Cinnamon Pear Muffins with Walnut Topping Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the warm spice of cinnamon with the freshness of juicy pears, you are going to adore these Cinnamon Pear Muffins with Walnut Topping. These muffins strike the perfect balance between soft, tender crumb and a crunchy, flavorful walnut topping. The ripe pears lend natural sweetness and moisture, while the fragrant cinnamon infuses every bite with cozy goodness. Whether you need a comforting breakfast option or a charming afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a deliciously moist muffin with a satisfying crunch. Each ingredient plays a special role, from flavor and texture to the beautiful golden color baked into every bite.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the muffins, giving them that perfect tender crumb.
• Ripe pears: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the muffins delightfully soft.
• Brown sugar: Brings a rich caramel note and helps keep the muffins moist inside.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with warm, inviting spice that pairs beautifully with pears.
• Baking powder: Leavens the muffins, giving them a light and airy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavors.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder and adds a slight richness to the batter.
• Milk: Moistens the batter and helps mix all ingredients smoothly.
• Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb while boosting flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Walnuts: Chopped for the streusel topping, they give a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Additional brown sugar: Sweetens the walnut topping for a perfect caramelized finish.
• Additional ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on top to enhance the warm spice note in the walnut topping.

How to Make Cinnamon Pear Muffins with Walnut Topping

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Equipment

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get your muffin tin ready by greasing it or lining it with paper liners. Having everything warmed up and prepped ensures your muffins bake perfectly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed so that every muffin has a lovely rise and flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The combination of these ingredients creates a smooth, rich base that will marry beautifully with the dry components.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together, Add Pears

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together until just combined. Then fold in the diced ripe pears. Be careful not to overmix—you want tender muffins with juicy bursts of pear.

Step 5: Prepare the Walnut Topping

Mix the chopped walnuts with additional brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This streusel topping will add a crunchy, sweet, and spicy contrast to the soft muffin underneath.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping

Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Then generously sprinkle the walnut topping over each muffin, ensuring they get that extra crunch and burst of flavor once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Cinnamon Pear Muffins with Walnut Topping for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Pear Muffins with Walnut Topping

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top can elevate the already beautiful appearance and add a subtle sweetness that delights the senses. Fresh pear slices on the side will complement the muffin flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte. For a more wholesome breakfast, consider serving them alongside Greek yogurt or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming brunch, serve the Cinnamon Pear Muffins with Walnut Topping on a rustic wooden board with some honey or maple syrup drizzled on the side. You can also slice a muffin in half and spread cream cheese or nut butter for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Cinnamon Pear Muffins with Walnut Topping fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold their moisture and flavor well for up to three days, perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen muffins maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat your Cinnamon Pear Muffins with Walnut Topping in a microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them into a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the crunch on top and softens the interior to perfection.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts for the topping?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work beautifully as alternatives. They will give a slightly different flavor and texture but maintain that delightful crunch on top.

How ripe should the pears be?

Choose pears that are just ripe—not too firm, not overly soft. They should yield slightly to pressure and have a sweet fragrance to ensure your muffins are moist and flavorful.

Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it. This helps keep the muffins tender and well-structured.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Definitely! Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or chia seeds as a binder, and use plant-based milk and vegan butter. The flavor and texture will still be wonderfully satisfying.

What’s the best way to dice the pears?

Remove the skin and core, then cut the pears into small, bite-sized cubes. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter and prevents sinking as the muffins bake.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Cinnamon Pear Muffins with Walnut Topping a try—they are one of those recipes that bring warmth and comfort with every bite. Once you experience the tender pears, cozy cinnamon, and that irresistible nutty topping, you’ll understand why this has become a beloved favorite. Bake them for friends, family, or just yourself and watch how quickly they disappear. Happy baking!

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