| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 278 | 8.8g | 5.1g | 43.9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 21.6g | 1.7g | 5.8g | 0.23g |
I have a soft spot for baked goods that bring a balance of sweetness and wholesomeness to the table, and my Vanilla Pear Muffins do just that. With a softly sweet pear filling and a hint of vanilla, these muffins are the perfect addition to a leisurely Sunday brunch or as an after-dinner treat. Picture bite-sized clouds of delicate cake interspersed with juicy pear chunks, each carrying a whisper of cinnamon… getting hungry yet?
Vanilla Pear Muffins: A Taste of Home
As a native Nebraskan, I treasure hearty and heart-warming dishes that reflect my Midwestern roots. And these Vanilla Pear Muffins are no different. The recipe admittedly steps away from the typical offerings of corn casseroles and beef stews, but it still manages to encapsulate the farm-to-table freshness found in the recipes of the heartland. Plus, they remind me of the generous batches of fruity muffins we used to bake for church gatherings.
The Health Benefits of Pears
And let’s not skip the health part. Pears, apart from being absolutely delicious, bring a multitude of health benefits. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. According to the Mayo Clinic, consuming fiber-rich foods like pears can help prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, the humble pear is also low in calories and fat, making my Vanilla Pear Muffins a guilt-free indulgence!
Pairings for Your Pear Muffins
While these muffins can certainly stand alone, they also pair remarkably well with a variety of dishes. Try serving them alongside a tangy yogurt parfait for breakfast, or as a side to a steaming bowl of oatmeal. And for the daring, you could even use these muffins as the base for an unconventional bread pudding, similar to this recipe from Food Network.
From my family table to yours, I hope this Vanilla Pear Muffin recipe brings you as much joy and comfort as it does for me. Keep on baking, folks!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a muffin tin with paper liners or generously grease the cups.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, beat the 2 large eggs, then stir in the 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Step Four
Slowly pour the liquid ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until combined, but be careful not to over-mix. The batter will be lumpy, which is perfect for muffins.
Step Five
Fold the chopped ripe pears into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
Step Six
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step Seven
In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of each muffin.
Step Eight
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step Nine
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. After they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Vanilla Pear Muffins!
