These simple pear cupcakes are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Imagine biting into a moist, spiced cupcake bursting with the sweet, mellow taste of ripe pears. Sound tempting? It is! This recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers, and the results are truly impressive. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy treat, these pear cupcakes are sure to hit the spot. Let’s get baking!
Table Of Contents
Similar to the techniques used in Best ways to make cupcakes look professional, a little attention to detail will make these cupcakes truly shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and diced
Making the Pear Cupcake Batter
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This recipe makes about 12 standard-sized cupcakes. Now, in a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures they’re evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking soda or clumps of spice. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Ever wonder why we cream butter and sugar? This process incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a lighter, more tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes. Fold in the diced pears until they are just combined. Overmixing can also affect the rise of your cupcakes, as discussed in The impact of overmixing cupcake batter.
Mixing pear cupcake batter in a glass bowl
Baking and Cooling
Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full. I’ve learned over the years that this is the sweet spot for preventing overflow while still achieving a nice dome. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pear Cupcake Frosting Ideas
While the cupcakes are cooling, you can prepare your frosting. A simple cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the spiced pear flavor. A brown butter frosting would also be a delicious and decadent option. For a lighter touch, a whipped cream frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar is perfect. Want to take your frosting game to the next level? Check out How to create the perfect cupcake swirl.
Frosted pear cupcakes cooling on a wire rack
Variations and Tips
- Spiced Pear Cupcakes: Amp up the spice by adding ½ teaspoon ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.
- Pear and Walnut Cupcakes: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Pear and Chocolate Chip Cupcakes: Fold in ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful combination.
- Simple syrup: Brush the cooled cupcakes with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and sugar for extra moisture and sweetness.
This Simple Pear Cupcake Recipe is quite versatile. For a different fruit flavor, consider our simple fig cupcake recipe, which offers a similarly delightful experience.
Choosing the Right Liners
Don’t underestimate the importance of cupcake liners! They not only add a touch of style but also help prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the tin and make them easier to handle. For these pear cupcakes, I recommend using either standard paper liners or foil liners, which provide extra support. Curious about which liners are best? Head over to What are the best cupcake liners to use? for a comprehensive guide.
Pear cupcake with a bite taken out
FAQ
Q: Can I use canned pears?
A: While fresh pears are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Make sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
Q: How do I store leftover pear cupcakes?
A: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A: Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Ingredients for pear cupcakes arranged on a table
These simple pear cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of the season. The warm spices and sweet pears create a flavor combination that is both comforting and delightful. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the process of creating these delicious treats. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and tag us on social media! We love seeing your creations. Happy baking!
