Can I make Festive Spiced Pear and Amaranth Mini Muffins ahead?

Yes. Prepare the recipe ahead, cool it completely, and store portions airtight so they are ready for quick toddler snacks or meals.

How do I keep the texture toddler-friendly?

Keep pieces or spoonfuls small, avoid overcooking, and serve with a soft side if the texture feels dry or sticky for your child's chewing stage.

Can ingredients be swapped for allergies?

Yes. Use safe substitutes for your child's needs and check labels for common cross-contact risks before serving.

What should I serve with it?

Pair it with a protein, soft fruit, or cooked vegetable to make the snack or meal more balanced for little appetites.

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Quick & Easy

Festive Spiced Pear and Amaranth Mini Muffins

Name: Festive Spiced Pear and Amaranth Mini Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 pear (ripe, medium-size); 1/2 cup amaranth grain (cooked); 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; a pinch ground cloves; 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1/3 cup unsweetened plant-based milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

By TinyTummyTreats Test KitchenReviewed by TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 16, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

International 35 mins nutritiouseasy-to-makevegetarian toddler mealsdairy-free optionsnut-free recipeswhole-grainsfruit-basedsoft-textureallergy-friendlyquick-prepfinger-food-friendlybalanced-nutritionsuitable-for-12-monthsbudget-friendlyquick & easymake-aheadlunchbox-friendlyfestiveseasonalhealthy snackstoddler breakfastfinger foods

Enjoy these soft-textured Festive Spiced Pear and Amaranth Mini Muffins, a nutritious, finger-food-friendly snack packed with protein-rich whole grain amaranth and naturally sweetened with ripe pears. Dairy-free, nut-free, and quick to prepare, these muffins are perfect for toddlers aged 12 months and up. Ideal for festive occasions, toddler breakfasts, healthy snacks, and lunchbox ideas, they offer balanced nutrition that picky-eaters love.

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Total 35 min

Servings 12

Difficulty easy

Cuisine International

Ingredients

Servings 12

1 pear (ripe, medium-size)
1/2 cup amaranth grain (cooked)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
a pinch ground cloves
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/3 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Festive Spiced Pear Amaranth Mini Muffins ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line it with mini muffin liners.
In a small bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined.
In a separate large bowl, mix the cooked and cooled amaranth grain, chopped pear, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (if using), melted coconut oil, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture ideal for toddlers.
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. These make-ahead mini muffins are perfect for quick toddler snacks and lunchbox options.

Festive Spiced Pear Amaranth Mini Muffins process image for TinyTummyTreats

Tips

Allergy Safety for Little Tummies

Allergy Considerations: This recipe contains whole wheat flour (gluten) and uses coconut oil , which may not suit toddlers with those specific allergies. Always verify individual allergy profiles before introducing new foods. Safe Ingredient Swaps: Whole Wheat Flour: Swap with a gluten-free flour blend (1:1) to make the muffins gluten-free and allergy-friendly.

Texture and Mouthfeel for Toddlers

These Festive Spiced Pear and Amaranth Mini Muffins are specially crafted for toddlers aged 12 months and older . Their soft texture and small, finger-food-friendly size make them ideal for little hands and developing chewing skills. For toddlers 12 to 18 months , cut muffins into smaller pieces as needed to reduce choking hazards.

Feeding, Portioning, and Sharing Notes

Safe Serving Sizes and Choking Precautions For toddlers aged 12 months and older, serving one mini muffin is a suitable portion size for a snack or part of a balanced meal. These bite-sized, soft-textured muffins are designed for easy self-feeding and fine motor development. When serving as part of a meal or snack, pair 1–2 muffins with soft fruit, vegetables, or protein to meet balanced nutrition needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Festive Spiced Pear and Amaranth Mini Muffins ahead?: Yes. Prepare the recipe ahead, cool it completely, and store portions airtight so they are ready for quick toddler snacks or meals.
How do I keep the texture toddler-friendly?: Keep pieces or spoonfuls small, avoid overcooking, and serve with a soft side if the texture feels dry or sticky for your child's chewing stage.
Can ingredients be swapped for allergies?: Yes. Use safe substitutes for your child's needs and check labels for common cross-contact risks before serving.
What should I serve with it?: Pair it with a protein, soft fruit, or cooked vegetable to make the snack or meal more balanced for little appetites.

Ingredient Replacements

pear (ripe: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
cup amaranth grain (cooked): Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
cup whole wheat flour: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
teaspoon baking powder: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
teaspoon ground cinnamon: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.

Storage

Cool Festive Spiced Pear and Amaranth Mini Muffins completely, then store portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze extras when practical, thaw before serving, and reheat gently only when a warmer, softer bite is helpful.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Festive Spiced Pear and Amaranth Mini Muffins

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