I’ve crafted these Pear Ginger Muffins to combine the gentle sweetness of fresh pears with the warming kick of ginger. Drawing from both traditional baking wisdom and modern nutritional knowledge, these muffins offer a perfect balance of whole grains and natural sweetness.
The History Behind the Recipe
Pear and ginger have been complementary flavors in baking for centuries, particularly in European cuisine. I’ve updated this classic pairing with whole grains and natural sweeteners to create a breakfast-worthy muffin that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Why These Muffins Work
These muffins stand out because they use the natural moisture and sweetness of ripe pears alongside the subtle heat of ginger. The combination of whole wheat flour and oats provides sustained energy, while coconut oil adds richness without dairy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
- ½ cup (50g) rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon (1g) ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon (4g) baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup (60ml) coconut oil, melted
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 ripe pear (about 200g), diced small
Detailed Instructions
- Preparation Phase
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners
- Bring all ingredients to room temperature
- Pear Preparation
- Wash and core the pear
- Dice into small, uniform pieces (¼ inch)
- Pat pieces dry with paper towel
- Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk whole wheat flour
- Add oats, ground ginger, baking powder, and salt
- Mix thoroughly to distribute spices and leavening
- Combining Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine melted coconut oil
- Add honey or maple syrup
- Whisk until well blended
- Creating the Batter
- Make a well in dry ingredients
- Pour in wet ingredients
- Fold gently until just combined
- Carefully fold in diced pear
- Baking Process
- Divide batter among muffin cups
- Fill each cup about ¾ full
- Optional: sprinkle with extra oats
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden
- Test with toothpick for doneness
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use ripe but firm pears
- Don’t overmix the batter
- Rotate pan halfway through baking
- Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing
Nutrition Information
Per muffin (based on 12 muffins):
- Calories: 135
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 2g
Time Requirements
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Storage Guidelines
- Room Temperature: 2 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Variations and Substitutions
- Add chopped crystallized ginger
- Include chopped nuts
- Try different pear varieties
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg
- Include ground flaxseed
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare dry ingredients in advance
- Freeze baked muffins individually
- Mix wet ingredients separately
- Store pre-measured ingredients
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter
- Pair with Greek yogurt
- Perfect with morning tea
- Top with almond butter
- Enjoy with fresh fruit
These Pear Ginger Muffins represent the perfect balance of nutrition and comfort. They’re ideal for meal prep, busy mornings, or as a wholesome snack. The natural sweetness from pears combined with the warmth of ginger creates a satisfying breakfast that starts your day on a delicious note.
Remember to allow the muffins to cool slightly before enjoying, as the pear pieces retain heat. These muffins are not only a healthy breakfast option but also a delicious way to incorporate fresh fruit into your morning routine. They’re particularly wonderful during pear season when the fruit is at its peak of ripeness and flavor.
For best results, store cooled muffins in an airtight container and enjoy within the recommended timeframe. These muffins also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for batch baking and meal planning.
