Monday, August 29, 2016

Whole Wheat Pear & Pecan Streusel Muffins #MuffinMonday

Whole Wheat Pear & Pecan Streusel Muffins #MuffinMonday

A buttery oatmeal streusel tops these whole wheat pear and pecan muffins.


a close up image of a whole wheat pear and pecan streusel-topped muffin in a pan


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I like to bake a batch of muffins to welcome new families to my town.



Typically I'll grab a seasonal fruit (no Beet and Horseradish Muffins for someone I don't know well) and make something sweet and snack-like, then pull them out of the oven, take some photos--and a bite of one--then send my daughter off with a basket of warm baked treats. [Not the one I took a bite of, I finish that one. And my kids get to eat some, too. I give away the rest.]


a stack of whole wheat pear and pecan streusel muffins on a plate


These muffins were no exception--a new family moved in a few blocks away, and I had a couple of pears to use up. I was in the mood for streusel, so I threw this together.  The recipe is loosely based from the general muffin recipe in my Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook, but with lots of adaptations for the spices and mix-ins.


A buttery oatmeal streusel tops these whole wheat pear and pecan muffins. This recipe makes a wholesome treat.




I'm working through a stash of white whole wheat flour so in addition to great flavor, these muffins are a bit higher in fiber and whole grain goodness compared to the original recipe. I like baking with white whole wheat because I get a fairly fluffy end result. It works great in waffles and pizza crust as well.

a muffin pan with whole wheat pear and pecan streusel muffins


When I got back on FB later in the day after baking these muffins I saw the following post:

"What kind of crack is in these muffins? They're delicious!"

I've dubbed these muffins the Crack Muffins ever since.  I hope you enjoy the recipe!

process for making whole wheat pear and pecan streusel muffins



For more recipes using pears, please see my Pear Recipes Collection. It's part of the Visual Recipe Index by Ingredient, a resource for folks like me eating from the farm share, the farmer's market, the garden, the neighbor's garden, and great deals on ugly produce at the grocery store.



I'm sharing more recipes on my Pinterest boards, follow me there. If you like a good peek behind the scenes like I do, follow me on Instagram. Need a good read? I'm sharing articles of interest on my Facebook page, follow me there. Want to know How to Use This Blog?


ingredients for making whole wheat pear and pecan streusel muffins


Whole Wheat Pear and Pecan Streusel Muffins (makes 12)

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons butter (I use unsalted)
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons rolled oats (old fashioned)
  • ¼ teaspoon Baking Spice or cinnamon nutmeg blend of your choice
  • 2 cups (8 ounces by weight) whole wheat flour (I used white whole wheat)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Spice or cinnamon nutmeg blend of your choice
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ cup (6 ounces) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (2 ounces) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 pear, cored and chopped

Instructions

  1. Make the streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine first 4 ingredients with a fork or your fingers until well mixed. Set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 12 well muffin tin or line with paper liners.
  3. Mix up the dry ingredients by whisking the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and Baking Spice in a large bowl. Set aside.
  4. Mix up the wet ingredients by whisking together the egg, buttermilk, oil and vanilla in a small bowl.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently together until briefly mixed.  Dump in the pecans and pear, then stir until just blended.
  6. Scoop into prepared pan. Top with streusel, dividing evenly among the 12 muffins.
  7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly browned.
  8. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to completely cool. These are great warm with butter or at room temperature.

#MuffinMonday is a group of muffin loving bakers who get together once a month to bake muffins. You can see all our of lovely muffins by following our Pinterest board.

Updated links for all of our past events and more information about Muffin Monday, can be found on our home page.

Here's what we've baked up for August!

11 comments:

  1. I know what the crack is...it's the buttery oatmeal streusel topping. I'd swoon for that or maybe I should say move into the neighborhood. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meghan,
      You're welcome to move into my 'hood! That would be extra delightful.
      Too right about that crack, too!
      Thanks~

      Delete
  2. I do the same thing, Kirsten! The other day I left some cookies on the new neighbors' doorstep with a welcome note. They came by to introduce themselves and say thank you. They were most surprised by the gesture so I had to tell that it's an American thing. It's what we do! I can't wait to try your crack muffins.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacy,
      Good for you--what a kind thing to do! My mom remembers having a Welcome Wagon lady come by when she was a faculty wife.
      Thanks for hosting Muffin Monday!

      Delete
  3. These are, for sure, going on my to make list. My pears are almost ready for picking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy,
      I've been eyeing the pear tree I see on dog walks. One year I was lucky enough to be walking by when the owners were out, commented on the pears, and came home with a bag!
      Lucky you with your own tree.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  4. Fun post Kirsten! The flavor combo sounds wonderful, and I love working with WWW flour. How sweet of you to welcome your neighbors that way. It's a lost art.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen,
      I guess I lived for too many years on military bases because I just assumed that's what everyone does. My mom said being on base was like 'being back in the '70s' . . . though I don't wear red plaid Sears Toughskins anymore.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  5. Can I move into your neighborhood?! These muffins are fantastic.
    One of our neighbors gave us some local beers when we moved in and I returned the thank you with some cookies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lauren,
      There's a house for sale across the street (I'm sad my neighbors moved, but they only moved a few blocks so I still get to see them)!
      When we moved in I had great neighbors welcome us with Killer Brownies (look 'em up, Dorothy Lane Market) and on the day our truck arrived we got a plate of chocolate chip cookies--still warm!
      I love the idea of local beers--that's a great one. Thanks!

      Delete
  6. Hi Kristen- I love your idea to bring new neighbors muffins. We have some new neighbors and I often bring bread but maybe I will bring muffins this time around... pear with streusel sounds absolutely scrumptious.

    ReplyDelete