December 13, 2018 106 Comments

Spiced Pear Muffins with Nut Topping {Paleo Option}

Grain free Spiced Pear Muffins with a sweet nutty topping! Delicious, easy to make paleo muffins (paleo friendly that is) that are light, fluffy, and naturally sweetened.

What to make with an abundance of fruit? Make naturally sweetened MUFFINS with winter pears!

Today’s we’re updating an oldie but goodie recipe. Yep, we’ve got another perfect paleo muffin (actually paleo friendly muffin) made with fruit! A recipe to help you utilize nature’s candy, winter candy. Aka PEARS.

Fact –> Did you know that pears have more fiber, potassium, and folate than apples? I know, now you really can keep the doctor away.

Speaking of health, I made these pear muffins way back in 2015 and just had to reshare the health perks (and backstory), as well as the new updated recipe! Also, I think you’ll love how fluffy these muffins bake up due to one secret ingredient…. keeping reading! Ok?

So here we go, Grain free Spiced Pear Muffins with a Sweet Nutty Topping….

First things first, let’s talk about Grain free baking.

You see, a couple years ago we had a few fellow triathletes stay with us for the Austin 70.3 ironman. It was good fun and of course lots of time was spent in the kitchen. Eating, prepping, talking, etc. One of my husband’s triathlete friends has gone through a whole slew of health problems and started asking me questions about eating grain free. Questions like “should he try eating grain free to improve health?”

And.. “What are the benefits of eating grain free, health wise?”

My response? I’d say anyone looking to might be suffering from low immunity or digestive problems.. or STRESS! Gosh, that sounds like a lot of people these days, myself included sometimes. But really, sometimes eliminating grains and added sugar can help calm down the system and INCREASE your ability to absorb proper nutrients.

How so?

Well…

“Grains contain Phytic Acid, a mineral blocker that prevents absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. This phytic acid is found in the bran of all grains. BUT … Evidence shows that sprouting increases the content of many important vitamins, and breaks down the phytic acid.” (source)

Does that mean we never eat grains? Of course not!

We love our Gluten free oatmeal, rice bowls, quinoa, etc. But you could always try switching to grain free for a period of time so the body can REALLY absorb nutrients. Or you could try soaking your grains and nuts so that you can break down the phytic acid. Make sense?

But don’t worry, we’re not here to deprive you of good food during the holiday season. We’re here to give you ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS! There’s plenty of GRAIN FREE Goodies you can make in the meantime! Yep, even grain free apple muffins. But shh… don’t tell the pear I said that.

Grain Free Baking Made easy!

Note – These paleo muffins are not nut free, obviously, which means they aren’t totally off the hook with phytic acid, but they are a great start!

Here’s whatcha need to make a fluffier grain free “paleo muffin.”

Pears
Honey
Almond Flour
Coconut Flour
Cinnamon and Ginger spices
Naturally Refined coconut oil or clarified butter
Baking Powder
eggs
and to make them fluffy... a natural sparkling drink such as ginger kombucha, ginger ale, club soda, etc.

You’ll be soaking your pears in this bubbling goodness and honey, then adding them to your grain free baking mix!

Oh and let’s not forget the nuts, walnuts. Although feel free to leave those out if needed or swap out for a granola topping. EIther way, you’ll get super delicious and easy to make paleo muffins! PEAR-FECT!

Oh and one last PEAR-fect tip!

How to pick a RIPE PEAR!

Choose hard pears and leave on a counter to ripen. A pear ripens from inside out, so it’s best to buy pears hard and then let them sit on the counter until ripened. PEARS are RIPE and ready for baking or eating when the thinner stem to soft pressure.

Okay, enough fruit talk. Let’s get to the recipe.