Spiced Pear Muffins with Delicious Cinnamon-Pecan Topping

November 27, 2025

Spiced Pear Muffins with a delightful twist have become a cherished treat in my home. These muffins bring back memories of cozy autumn mornings, filled with the sweet aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen. The combination of spiced pears and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, making every bite a celebration of fall. I remember the first time I made these muffins; the way the kitchen filled with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg instantly made it feel like a special occasion. With these muffins, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or a delightful snack any time of the day. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pear Muffins

Deliciously spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Loaded with juicy, finely chopped pears.
Crispy cinnamon-pecan crumb topping adds texture.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Easy Spiced Pear Muffins recipe that anyone can follow.
Great way to enjoy seasonal flavors and stay healthy.

Ingredients for Spiced Pear Muffins

Here’s everything you need for these delightful muffins:

1 3/4 ounces (1/4 cup) granulated sugar – sweetens the muffins.
1 ounce (1/4 cup) pecan halves, finely chopped – adds crunch.
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar – enhances flavor.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – adds warmth.
Heavy pinch of salt – balances sweetness.
1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted – enriches the batter.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth.
2 1/8 ounces (1/2 cup) gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour – forms the base.
8 1/2 ounces (2 cups) gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour – provides structure.
2 1/8 ounces (1/2 cup) buckwheat flour – adds nuttiness.
1 tablespoon baking powder – helps muffins rise.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – deepens flavor.
3/4 teaspoon salt – enhances taste.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds warmth.
4 ounces (1/2 cup) neutral-flavored cooking oil – keeps muffins moist.
3 1/4 ounces (7 tablespoons, packed) brown sugar – for sweetness.
3 ounces (7 tablespoons) granulated sugar – further sweetness.
2 large eggs – binds ingredients.
9 1/4 ounces (1 cup plus 2 1/2 tablespoons) whole milk plain Greek yogurt – adds moisture and protein.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances flavor.
9 1/2 ounces (1 5/8 cups) peeled and finely chopped pears – provides fruitiness.
4 ounces (1 cup) pecans, chopped (optional) – extra crunch.

How to Make Spiced Pear Muffins

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and vanilla extract; mix until incorporated. Fold in the flour with a rubber spatula just until evenly combined. Use your hands to clump the mixture into a single ball of dough and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, buckwheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until pale and well combined. Add Greek yogurt and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently fold until mostly incorporated—some streaks of flour are okay. Fold in the finely chopped pears and pecans if using, taking care not to overmix. The batter will be thick.
Step 6: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling them nearly full. Break the crumb topping dough into small clumps and sprinkle evenly over the muffin batter.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 23-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes.
Step 8: After initial cooling, transfer muffins directly onto the wire rack and let them cool completely before serving.

Spiced Pear Muffins with Delicious Cinnamon-Pecan Topping - main visual representation of baked muffins

Pro Tips for the Best Spiced Pear Muffins

These tricks guarantee success every time:

Use ripe pears for the best flavor and moisture.
Don’t overmix the batter; it should be thick but not lumpy.
Let them cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

What’s the secret to perfect Spiced Pear Muffins?

The secret lies in letting the batter rest for a few minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating moist and flavorful muffins.

Can I make Spiced Pear Muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake them fresh in the morning for a warm treat.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spiced Pear Muffins?

Be careful not to overbake them; check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Also, ensure your oven is calibrated for accurate baking.

Best Ways to Serve Spiced Pear Muffins

These muffins are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further! Serve them warm with a pat of butter, or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad for a complete breakfast experience. Try Spiced Pear Muffins with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Spiced Pear Muffins with Delicious Cinnamon-Pecan Topping - close-up of crumb topping

Nutrition Facts for Spiced Pear Muffins

Per serving (recipe makes 12 muffins):

Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Spiced Pear Muffins

To store your muffins, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They will last at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Pear Muffins

Can I use other fruits in place of pears?

Yes, you can substitute with apples or even berries for a different flavor profile!

What are some variations I can make to the recipe?

Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like ginger for a unique twist on Spiced Pear Muffins.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy Spiced Pear Muffins without gluten.

Variations of Spiced Pear Muffins You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with different flours like whole wheat for a hearty texture. You can also make these muffins vegan by replacing eggs with flaxseed meal and using plant-based yogurt. For an extra touch of flavor, try adding orange zest or a hint of ginger to your Spiced Pear Muffins.

Spiced Pear Muffins with Delicious Cinnamon-Pecan Topping

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Author: Fenna Saul
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these Spiced Pear Muffins featuring a tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, loaded with juicy, finely chopped pears, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon-pecan crumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale

1 3/4 ounces (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
1 ounce (1/4 cup) pecan halves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Heavy pinch of salt
1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/8 ounces (1/2 cup, spoon and level) gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour
8 1/2 ounces (2 cups, spoon and level) gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour
2 1/8 ounces (1/2 cup) buckwheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 ounces (1/2 cup) neutral-flavored cooking oil (e.g. avocado oil)
3 1/4 ounces (7 tablespoons, packed) brown sugar
3 ounces (7 tablespoons) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
9 1/4 ounces (1 cup plus 2 1/2 tablespoons) whole milk plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
9 1/2 ounces (1 5/8 cups) peeled and finely chopped pears (about 1 1/2 medium pears)
4 ounces (1 cup) pecans, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and vanilla extract; mix until incorporated. Fold in the flour with a rubber spatula just until evenly combined. Use your hands to clump the mixture into a single ball of dough and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, buckwheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until pale and well combined. Add Greek yogurt and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently fold until mostly incorporated—some streaks of flour are okay. Fold in the finely chopped pears and pecans if using, taking care not to overmix. The batter will be thick.
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling them nearly full. Break the crumb topping dough into small clumps and sprinkle evenly over the muffin batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 23-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes.
After initial cooling, transfer muffins directly onto the wire rack and let them cool completely before serving.