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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Holiday & Seasonal

Gluten-Free Pear and Ginger Scones with Cardamom Glaze

Name: Gluten-Free Pear and Ginger Scones with Cardamom Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum included); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (or dairy-free butter substitute), cut into small pieces; 1 cup fresh pear, peeled and diced (about 1 medium pear); 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, chopped small; 3/4 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice), cold; 1 large egg; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 2 tbsp milk or dairy-free milk; 1/4 tsp ground cardamom; 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished Apr 25, 2026 · Updated Jul 7, 2026

American-inspired 35 mins glutenfreevegetarianbakingholidayclassicseasonaldessertfamilyfriendlyeasyfreezablesnackbreakfastholidayquickrecipes

Tender, moist gluten-free scones bursting with fresh pear and spicy ginger flavor, topped with a fragrant cardamom glaze. This holiday & seasonal dessert is easy, family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect as a quick breakfast, snack, or festive treat.

Gluten-Free Pear and Ginger Scones with Cardamom Glaze

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Total 35 min

Servings 8

Difficulty easy

Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients

Servings 8

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum included)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (or dairy-free butter substitute), cut into small pieces
1 cup fresh pear, peeled and diced (about 1 medium pear)
1/2 cup crystallized ginger, chopped small
3/4 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice), cold
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp milk or dairy-free milk
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Pear and Ginger Scones with Cardamom Glaze ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, quickly cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits of butter remaining.
Gently fold the diced fresh pear and chopped crystallized ginger into the flour and butter mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together without excessive wetness. Avoid overmixing.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (using gluten-free flour) and pat it into a roughly 8-inch circle about 1-inch thick.
Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
Carefully transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the scones bake, prepare the cardamom glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding a few drops more milk if needed.
Remove the scones from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle the cardamom glaze generously over the scones.
Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
To freeze: let scones cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in a 350 degrees F oven for 10-12 minutes directly from frozen.

FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Pear and Ginger Scones with Cardamom Glaze 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 Pear and Ginger Scones with Cardamom Glaze for someone with celiac disease.

Texture Expectations

Gluten-Free Pear and Ginger Scones with Cardamom Glaze 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 Pear and Ginger Scones with Cardamom Glaze 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

+ 1 tbsp lemon juice): 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.
main vegetable: 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.
protein: 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.
seasoning: 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.
cooking fat: 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.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Gluten-Free Pear and Ginger Scones with Cardamom Glaze

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions