth and no lumps of flour remain. Be careful not to over-whisk the batter! Over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in muffins with a heavy, tough, and chewy texture instead of the desired light and tender crumb.
Fold in Pears: Finally, add the pre-cut chunks of pears to the batter. Using either a whisk or a spatula, gently fold them into the batter until they are evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite of your muffin will have a delightful piece of pear. (Optional Tip: If you like, reserve a small portion of the pear chunks to sprinkle on top of the muffins before baking for extra visual appeal and flavor.)

Process shot of muffin batter scooped into a tray, topped with pear chunks and cinnamon sugar, ready for baking.

Fill Muffin Tray: Distribute the muffin batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin. A small ice cream scoop works perfectly for this, ensuring consistent muffin sizes, but a simple spoon will do the job just fine.
Optional Pear Topping: If you reserved some pear chunks earlier, now is the time to sprinkle them over the top of each muffin for an extra fruity burst and appealing presentation.
Add Cinnamon Sugar Crunch: For that irresistible crunchy topping, mix together the Demerara sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Generously sprinkle this fragrant mixture over the top of each pear muffin before baking.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the muffin pan to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The muffins are ready when they are beautifully puffed, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and immediately place the pan on a wire rack. Allow them to cool down completely in the pan before attempting to remove them. This prevents them from sticking and helps them set properly, ensuring their delicate structure is maintained.

A cluster of freshly baked spiced pear muffins arranged on a round wooden board with cinnamon sticks for garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Pear Muffins

Can I use Plain / All-Purpose Flour instead of Self-Rising Flour?

Absolutely! Plain or all-purpose flour can be used as a direct substitute for self-rising flour. However, you will need to add your own leavening agents to ensure your muffins rise beautifully. For the correct ratios, use the same amount of plain flour as self-rising, and then add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This combination will provide the necessary lift and seasoning.

What are the Best Pears for Baking?

For this particular muffin recipe, you’ll want to select a pear that is slightly ripe – this means it will be sweeter and more flavorful – but not so soft that it falls apart easily when you slice it. The goal is for the pear pieces to hold their shape and become tender during baking. Some of the best pear varieties known for baking well include:

Bosc Pears: Known for their crisp texture and ability to hold shape when cooked.
Bartlett Pears (also called Williams): These become wonderfully juicy and soft when baked.
Anjou Pears: A versatile pear that maintains its firmness and sweet flavor.
Concorde Pears: These have a sweet, vanilla-like flavor and a dense texture perfect for baking.

How can I enhance the pear flavor even more?

If you’re a true pear enthusiast and want an extra burst of pear goodness, there’s a simple trick! You can substitute the Greek Yogurt in the recipe with an equal amount of my homemade Pear Compote. This will layer in a deeper, more concentrated pear flavor into your muffins. For a slightly different but equally delicious fruity twist, you could also use Applesauce.

Can I use frozen pears in this muffin recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen pears, but there are a few considerations. If using frozen pears, do not thaw them completely before adding them to the batter, as this can release too much moisture and make your batter watery. Instead, rinse them quickly under cold water to remove any ice crystals, then pat them very dry before dicing them into small pieces. You might also toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to help absorb any residual moisture and prevent them from sinking.

A spiced pear muffin sliced in half, showing the moist, airy crumb and visible pear chunks inside.

Pro Tips for Baking the Best Pear Muffins

Achieving bakery-quality muffins at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

Small Pear Chunks are Key: This is a crucial step! Ensure your pears are cut into very small, uniform pieces. Larger chunks are heavier and will tend to sink to the bottom of your muffins before the batter sets, leading to an uneven distribution of fruit. As an extra safeguard, you can lightly toss the diced pear chunks with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This light coating helps them suspend more evenly throughout the mixture.
Pre-Mix Your Dry Ingredients: Always take the extra minute to whisk your dry ingredients (flour and spices) together thoroughly in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet mixture. Sifting them together is even better. This method guarantees that all the spices are perfectly distributed, preventing clumps of spice or uneven flavoring in your final muffins.
Do Not Over-Mix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix them just until they are fully incorporated and no streaks of dry flour remain. Over-mixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in muffins that are dense, chewy, and tough, rather than light and tender. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal emulsion and a smoother batter, ensure your eggs and Greek yogurt are at room temperature. This allows them to blend more seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Fill Muffin Liners Evenly: Use an ice cream scoop or two spoons to distribute the batter evenly into your muffin liners. This helps all muffins bake at the same rate and ensures a consistent size and appearance.

Storing & Freezing Your Spiced Pear Muffins

These spiced pear muffins are so delicious, they might not last long! But if you happen to have any leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storage: To maintain their freshness and moisture, store your baked and completely cooled pear muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days. For best results and to absorb any excess moisture, place a layer of paper towels at the bottom and on top of the muffins inside the container.

Freezing: These muffins are excellent for making ahead and freezing. Once the muffins have cooled down completely, individually wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, and then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply remove a muffin from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. For a warm, freshly baked experience, you can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5-10 minutes.

A single spiced pear muffin on a round wooden board, placed over baking paper, with a rustic, cozy feel.

Discover More Delicious Muffin Recipes

If you’re a fan of these spiced pear muffins, you’ll love exploring other delightful muffin creations perfect for any occasion:

Indulgent Double Chocolate Brownie Muffins
Bright & Zesty Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins
Sweet & Tangy Raspberry Lemon Muffins
Fragrant Orange Poppy Seed Muffins
Wholesome Flourless Oatmeal Banana Muffins
Naturally Sweet Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins (Sugar-Free)
Irresistible Biscoff Muffins

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Recipe Card

Close up on a muffin over baking paper and a wooden board

Spiced Pear Muffins

4.95 from 18 votes

These Spiced Pear Muffins with Crunchy Sugar Topping make a delicious Fall and Winter sweet treat to enjoy for breakfast, afternoon tea or dessert. The spiced muffins are packed with fresh pear chunks and finished with a cinnamon sugar topping.

Servings: 12 muffins

Author: Sylvie

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time35 minutes

Print Recipe

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Ingredients

Pear Muffins

1 medium Pear
70 gr (1/3 cup) Brown Sugar
2 Eggs, medium to large size, at room temperature
120 ml (1/2 cup) Canola Oil, or neutral flavoured oil
120 gr (1/2 cup) Greek Yogurt
200 gr (1 1/3 cup) Self-Rising Flour
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon Allspice

Cinnamon Sugar Topping (optional)

1 1/2 tablespoon Demerara Sugar, or Raw Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

Pear Muffins

Preheat your oven on 180°C/350°F. Line your Muffin Pan with paper liners or grease the pan well with oil.
Peal, core and slice the Pear into small cubes (see note 1). Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Eggs and Brown Sugar for a couple of minutes or until lightly bubbly.
Add the Canola Oil and Greek Yogurt and whisk until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix together the Self-Rising Flour and Spices (see note 2). Add it to the Wet Ingredients and whisk until fully combined.
Gently fold in the Pear Chunks (see note 3). Optionally, keep about 1/4 of the Pear chunks to use over the muffins
Scoop out the muffin batter into the prepared muffin pan. Optionally, top each muffin with the leftover pear chunks.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping (optional)

Mix together the Sugar and Ground Cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle some of it over each muffins.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden (see note 4). Place on a cooling rack to cool down completely.

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Notes

Make sure to cut the pear into very small pieces. If sliced too large, they will tend to sink down to the bottom of the batter, resulting in an uneven distribution of fruit.
The purpose of pre-mixing the dry ingredients (flour and spices) before adding them to the wet ingredients is to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, preventing any concentrated flavor spots.
Make sure the pear chunks are well distributed into the batter so that you get some fruits in each muffin. Gently folding ensures you don’t overmix.
The time it will take for your muffins to bake will depend on your specific oven. I recommend checking the muffins after about 15 minutes of baking and leaving them in for longer if needed until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Nutrition (per serving)