Spiced Pear Cupcakes
Tender pear purée cupcakes with warm spices and a cinnamon–vanilla swirl frosting.
Ingredients
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup pear purée (smooth; from ripe pears, lightly reduced if very watery)
- ¼ cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- 1¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter (soft), 3–3½ cups confectioners’ sugar, 2–3 tbsp cream/milk, 1 tsp vanilla, ½–1 tsp ground cinnamon, pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
Beat butter with granulated and brown sugar until pale and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well; blend in vanilla.
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger in a separate bowl.
Stir pear purée with milk. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in 2–3 additions, alternating with the pear–milk mixture. Mix just until combined.
Divide batter evenly (about ¾ full). Bake 17–19 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Frosting: Beat soft butter 2–3 minutes. Add 2 cups sugar, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon; beat until smooth. Add cream and remaining sugar to reach a smooth, pipeable consistency.
Pipe a cinnamon–vanilla swirl (open-star tip works well). Optionally dust lightly with cinnamon.
Pro Tips
- • If pears are very juicy, gently simmer purée for a few minutes to thicken before using.
- • Do not overmix once flour is added—this preserves a tender crumb.
- • For stronger spice, add a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the dry mix.
- • Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing and better rise.
Delicious Variations
- • Fold in ½ cup finely diced ripe pear for extra fruit texture.
- • Add a quick pear jam core: spoon 1 tsp into the center before baking.
- • Swap cinnamon for chai spice blend for a café-style profile.
Perfect Pairings
Recipe Details
Timing
About the Author
Professional baker sharing tested cupcake recipes, techniques and troubleshooting tips.
Nutrition (per cupcake)
When to Enjoy
Autumn-through-winter (holiday tables, cozy evenings, seasonal gatherings).
Recipe Highlights
Final Thoughts
A balanced, gently spiced cupcake where pear purée brings moistness and fragrance—finished with a cinnamon–vanilla swirl for an elegant seasonal touch.
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