Indulge in the comforting flavors of these XXL Pear Muffins, which bring together the subtle sweetness of pears and the delightful surprise of a quince heart. Whether you choose to include the quince or not, these muffins promise to be moist, flavorful, and irresistibly large. Each muffin is enriched with a choice of vanilla, almond essence, or lemon zest, offering a custom twist to suit your taste. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying snack, these muffins are a guaranteed hit.
Why You'll Love This
These XXL Pear Muffins stand out for their generous size and moist texture. The addition of fresh pears provides a juicy, fruity element that contrasts beautifully with the optional quince heart, adding a touch of sweetness and a unique flavor profile. The flexible essence options allow you to personalize the muffins to your flavor preferences, making them a versatile recipe that can adapt to different tastes and occasions.
Perfect Occasion
These muffins are ideal for breakfast meetings, brunch gatherings, or as a comforting treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee. They are substantial enough to serve as a quick breakfast on the go, yet elegant enough to be featured at a festive brunch table. The optional quince heart also makes them suitable for special occasions, providing a sweet surprise that guests will love.
Decoration Tips
Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with a little sugar to create a delightful crust as they bake. For a more decorative touch, you can also add a thin slice of pear or a small piece of quince on top of each muffin before baking, which will caramelize beautifully and add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredients
- 175 ml of oil (or 200 grams of softened butter)
- 180 grams of sugar
- 2 eggs
- Essence (vanilla, almond, or lemon zest)
- 280 grams of self-raising flour (or plain flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 100 ml of milk
- 2 diced pears
- Quince paste, cut into small squares (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat the oil (or butter) with sugar, eggs, and your choice of essence for 4 minutes until well combined.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the baking soda-vinegar mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Add Fruits:
- Fold the diced pears into the batter gently to distribute evenly.
- Assemble Muffins:
- Fill the muffin tins halfway with the batter, add a square of quince paste if using, then cover with more batter. The quince is optional.
- Bake:
- Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each muffin. Bake in a preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius (338 degrees Fahrenheit) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
Enjoy these luxurious XXL Pear Muffins, a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, ideal for making any day a little sweeter!