I realize pears are not still in season but I also realize the convenience of frozen pears. Pears that I stored up in my freezer during the summer because I am that good- I think ahead! No, actually I am not that good- I just forgot to use them before we left out of town for a few days so I just cut them and popped them in a freezer bag. Hey- good things do happen when you are running around crazy because if it wasn’t for that out of town trip and last minute save on the pears I would not be giving you the most spectacular cupcakes known to man- my Pear and Banana Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting!
Typically one doesn’t see pears and bananas together but I promise this is a winner. I saw a similar recipe in a Southern Living magazine this summer for spiced peach carrot bread but with no peaches or carrots on hand I improvised and used my pears instead! Are you intrigued yet? You should be because this cupcake has such an amazing tantalizing flavor to it. The spices of nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice pair so well with the sweetness of the pears and bananas. It is a refreshing change from the traditional cupcake and the caramel frosting adds a nice nutty flavor. The cupcake is sweet but not overly sweet and perfect for a quick breakfast (hey this mom needs a cupcake sometimes in the morning) or treat. No need to separate ingredients- just throw it all into one big bowl and with some man power stir until just combined.
- 2 ripened pears, mashed
- 2 ripened bananas, mashed
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 3 eggs
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Frosting: (from my kitchenaddiction.com)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons, ½ stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup half and half (or cream)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup shortening (or softened butter)
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- Combine the dry ingredients together and set aside. Mix together the remaining ingredients in a large bowl leaving the bananas, pears for last. Stir in the dry ingredients and pour your mixture into individual greased muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until nice and golden brown. Top with Caramel Frosting
- For the Frosting:
- To prepare the caramel, combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring with a wooden spoon as the sugar melts. Stop stirring when the sugar starts to boil. Let the sugar boil until it is amber colored (but not too dark!). Remove the saucepan from the heat, and add the butter and the half and half. The caramel will foam up and steam, but that’s OK (just keep your face and hands clear and be careful!). Add the sea salt, and whisk vigorously until the caramel comes together. Cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the caramel to a large mixing bowl. Add the shortening (or softened butter), and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on medium speed, until the icing reaches a spreadable consistency.
Yum!!! So what if you froze the pears? lol…I don’t think there are any fruit police here, so I say go for it sister, you ARE that good!
Hehehe….I felt guilty buying frozen blueberries yesterday…good goddd…..the fresh ones were like $8.00….yikes!!!
Love salted caramel ANYTHING…adding these to my “please don’t burn the crap out of it” recipe stack:)
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Oh yes please!! these will be a HUGE hit!
Mary x
Pears + Bananas + Salted Caramel = WINNER! I’m picking up pears today because I can’t wait to make these!
wow- salted caramel icing on cupcakes- im in! also…im the weird girl that says caramel like “carmel”…can i still have one of these?
Interesting combo! I kind of want to make a pear banana baby food for Kay now! How are you doing? How is life with the two kiddos? I’d love to hear more about it!
I never knew you could freeze pears. Duh! My kids each eat a pear and banana daily so these would be the perfect sweet treat. Oh wow yum!
Thanks for the tip on freezing pears! We have a pear tree and I don’t use the fruit is provides nearly enough.
I love this combination of flavors. But then I’m a sucker for anything with salted caramel!
What a genius idea and recipe! YOu go GIRL! Have a great day! 🙂 Anna
I especially can’t to try out that frosting!
Something sweet, yummy! The pictures are wonderful and makes my mouth water then when I see what all the recipe holds I am really wanting to take a bite of these.
You always have something delicious and interesting on this blog.. and I love visiting. And this pear and banana cupcake recipe with caramel frosting looks out of this world.
These sound great! I’ve never thought to freeze pears.
I have never seen pear & banana cupcakes, but wow! I cannot wait to try these! I have been jonesing for some banana cupcakes or muffins, and why not just add some pear? Not to mention salted caramel frosting…mmmm…
I have never tried pears and banana together but these cup cakes sound like a refreshing change from regular
ok i’m not a fan of pear or bananas but this recipe looks so delicious i will have to make it and eat the whole pan for myself and leave none for the hubby, hehe!
Love the idea of these three flavors in a cupcake and I don’t even care for bananas 😉
I love recipes where you just throw all the ingredients into one big bowl. Easy peasy works for me!
I may have to try that carmel frosting on my chocolate cupcakes as it sounds delish!
You had me at the words “pear” and “caramel”! This sounds like a delicious combo with the banana. Great idea!
Ohhhh my gosh. My sweet tooth is in full force. These cupcakes look incredible!! I’m liking the pear/banana combo.
two of my all time fav fruit makes this cupcake recipe go to my wish list directly. 🙂
I am partial to the Pear and Caramel combo–cannot be beat!! You have some awesome cupcakes..looks like they came out of a gourmet magazine.
Oh, gosh, that icing must be addicting…I’m not sure I’d have enough left for my cupcakes after a few samples 🙂 These sound fabulous!!!
Both banana and pear are in season here, great idea snack for kids after school! 🙂
Very unique, I have never heard or nor tried pear and banana combination. They are from different climates. Very curious
Pears and bananas together sound intriguing, I love salted caramel. The cupcakes look super delicious!
Oh, my talented, talented, child! I miss you (and your cooking. *grin*)
These look so delicious and adorable!
Haven’t tried banana and pear combo, but those cupcakes sure look good…and my, the salted caramel frosting sounds heaven!
Why oh why don’t I have any pears on hand! BRILLIANT recipe – can’t wait to give it a try and talk about a decadent frosting!
🙂 Mandy
Oh what a wonderful combination! I think I had never had a cupcake that has pear in it. I love the salted caramel here… looks so delicious!
I AM intrigued, salted caramel, pear and banana sound delicious, and such a nice tip of the hat to spring (hopefully just around the corner).
Pear and bananas together, oh I am intrigued.
Why hello there, gorgeous. Salted caramel frosting – come to momma.
You had me with the frosting- time to go find some pears!
Combining pears and bananas sound like a great idea! I am also intrigued by the salted caramel frosting. I will have to give it a try.
These cupcakes look gorgeous! Now I’m craving a baked goodies with banana flavor!
I want some, I need some. I have to have these.
oh wow….what a combination!!! And I will take your word for it, they must be delicious!! I’ve never thought to freeze pears!!! Not once!! But now, I certainly will!!
how’s life going as a new mom of 2?? i hope you’re doing well :). xoxo
Salted carmel frosting? I am sold!
I freeze pear too, when I find a good sale I just can’t pass it. I then add some to smoothies.
Your cupcakes look great! Love that salted caramel frosting!
There I was, with some extra pears on hand and I find this recipe! The frosting is to die for. I bet if someone was really desperate, they could remove all the pears from a can of fruit cocktail. Thanks for sharing and come visit when you can.
Drool. These look amazing.
You’re killing me! These look fantastic and that salted caramel frosting…I’d have to make an extra batch to just eat. 😉
I’ve never baked with pears. I’ll have to give it a try. That frosting sounds especially fabulous!
How unique! And that frosting looks like it is to die for!
Salted caramel frosting?! I’m in! 🙂
Wonderful flavor combo! Love the idea of a salted caramel frosting 🙂
I have quite a few pear trees in our orchard but have never thought about freezing the pears. Your recipe sounds terrific and I can’t wait to make the cupcakes.
it’s morning here now..pass one of your cupcakes here pls! even it’s frosted..that salted caramel is something to die for!!
I have never, ever baked pears into anything! Sounds interesting… and that frosting… yummmmmmmmm! Thanks for sharing 🙂
During a midnight feeding last night I was searching for salted caramel frosting recipes, and now I found the perfect one. I’m pairing it with some chocolate cupcakes, I can’t wait.
Oh these look like they would just melt in your mouth! What a great flavor combination!
Mmm, I’m just catching up on reading everyone’s blog posts. Just getting over a cold. This looks so delicious and pear and banana’s yum, I bet it’s so moist!
Oh my god, I LOVE salted caramel frosting. Seriously SO delicious and addicting. I need to make these ASAP!
what an interesting combination.
I have ripe pears and bananas sitting on my counter. I think these are going to happen!
Ohme Ohmy! How did I miss this post? Pears….Bananas…CUPCAKES?!?!?! It’s like heaven all up in here!! Your my new BFF!!!! =)
I am obsessed with salted caramel!! pear and banana is such an intriguing combo! I need to try these 🙂