Description
Star Anise Pear Protein Cupcakes are moist, spiced cupcakes made with fresh pears, aromatic star anise, and a protein boost. Perfect for a nutritious snack, breakfast, or post-workout treat, they deliver cozy flavor and wholesome ingredients in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour or almond flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground star anise
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 eggs or 2 flax eggs
- 1/4 cup nut butter or neutral oil
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium ripe pear, peeled and diced or grated
- Optional: chopped nuts, extra pear chunks, almond butter drizzle
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, star anise, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, maple syrup, nut butter or oil, vanilla extract, and plant-based milk until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in diced or grated pear and any optional add-ins.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve plain or with yogurt, nut butter, or protein frosting.
Notes
- For vegan cupcakes, use flax eggs and plant-based protein powder.
- Use grated pear for extra moisture, diced for more texture.
- Star anise can be reduced for a milder flavor.
- Sprinkle coconut sugar or nuts on top before baking for a crisp finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
