Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chocolate pear muffins combine the richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe pears, making them a deliciously unique treat. The slightly dense texture of the muffin is perfectly complemented by chunks of tender pear and pockets of melted chocolate, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins offer a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a separate large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the diced pears, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using).
Divide the muffin batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the batter.
Vegan: To make these muffins vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Gluten-free: For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your baking powder and soda are gluten-free.
Different fruits: Try replacing pears with apples or peaches for a different fruit flavor, adjusting the size of the chunks as needed.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to warm them up.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned pears can be used. Be sure to drain and pat them dry before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make these muffins sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter muffins, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly, or add more chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Can I make these muffins without chocolate?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can leave it out or substitute it with dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the paper liners?

To prevent sticking, lightly grease the muffin liners before adding the batter, or use high-quality liners that don’t stick as much.

Can I use dark chocolate in these muffins?

Yes, dark chocolate would work beautifully in these muffins, adding a rich and slightly less sweet flavor. You can chop up a dark chocolate bar or use dark chocolate chips.

Conclusion

These chocolate pear muffins are a perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy pears, creating a treat that’s satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The tender crumb, chocolatey goodness, and moist pear bits make each bite irresistible!

Chocolate Pear Muffins