How do I know when it is done?

Use the timing as a guide, then check the center with the recipe's doneness cue, such as a clean toothpick, set edges, bubbling filling, or a gently springy top.

Can I change the flavor?

Yes. Keep changes small the first time, such as adding citrus zest, spice, chocolate, nuts, or a simple glaze that matches the recipe.

What should beginners watch most closely?

Measure carefully, avoid overmixing batters or doughs, and let the bake cool long enough before slicing, glazing, or storing.

Back to Recipes

Cupcakes

Low-Calorie Spiced Pear and Ginger Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Name: Low-Calorie Spiced Pear and Ginger Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Modern British
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 cup); 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large egg whites; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished May 10, 2026 · Updated Jul 11, 2026

Modern British 40 mins beginner-friendlyeasywinter-bakinglow-calorienut-freefruitfrostingholidaystep-by-step

Soft pear and ginger cupcakes made lighter with applesauce, yogurt, egg whites, and a simple cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Low-Calorie Spiced Pear and Ginger Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Prep 20 min

Cook 20 min

Total 40 min

Servings 12

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Modern British

Ingredients

Servings 12

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup low-fat plain yogurt
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

BeginnerBakes spiced pear ginger cupcake ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
In a separate large bowl, combine the chopped pears, freshly grated (or ground) ginger, applesauce, yogurt, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla extract. Mix well using a whisk or electric mixer on low speed until smooth and evenly combined.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cupcakes light and tender.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the cinnamon frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Once cupcakes are fully cooled, spread or pipe the cinnamon frosting generously on top of each cupcake.
Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving.

Tips

Equipment Needed

Use the pan or baking dish listed in the recipe, plus mixing bowls, measuring tools, a spatula, and a cooling rack if the recipe bakes in the oven. Line pans with parchment or liners when the batter is delicate so beginners can release the bake cleanly.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Measure the dry and wet ingredients before mixing so the batter or dough comes together smoothly. Keep butter, eggs, dairy, fruit, or chocolate at the temperature described in the recipe because small prep details affect rise and texture.

Oven Note

Preheat fully before baking and use the center rack unless the recipe says otherwise. Start checking near the low end of the baking time and rely on the listed doneness cues instead of color alone.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Keep upgrades simple: add a light glaze, a sprinkle of spice, citrus zest, chopped nuts, chocolate, or a beginner-friendly topping that matches the base flavor. Add decorative finishes only after the bake cools when frosting, glaze, or drizzle needs to set neatly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Low-Calorie Spiced Pear and Ginger Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe ahead?: Yes. Bake it ahead, cool it fully, and store it as directed so the texture stays as close to fresh as possible.
How do I know when it is done?: Use the timing as a guide, then check the center with the recipe's doneness cue, such as a clean toothpick, set edges, bubbling filling, or a gently springy top.
Can I change the flavor?: Yes. Keep changes small the first time, such as adding citrus zest, spice, chocolate, nuts, or a simple glaze that matches the recipe.
What should beginners watch most closely?: Measure carefully, avoid overmixing batters or doughs, and let the bake cool long enough before slicing, glazing, or storing.

Ingredient Replacements

½ cups all-purpose flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier bake or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed, checking texture before baking.
baking powder: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
ground cinnamon: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze when the ingredients are freezer-friendly.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

No reviews yet.

Low-Calorie Spiced Pear and Ginger Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions