Pear and Cardamom Muffins are a wonderfully aromatic treat, combining the sweetness of ripe pears with the warm, spicy notes of cardamom. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Here’s a recipe to make these flavorful muffins:
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (about 2 medium) peeled and diced pears (such as Bosc or Bartlett)
For the Pear Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup (about 1 pear) peeled and thinly sliced pear
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom.
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Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
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Fold in Pears:
- Gently fold in the diced pears.
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Fill Muffin Tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
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Prepare and Add Pear Topping (Optional):
- If using the pear topping, place a thin slice of pear on top of each muffin and sprinkle with a bit of granulated sugar.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
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Cool:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Pears: Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking. If using very juicy pears, be sure to drain them well.
- Cardamom: Ground cardamom adds a unique, aromatic flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Pear and Cardamom Muffins offer a delightful combination of flavors and are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or warmed for a cozy treat!
