Paleo
Dairy Free
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.
Spiced Pear Muffins with Nut Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 -40 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Ginger Spiced Pear Muffins with a sweet nutty topping! Grain free, paleo option.
Ingredients
- 3 small Seckel Pears or 2 Anjou Pears – stems removed (these are smaller pears)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (extra for sprinkling walnuts)
- 2 tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 cup natural Ginger-ale, ginger kombucha, or club soda (see notes for more options)
- 1/4 cup to 1/3 c honey. Plus an extra for topping.
- 1 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup arrowroot starch or tapioca starch
- Optional add in – 1/4 cup nuts or seeds
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Dash of sea salt
- 1 tbsp butter or melted naturally refined coconut oil
- 3 eggs
- Toppings – 1/3 cup candied walnuts or walnuts halves mixed in additional honey and pinch of cinnamon (see notes for other options)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a muffin tray with liners or spray with oil.
- Next, slice the stem off the pears and proceed to dice into smaller pieces. Place in medium bowl and then mix in your spices and ginger ale or club soda and honey. Let that soak.
- In another bowl, sift your flours and starches together. Mix in your baking powder and salt.
- Whisk together your eggs until fluffy then gradually fold into your dry flours mix. Mix in your melted butter.
- Gently pour your pear and ginger mixture into the egg/flour batter bowl. Mix gently until batter is thoroughly blended.
- Pour batter into oiled muffins cups, set aside.
- If You have candied walnuts already prepared, go ahead and crush them in a small bag then sprinkle on top of each muffin. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon. If you don’t have candied walnuts, simply crush your walnuts in small bag, pour into a bowl, then mix the walnuts with a pinch of cinnamon and 1 tbsp or more of honey. Scoop these on top of the muffins before baking.
- Place muffins in oven on center rack and bake at 350F for 22-25 minutes or until muffins are golden brown. Remove from oven and Let them cool 10 minutes before removing from pan .
- Optional –> for more sweetness – 1/3 cup baking stevia or 3-4 tbsp more honey or maple syrup
Notes
- Gingerale substitutes- sparkling water, Zevia gingerale, a ginger Kombucha, etc.
- How to check for ripeness in Pears – check for ripeness at the thinner stem end — it should be yield to soft pressure.
- No Nutty topping? No prob! You can use granola or any other nut of choice. Or omit all together!
- Category: breakfast/snack
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: breakfast/snack
Keywords: pear, muffins, paleo, spiced, breakfast, gluten free, dairy free
What’s your go to way to use up winter fruit? Have you ever tried grain free baking or a grain free diet? Let’s ponder that for january, mmm k?
Cheers,
LC
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
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Great info about going grain-free! I have definitely noticed huge differences in my diet since adopting a mostly grain-free way – funny I kinda posted about this today too 🙂
i think we’re related! hehe
Grain free baking is a lot easier than I imagined and muffins are my favorite thing to bake when we want a quick treat. I will have to try these! And I completely agree about going grain free to deal with inflammation, has done wonders for me!
i knew you’d appreciate that! taper baking, yes?
This is definitely something I may consider doing for a few weeks!
These look like a fabulous way to help 🙂
let me know if you do!
These look incredible, Lindsay! I actually have all of these ingredients on hand so I may have to give these a try. Gluten free and grain free baking can be intimidating! Love your photos too. 🙂
ooh let me know if you do!
That is a really helpful explanation of how grains can affect the body! And that recipe looks great- I love pears but have never tried baking with them!
oh then you will love this recipe. like a pear crumble muffin
What a great idea Lindsay! I am not really a muffin person when it comes to baking….as cupcakes tend to be my favor thing in that category! Haha! However, if I was to enjoy a muffin….this would definitely be one I would! I prefer making bars myself though!
I must admit I have not attempted making grain free muffins, but as you said, you make it so easy! This recipe looks so great, I love a good spiced fruit muffin. My fav muffins are usually packed with lots of fruit and spices and I usually sprinkle some sort of nut/seed crumble on the top. Happy Friday 🙂
oh i bet you would make these even better!
I’m not grain free, but I haven’t actually had very many grains in the past couple of months such as rice, oatmeal, or quinoa. I eat more bread than any of those, but I think rice was bloating me for a while, so I’ve felt better without it! These look amazing!
yes, totally individualized. glad you found what works!
those look absolutely scrumptious — love the flavor combo
Going grain free seems impossible to me, but then I see so many fantastic options that I think it wouldn’t be so bad – these muffins certainly look worth trying 🙂
i so get that. That’s why i think it best to do when you can focus more on rest. Ya know?
I was so excited when I saw the name of these muffins–what great flavors! I am so lucky to not have to also manage the gluten in my diet, but I do find that I tend towards a more GF lifestyle at times when I can feel my body getting over loaded.
Great information. You make it seem so much more manageable by highlighting that you do it only in times of high stress. If I am stressed, I definitely do notice more bloating when I consume more grains, and though I try to cut back on them in times of stress, I’ve never eliminated them completely for a period of time. Of course, the muffins look divine and I will definitely be trying them! 🙂
everyone reacts differently, yes? I think soaking them really helps too.. but i don’t always have time, therefore I just eliminate for a while. ya know?
Lindsay, thse look stunning!! I’m not a huge grains eater to begin with, but I loved reading about how the Kiwi alters his diet/grain intake with his training blocks. I’d never really thought of that before but it totally makes sense! Great post!
grain free is great for healing my gut RIGHT NOW. I won’t always be that way! xoxo
yes, you and me both friend
Pear muffins yes yes yes!! I’m all about pear this season–I love apple but pear is so unique. Happy Friday friend!
don’t tell apple, but i like pear better
yum is right!
MMMMM I can almost smell those!
oh we need to bottle the smell up and keep it. sooo good
Thank you for the awesome explanation of grains. I read so much science on the matter that sometimes it is inspirational to hear it in everyday terms. I love the idea of taking 1 -2 weeks off grains to increase absorption.
let me know if you give it a whirl Jess. totally individualized but doesn’t hurt to try, ya know?
These muffins look awesome! I follow the same philosophy and minimize grains and then cut them out if I am not feeing 100%. Going to have to try these. Thanks for the recipe!
birds of feather flock together. haha right? let me know if you try these lauren!
Very true! Will do. 🙂
Oh wow – I so need these muffins – and the fact they have ginger-ale (in any form) means my daughter will be all over them too!
Thanks for the info on the benefits of going grain free lady! Have a wonderful weekend!
it’s fun to add in those type of ingredients, i know you agree!
These are perfect for breakfast! I’ve made pear and ginger muffins before, but never gluten-free ones. Definitely need to give these a try!
I’m reading Wheat Belly Total Health right now and although I’ve mostly just cut out wheat it makes me curious to experiment with grain free. I like your balance of using it for set times to reduce inflammation, but not 100% of the time. That’s so much more doable for the average American that cutting it out completely!
I like Betty White’s muffins. Wait… tee hee!
These look fabulous, brother. Maybe paired with a crisp Riesling? 😉
I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that these are Paleo! I seriously need to write a post on how much it’s changed how I eat and look at food.
yes you do!
I just need to post up at your place so I can eat all of the delicious treats you make!
Never in a million years would I have guessed that these are grain free — they look incredible! I need to start experimenting with grain-free baking a little more. I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable with gluten-free, and now you’re throwing a whole other ball at me. Eesh 😛
These look amazing.
when I saw these on Instagram I had to come over here! They look SO good!
And I like that you took the guesswork out of grain-free cooking. I don’t do it, so it is intimidating!
I LOVE the information you impart in these blogs my friend. I never even thought of grain free during times of stress. So interesting. And these look fantastic!!
which is why i am always grain free..LOL! okay not really but working on it
This is a great grain-free recipe! I think my daughter would love these. I have made similar pumpkin muffins before but I like that these have pears 🙂
let me know if you try it Kelly! If you want to make it more sweet, definitely add in baking stevia or maple sugar
These are right up my ally– the ally of comfort and soft pillowy goodness.
yes, and GOOD for you! Best of both worlds
These look amazing!
YUM. These look amazing. I kind of want to make them right now!
This sounds so interesting! Can’t wait to try!
i thought you’d like!
i knew you’d love!
Mmmm. I do better without grains when my body is stressed too.
Those look amazing. I’ve never used potato starch in baking. Do you think adding a couple tablespoons more of coconut flour would work in place of it?
i think that would work! What other flours do you have
I generally use almond flour, coconut, buckwheat, oat, and millet flours. I always have those on hand–
i’d try it with 1/2 cup oat flour instead of potato starch.
Always great info from you Lindsay!!!! Those look amazing but of course I have almost none of those ingredients at home – you must move closer! 🙂
you could also use just protein and oat flour! that works!
YUM!! These sound great!
These look delicious! I’ve made muffins with apples but never with pears. What a great idea!
Perfect recipe! I love the utility of Zevia or club soda! You are a genius, friend!
oh i knew you would love! xxoo
I love the idea of adding club soda/ginger ale… totally pinned these, just need to get some ginger ale and pears!!
um….first things first I’m a realist.
Haha, silly Iggy Azaelea. Hi from Sydney. Your pictures = WHOA. This recipe = WHOA.
haha love iggy! and thanks buddy. p.s. US feels odd without the big man
Hey Lindsay! Found this recipe through Pinterest and am really tempting to whip up a batch of these tomorrow! What can I use in place of ginger ale or club soda? Will milk work?
I just made these this weekend, and OMGoodness, were they incredible!! The taste AND texture were superb. Can’t wait to try them with apples now. Can you tell me how much chopped apple to use instead of pear? 1 or 1 1/2 cups? Thank you 🙂
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Wonderful! So glad. I would imagine the apple would be about the same amount. I would maybe soften the apple after dicing it. So throw it in the microwave for 30 seconds. if you want them more moist. not a necessity, just a thought
Hi – no ginger ale on hand, would kombucha work as an alternate?
Thanks
sure! ginger kombucha would be tasty! Not as sweet but you could add more maple if needed.
Love that pears are as nutritious as they are delicious! This recipe is definitely the perfect, sweet way to enjoy them.
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I bet they would be even more delicious with that nut butter on top. 🙂 YOUR FAV
Looks delicious, but what can I use in place of almond flour and can I use an egg
replacement for the eggs. Also, can i use apple instead of pears?
I think you could make these similar to my oat muffins with oat flour and then use 2 batches flax egg. Haven’t tried it though
Also apples work great too! Do you need link to oat muffins?
Unfortunately, I have to avoid oats as well, but would millet flakes work. I have been gluten free for two weeks, and I haven’t tried to bake any cakes, muffins etc
yet!
I saw the most gorgeous pears the other day, I’m SO going to make this!
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Oh yay! Keep me posted!
I love the use of pears! What a great idea and it sounds heavenly!
★★★★★
Save one for me!
These look amazing! Your photography is wonderful! I wish I could try them. Unfortunately I’m allergic to almonds. Thankfully no other nuts!! 😁
Usually when something calls for a little almond flour, I swap ground up walnuts or pecans. For recipes like this, that have an almond flour base, making that swap would change the flavor and texture too much.
Finding grain free and almond free recipes has been a challenge. I’ve tried a few that I found through searching the internet, but they weren’t awesome. In your grain free expertise and food blogging experience, do you know of any resources for grain free and almond free baking? No worries if nothing comes to mind. 😃
Totally understand! Can you have Oat flour or cassava flour? If so, let me know and I’m happy to give you directions on how to swap out the flours.
When it comes to muffins my go to is usually banana but I love this pear alternative! Amazing flavor.
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These were fantastic! Pears in baked goods…who knew 😀
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Would it be possible to make these with flex seed eggs in replacement of actual eggs?
I think it would work except they probably won’t be as fluffy. Here are my vegan muffins, you could try it with the acid/base combo and use oat flour to rise. Thoughts? https://www.cottercrunch.com/healthy-mexican-chocolate-gluten-free-muffins-vegan/
This looks yummy!!
Hi! I’m in the middle of making these muffins-you list baking powder but in the directions you say baking soda. Which one is it? : ) Thanks!
Baking powder but will update! You got my email though. Phew! Keep me posted