Pear Cardamom Muffins – Recipe!

Warm and comforting, these Pear Cardmom Muffins will feel like a big hug this morning.

Making muffins seems simple enough and you can always prepare the batter, while the coffee is brewing because it’s super quick and easy.  A basic muffin batter that’s flecked with a bit of wheat flour for an earthy taste works with a warming cardamom spice.  Pears are beautiful with cardamom — one slightly sweet and the other rustic, yet fragrant — a perfect match.

I like to serve them with a smear of salted butter, yet sometimes a slathering of cream cheese can be quite enjoyable.  Serve them warm — they’re best that way.

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Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat or whole white wheat flour

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons butter, room temperature

2/3 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar + more for sprinkling

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons ground cardamom

2 large eggs

2/3 cup buttermilk

1 large pear, diced – any variety

(Makes 12 Muffins)

To Prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (375 degrees convection).  Spray muffins pan with cooking oil, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together butter and sugars for 3 minutes.  Add vanilla and cardamom, beat for 1 minute.  Add eggs and continue to mix on high for 2 minutes.
4. Add buttermilk, while mixer in running on low speed.  Remove bowl and stir pears in by hand.  Scoop batter into prepared pan and sprinkle tops with sugar, about 1/4 teaspoon each.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.  Remove and let cool for 8 minutes before removing muffins from pan.  Enjoy!