Pear muffins are an easy and healthy muffin made with half whole-wheat flour, fresh green pears, cinnamon and vanilla. These rich tasting muffins are a great way to use in-season pears.

Since the pumpkin spice latte craze started, I think a lot of Fall produce gets overlooked. Ripe pears provide just the right amount of sweetness to these healthier pear muffins.
This recipe makes a healthier muffin containing less sugar, fat and total calories compared to many muffin recipes.
Ingredients
These easy pear muffins call for two ripe green pears and a few pantry and fridge staples.
- Butter – Melted unsalted butter.
- Brown Sugar – Lightly packed light or dark brown sugar.
- Sour Cream – I use Daisy Light Sour Cream. This helps the muffins stay tender. Plain Greek yogurt may be substituted.
- Eggs – Two large eggs.
- Vanilla Extract
- White Whole-Wheat Flour – I use King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour.
- All-Purpose Flour
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
How to make
These healthy pear muffins take about five minutes to mix up.
Step 1 – Whisk together flours, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
Step 2 – In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, slightly cooled butter, sour cream, eggs and vanilla. Stir until batter is smooth. Fold in diced pears.
Step 3 - Make a well in the center of the wet mixture and gently stir in the dry mixture. Stir together just until combined. Be sure to not overmix the batter.
Step 4 – Scoop batter evenly into prepared muffin pan. Top with turbinado or sparking sugar, if desired. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.
Recipe Notes
- I keep the peel on the pears for extra fiber, but you can peel the pear if you prefer.
- If you don’t have whole wheat flour this recipe can be made with only all-purpose flour.
- Sprinkle with turbinado or sparkling sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
- This recipe is mildly sweet, increase the sugar by 2 Tbsp. if you prefer a sweeter muffin.
- For added flavors, ground cardamon or ginger would work well in this recipe.
- I prefer to use Daisy Light Sour Cream in this recipe but have successfully substituted Fage 0% Greek Yogurt. Be sure to stir the sour cream before measuring.
- The pear variety I use in this recipe is Green Anjou.
Serving and Storage
Serving: Allow pear muffins to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Makes a delicious addition to breakfast or a nice afternoon snack.
Storage: For quality, best if eaten within two days. Because the pears are very juicy, I like to store leftover pear muffins in the refrigerator.
📖 Recipe
Pear Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup White Whole-Wheat Flour
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 6 tablespoons Butter melted
- ⅔ cup Light Sour Cream
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cup ripe Green Pears diced small (about 2 medium)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease muffin tin or line with paper muffin cups. Whisk together whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, slightly cooled butter, sour cream, eggs and vanilla. Stir until batter is smooth. Fold in diced pears.
- Make a well in the center of the wet mixture and gently stir in the dry mixture. Stir together just until combined. Be sure to not overmix the batter.
- Scoop batter evenly into prepared muffin pan. Top with turbinado or sparking sugar, if desired. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.
More recipes you may enjoy:
- Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls
- Healthy Banana Pancakes
- Whole Wheat Flax Waffles
- Whole Wheat Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Happy Fall Y'all -
Alaine
Pear and Sour Cream Muffins was originally published on My TX Kitchen in September 2016. Updated in August 2023 with additional photos and text.
Alaine
Laura Nelson
These muffins make the house smell amazing while they are baking.
They’re like a warm hug. Delicious!