Delicious & Healthy Spelt Oat Pear Muffins: Your New Favorite Wholesome Treat
Light, fluffy, and bursting with wholesome goodness, these spelt and oat pear muffins are a true delight, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or a satisfying snack. Imagine biting into a muffin that’s subtly sweet, incredibly moist, and packed with the comforting flavors of pear and warm spices. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a treat that’s not only incredibly delicious but also a healthier alternative to many store-bought options. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these muffins are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
There’s something truly special about creating delicious baked goods from scratch, especially when they turn out to be unexpectedly good. This particular muffin recipe has a bit of a story behind it, rooted in a moment of domestic bliss (and a slight equipment upgrade!). As a busy food blogger and a mom to three energetic kids, finding efficient ways to create wholesome meals and snacks is always a priority. It’s safe to say my kitchen is often a hub of activity, sometimes bordering on beautiful chaos. For years, I managed my baking endeavors with just a trusty hand mixer, but the universe had other plans. After my last hand mixer gave up the ghost, I decided it was time to level up.
That’s when I finally, excitedly, invested in my very first stand mixer. Yes, you read that right – a food blogger, creating countless recipes, had been without a stand mixer for years! Please, no judgment here. My kitchen confessions don’t end there; I’m also still a food blogger with three kids and no dishwasher, but we’ll save that saga for another day. The arrival of the Bosch mixer, complete with a fantastic blender attachment (solving yet another kitchen dilemma!), felt like a true game-changer. The moment it was set up on the counter, I was eager to put it to the test. And what better way to inaugurate a new kitchen appliance than by tackling some perfectly ripe, almost-too-soft produce?
On my counter sat a couple of brown bananas and a handful of pears that had softened past their prime for crisp eating but were absolutely ideal for baking. They were practically begging to be transformed into something delightful. These moments of using up fruit at its peak (or just past it) are often where the best recipes are born. It’s a wonderful feeling to prevent food waste while simultaneously creating something incredibly tasty for your family. Thus, these magnificent spelt and oat pear muffins were among the very first creations to emerge from my brand-new stand mixer, signaling a new era of effortless baking in my kitchen.
Funnily enough, I hadn’t initially planned on sharing this specific recipe. My primary goal was simply to utilize the ripe fruit and stock up the freezer with homemade muffins, making busy school mornings a little easier. Meal prepping wholesome snacks is a lifesaver for any parent, and muffins are always a hit. I started with a familiar foundation, adapting one of my most popular recipes: my Spelt Oat Banana Muffins. However, instead of leaning heavily on banana, I decided to give the star role to those luscious, soft pears.
While I adore banana bread and banana muffins, sometimes the strong banana flavor can be a bit overpowering for me. These pear muffins, however, strike the perfect balance. The pear offers a delicate, fragrant sweetness that complements the nutty spelt and hearty oats beautifully, without dominating the other flavors. The result is a lighter, more subtle taste that is utterly captivating. I imagine you could certainly use an all-pear base or even applesauce for variations, though I haven’t personally experimented with those combinations just yet. But based on how quickly these disappeared from our kitchen, I knew I had to share this delightful discovery with you all. These muffins vanished at an incredible pace, proving their undeniable appeal. They’re not just a breakfast item; they make a fantastic addition to lunchboxes or a healthy, satisfying treat any time of day.
The Wholesome Power of Spelt and Oats
Incorporating spelt flour and rolled oats into your baking not only enhances the flavor and texture but also boosts the nutritional value of your muffins. Spelt, an ancient grain, offers a distinct nutty flavor and a tender crumb, making it a wonderful alternative to common wheat flours. It’s often easier to digest for those with mild sensitivities to modern wheat, and it brings a good amount of fiber and essential nutrients to the table. Its slightly denser texture ensures these muffins are satisfying and hearty, without being heavy.
Old-fashioned rolled oats are another nutritional powerhouse in this recipe. They contribute significant fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Beyond their health benefits, oats provide a delightful chewiness and a rustic charm to the muffins. When combined, spelt and oats create a robust foundation that perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit and spices, resulting in a muffin that’s both comforting and nourishing. This combination makes these pear muffins an excellent choice for a wholesome start to your day or an energy-boosting snack to keep you going.
Perfectly Pear-fect: The Magic of Mashed Pears
The star ingredient, mashed pear, is what truly sets these muffins apart. Unlike some fruits that can make baked goods dense, pears contribute an incredible amount of moisture and a subtle, naturally sweet flavor that isn’t overpowering. When baking with pears, selecting ripe, soft fruit is key. The softer the pear, the easier it is to mash and the more natural sweetness it will impart to your muffins. Varieties like Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou work wonderfully here. Their delicate aroma infuses the entire muffin, creating a warm and inviting taste. If your pears are particularly juicy, as mine sometimes are, don’t hesitate to mash them a little in advance and gently pour off any excess liquid. This simple step ensures your muffins remain light and fluffy, rather than becoming too wet.
The combination of mashed banana (or applesauce) with mashed pear provides a complex sweetness and incredible moisture. While the original recipe leans on banana, the pear truly shines through, offering a unique twist on a classic. For those who prefer a less prominent banana flavor, these muffins are an absolute dream. You get the best of both worlds: the structure and moisture from the banana, amplified by the gentle sweetness and aroma of the pear. It’s a flavor profile that’s both familiar and wonderfully fresh, especially with the comforting hint of cinnamon.
Spelt Oat Pear Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole spelt flour
- 3/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sucanat or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed banana or applesauce
- 1 cup mashed pear
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2-3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prep a muffin tin by lining with paper liners or by lightly greasing and set aside.
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In a small bowl whisk together the spelt flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In a larger bowl stir together the maple syrup or honey with the melted butter, eggs, banana, pears and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and stir together just until combined adding the chocolate chips at the very end.
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Divide the batter evenly amongst the 12 muffin cups and place in the oven to bake for 17-19 minutes until a toothpick poked into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Muffins Every Time
Achieving light and fluffy muffins requires a few simple techniques. First, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, chewy muffins instead of tender ones. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until barely combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This is especially true when using a stand mixer – once the dry ingredients are added, switch to a lower speed or even finish mixing by hand.
Second, ensure your oven is properly preheated. A hot oven helps the muffins rise quickly, creating that desirable domed top. Don’t be tempted to open the oven door too early, as this can cause them to deflate. Finally, always test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean. These little details can make all the difference between a good muffin and a truly exceptional one.
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe for spelt oat pear muffins is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic base for customization. If you don’t have bananas, a full cup of applesauce or even more mashed pear can work beautifully. For an extra boost of flavor and texture, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. A sprinkle of streusel topping made with oats, brown sugar, and a touch of butter can also add a delightful crunch. For chocolate lovers, increasing the amount of semi-sweet chocolate chips to a full cup, or even swapping them for dark chocolate chunks, will create an even richer treat. Feel free to experiment with different spices too – a pinch of nutmeg or a touch of cardamom would beautifully complement the pear. These small changes can transform the muffins to suit your personal taste or what you have on hand.
Storing and Freezing for Convenience
One of the best things about these spelt oat pear muffins is how well they store, making them ideal for meal prep. Once cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, these muffins freeze beautifully. Simply place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it at room temperature for an hour or so, or gently warm it in the microwave for a quick and comforting treat. Having a stash of these healthy muffins in the freezer makes busy mornings and afternoon snack times incredibly convenient, ensuring you always have a wholesome option readily available.
I genuinely hope you and your family enjoy these wholesome spelt and oat pear muffins as much as we do. They truly are a testament to how simple, good-for-you ingredients can come together to create something incredibly satisfying and utterly delicious. Happy baking!