Spiced Pear Muffins

Spiced pears are one of my go-to quick yet elegant desserts (click HERE for recipe), and a version of them is what I had in mind when I bought some nice juicy pears.

However, I then remembered I still had some leftovers cooked ones already in the fridge, so, very quickly I changed the plan, and decided to bake spiced pear muffins instead.

The muffins are simple and easy to make, yet full of flavors and aroma. Hard pear cider gave the batter a fluffy texture, while Chai Massala spice mix added amazing aroma. All this enhanced the wonderful flavor of fresh pears beautifully.

The baked muffins can be served on their own as a snack any time of the day. They are also perfect as a light dessert, either topped with icing, or with cooked spiced pears (the above mentioned leftovers) on the side. Try them and enjoy.

 

Notes:
* Chai Masala spice mix is used for cooking fragrant Indian tea. The spices in the mix I’ve used here are: ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg and cloves. It is available in many stores, or online. 

 

Makes: 18

Prep time: 20 minutes

Baking time: 25 minutes

 

Ingredients:

3 medium pears, ripe but firm

3 L eggs

1 cup sugar

½ cup oil

½ cup hard pear cider

1 heaped tsp Chai Massala spice mix (see notes)

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

For icing (optional): click HERE

For spiced cooked pears (optional): click HERE (use unpeeled pears, cut into 6 segments)

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (177C). Place 18 paper baking cups in two muffin pans.
2. Peel the pears, cut into quarters, remove the core and cut into medium size cubes. (You should end up with 2½ cups) . Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar, until pale and fluffy. Whisk in the oil, following with the cider, spice mix and vanilla.
4. Add the flour, baking powder and salt, and whisk to combine. Add the pear cubes and mix with a spatula.
5. Divide the batter between the baking cups. Bake for 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
6. Place on a rack to cool to room temperature. Serve as is, or topped with icing, or with cooked spiced pears on the side.