How do I keep this recipe gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free packaged ingredients and avoid shared utensils, boards, pans, or toppings that touched gluten-containing foods.

Can I adjust the main ingredients?

Yes. Swap ingredients with similar moisture, protein, or cooking behavior to keep timing and texture close to the original.

How do I serve it with mixed-diet family?

Serve the gluten-free recipe first and keep any gluten-containing toppings and sides separate.

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Gluten-Free Baking

Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Pear and Walnut Cupcakes

Name: Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Pear and Walnut Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: European-inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum); 1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free); ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 cup); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; ⅓ cup neutral oil (e.g., avocado or vegetable oil); ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce; 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option: 3 tbsp ground flaxseed + 9 tbsp water, mixed and rested 5 min); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted; Optional dairy-free cream cheese frosting (recipe below)

By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished May 10, 2026 · Updated Jul 7, 2026

European-inspired 40 mins glutenfreedairyfreeoptionsvegetarianbakingdessertholidayclassicseasonaleasyfamilyfriendlycupcake

Moist, festive cupcakes featuring warm holiday spices, fresh pears, and crunchy walnuts. Gluten-free and dairy-free options make this easy family-friendly dessert perfect for holiday celebrations.

Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Pear and Walnut Cupcakes

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Total 40 min

Servings 12

Difficulty easy

Cuisine European-inspired

Ingredients

Servings 12

1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free)
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 cup)
⅔ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup neutral oil (e.g., avocado or vegetable oil)
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option: 3 tbsp ground flaxseed + 9 tbsp water, mixed and rested 5 min)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Optional dairy-free cream cheese frosting (recipe below)

FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Pear and Walnut Cupcakes ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and applesauce until smooth and well blended.
Add eggs (or prepared flax eggs) and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined-do not overmix.
Fold in the diced pears and toasted chopped walnuts carefully.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove cupcakes from the oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, frost with dairy-free cream cheese frosting once cooled (see optional frosting recipe below).

FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Pear and Walnut Cupcakes finished dish

Tips

Allergen Overlap Note

Check every packaged ingredient for certified gluten-free status, especially spices, broths, sauces, seed products, and baking staples. Use clean prep surfaces and dedicated utensils when preparing Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Pear and Walnut Cupcakes for someone with celiac disease.

Texture Expectations

Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Pear and Walnut Cupcakes should keep the intended servings texture when cooked and plated carefully.

Dining With Non-GF Family Note

Prepare and serve on a dedicated gluten-free surface first, then keep any shared side dishes separate with dedicated serving utensils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Pear and Walnut Cupcakes ahead?: Yes. Prepare components early, then store and reheat according to the storage guidance so the texture stays close to fresh.
How do I keep this recipe gluten-free?: Use certified gluten-free packaged ingredients and avoid shared utensils, boards, pans, or toppings that touched gluten-containing foods.
Can I adjust the main ingredients?: Yes. Swap ingredients with similar moisture, protein, or cooking behavior to keep timing and texture close to the original.
How do I serve it with mixed-diet family?: Serve the gluten-free recipe first and keep any gluten-containing toppings and sides separate.

Ingredient Replacements

½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Use a certified gluten-free equivalent and choose a similar ingredient with matching moisture, texture, or cooking time. Check labels for shared-facility warnings when cooking for celiac disease or multiple allergies.

Storage and Reheating

Cool completely before covering. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, or freeze for later use. Reheat slowly to keep texture closer to fresh.

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Gluten-Free Holiday Spiced Pear and Walnut Cupcakes

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions