Breakfast Baking
Winter-Spiced Pear and Walnut Muffins with Maple Glaze Recipe
Original recipe: 12 servings · Prep: 15 min · Cook: 20 min · Total: 35 min
By Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished Apr 10, 2026 | Updated Jul 11, 2026
American
35 mins
Beginner-friendlyEasyStep By StepWinter Baking
Winter-Spiced Pear and Walnut Muffins with Maple Glaze Recipe with measured ingredients, 35-minute total timing, 12-serving yield, oven settings, and step-by-step instructions.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
12
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 large ripe pear, peeled, cored and diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Maple Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or dairy-free milk alternative
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and brown sugar until well combined.
-
Add the chopped walnuts and diced pear to the dry ingredients, tossing gently to coat them evenly.
-
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy and no dry flour should remain-avoid overmixing.
-
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
-
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into a muffin center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
-
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
While cooling, prepare the maple glaze by whisking the sifted powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of milk together in a small bowl. Add more milk as needed to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
-
Once muffins are fully cooled, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the tops.
-
Serve immediately, or store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These muffins freeze well for up to 2 months.
Tips
Equipment Needed
Essential beginner-friendly baking tools for making these winter-spiced pear and walnut muffins with a maple glaze include: 12-cup Muffin Tin: For evenly baking and shaping muffins. Paper liners recommended for easy removal and cleanup. Mixing Bowls: Two bowls: one large for dry ingredients, one medium for wet ingredients.
Ingredient Prep Notes
Tips for Preparing Ingredients: Pear: Choose a ripe yet firm pear. Peel, core, and dice into small, even pieces for consistent texture. Toss diced pear lightly in lemon juice to prevent browning before adding to batter.
Oven Note
Oven Tips for Perfect Winter-Spiced Pear and Walnut Muffins Preheat oven fully to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to ensure even baking and good rise. Place muffins on the middle rack for balanced heat distribution. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent temperature drops that cause muffin collapse.
Easy Upgrade Ideas
Beginner-Friendly Upgrades to Enhance Your Winter-Spiced Muffins Nut Variations: Swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for new textures and flavors. Extra Fruits: Add fresh or dried cranberries, chopped apples, or blueberries alongside pears for juicy bursts of sweetness. Spice Boost: Increase cinnamon or add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to deepen warm, cozy flavors.
Related Articles
Read related guides and practical cooking tips.
Pies and Tarts
10 Pie and Tart Recipes for Dessert
More Recipes
Explore more recipes you may like.
Reviews
Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.
No reviews yet.
Save this recipe
Log in to keep this recipe in your favorites.
Reset password Register