Pumpkin muffins with pear chunks are a delightful and comforting treat that captures the essence of fall. The combination of the soft, spiced pumpkin batter and sweet, juicy pear pieces creates a harmonious balance of flavors. These muffins are perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or for sharing with friends and family during the autumn season.
Packed with fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, this recipe offers a healthy alternative to store-bought muffins. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy days when you want to treat yourself to something homemade.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with muffin liners or grease the tin with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Pears
Peel, core, and chop the pear into small chunks, making sure to remove any seeds. Set the pear chunks aside.
Combine Pumpkin and Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil), brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
Add Milk
Gradually add the milk to the wet ingredients and stir until the mixture is fully combined.
Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense. Stir until just combined.
Add the Pear Chunks
Gently fold the chopped pear chunks into the batter. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at this stage as well.
Scoop the Batter
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 full. If desired, sprinkle a few extra pear chunks on top of each muffin for decoration.
Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top and slightly springy to the touch.
Cool the Muffins
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
Use Different Fruits
If you don’t have pears, you can substitute them with apples or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor to the muffins.
Make It Vegan
For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk.
Add a Streusel Topping
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle a mixture of oats, flour, sugar, and cinnamon over the muffin batter before baking. This will add a delightful texture to the muffins.
Spice It Up
Add a teaspoon of ground allspice or cloves for a more intense fall flavor. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness of the muffins.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is high in fiber, which promotes digestion and supports healthy gut function. It is also rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin A, which is great for eye health.
Pears
Pears are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to regulate digestion. They also provide vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, which are important for overall health.
Whole Grains
Using whole grains like oats and whole wheat flour in the muffin recipe can increase fiber content and provide a steady source of energy. Whole grains are also linked to improved heart health.
Pumpkin muffins with pear chunks are a delightful treat that combines the earthy flavor of pumpkin with the sweetness of pears. These muffins are perfect for cozy mornings, tea parties, or as a light snack any time of the day. The blend of spices and fruit makes them an ideal choice for the fall season, but they can be enjoyed year-round.
Try this recipe today and experience the delicious balance of pumpkin and pear in each bite!
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