Conference Pear Crumble Cupcakes

** Flavourings gifted by Foodie Flavours **

For todays post I have been kindly gifted a bundle of natural flavourings from Foodie Flavours.

Foodie Flavours are a company here in the UK, making high quality natural food flavourings for using in your cooking, baking, desserts, drinks and so much more. They have a huge selection of flavours to choose from ranging from Vanilla & Raspberry to Pina Colada & Butter. There is sure to be a flavour for every occasion.

If you would like to place an order with Foodie Flavours, why not use my code at checkout for 15% off a £15 shop. Simply use CGKITCHEN15 (Valid till 17th June 2024).

Conference Pear Crumble Cupcakes

A decadent treat combines the sweet and juicy flavours of conference pears with a crunchy crumble topping, making for a truly irresistible dessert.

If you're a fan of cupcakes and looking to elevate your baking game, then this recipe for Conference Pear Crumble Cupcakes is a must-try. This decadent treat combines the sweet and juicy flavours of conference pears with a crunchy crumble topping, making for a truly irresistible dessert. Follow this step-by-step guide to create these delightful cupcakes that are sure to impress your friends and family.

Before embarking on your baking adventure to create these delightful Conference Pear Crumble Cupcakes, it's essential to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients to hand. Here's what you'll need to gather from your kitchen or local supermarket:

Ingredients

Cupcake Sponge 

• 170g Caster Sugar
• 170g Margarine or Butter
• 3/4 tsp Baking Powder
• 3 Large Eggs, at room temperature
• 6-8 drops of Foodie Flavours Conference Pear Flavour
• 170g Self Raising Flour, sifted

Crumble 

• 90g Plain Flour
• 50g Oats
• 75g Light Soft Brown Sugar
• 90g Unsalted Butter, slightly chilled

Or if like me and short on time, Pre made crumble mix from the shop works perfectly as well.

Buttercream 

• 140g Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
• 285g Icing Sugar, sifted
• 20-25 Drops Foodie Flavours Conference Pear Flavouring (adjust to taste)
• Milk, enough to make it into a soft pipeable cream

Collecting these ingredients is the first step in creating a batch of cupcakes that promises not only to satisfy your sweet tooth but also to offer a comforting embrace with each bite. Ensure you have each of these items ready before moving on to the next stage of your baking journey.

Method

1. To begin the cupcake batter, start by creaming together the butter and caster sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is pale and voluminous. This process is crucial as it introduces air into the batter, promising a light and fluffy texture in the final cupcakes. With the mixture well combined, crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method prevents the mixture from curdling, which could affect the texture of your cupcakes.

2. After the eggs are blended smoothly into the mix, stir through 6-8 drops of Conference Pear flavouring for that extra layer of flavour complexity. The aroma enhances the overall taste profile of your cupcakes.
3. The next step involves sifting in the self-raising flour. This should be added gradually and folded gently into the mixture. The act of sifting not only removes any lumps but also aerates the flour, contributing to the lightness of the cupcakes.

4. Once combined, the batter should have a thick, creamy consistency, infused with the scent of conference pear. It is now ready to be spooned into the cupcake cases, bringing you one step closer to enjoying these delightful treats.

If you're making the crumble topping...

1. For the quintessential crumble topping that adds texture and flavour to our Conference Pear Crumble Cupcakes, start by taking a clean bowl. Into this bowl, weigh out 50 grams of oats – these will give our crumble that delightful chew and nuttiness. Adding to this 50 grams of demerara sugar, which melts slightly as it bakes, offering a caramelised sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fruity cupcakes beneath.
2. The next step involves incorporating 50 grams of the reserved unsalted butter, which should be cold and cut into small cubes. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the mix. This technique is crucial for achieving the perfect crumble consistency – aim for a mixture that resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This texture is what will give our cupcakes their irresistible crunch, providing a delightful contrast to the tender crumble beneath.

3. As you work the butter into the dry ingredients, ensure that the mixture stays somewhat clumpy. These little clumps will crisp up beautifully as they bake, turning golden and deliciously crunchy. It's this crumble topping that transforms a simple pear cupcake into a decadent, multi-textured treat. Once your crumble topping is ready, it's time to assemble the cupcakes and prepare them for the oven, a step that brings us closer to unveiling the delicious harmony of flavours and textures that make these cupcakes so special.

5. Kick off the final assembly by preheating your oven to 160°C, a crucial step to ensure your cupcakes bake evenly and rise perfectly. Line a muffin tray with cupcake cases, ready for the batter. This preparatory step is essential for a smooth baking process.

6. Carefully spoon the batter into the cases, filling each one to about two-thirds full to allow room for the cupcakes to expand as they cook. This ensures that they will be perfectly sized and shaped once baked.
7. Place the muffin tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The exact timing can vary depending on your oven, so it’s wise to check the cupcakes at the 20-minute mark. They are done when they’ve turned a lovely golden colour and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean, free from any uncooked batter. While the cupcakes bake, it is wise to cook off the crumble topping at the same time. This will be ready once the mix is toasty and golden in colour.

8. Next we tackle the pear infused buttercream. With a handheld or stand mixer, beat the butter for 5 mins until pale and fluffy.
9. Add half the icing sugar with half the milk and beat until combined. Repeat for the rest of the icing sugar adding the conference pear flavouring to taste (I used around 20-25 drops) and remaining milk at the same time. You want the buttercream to be a pipeable consistency.

10. Beat the buttercream for a further 5 mins, then use a silicone spatula to fold and press out any air bubbles while mixing the base of the bowl which may have been missed.
11. Using a star nozzle pipe a generous amount of fragrance pear infused buttercream onto each of the sponge cupcake base.

12. The crumble topping, is then generously sprinkled over each cupcake. This layer not only adds texture but also a rich, caramelised flavour that complements the sponge. Make sure to distribute the crumble evenly across the cupcakes to achieve a uniform crunch in every bite.

And there you have it, my fragrant fruity Conference Pear Crumble Cupcakes. The fruitiness accentuates the softness of the sponge and the melt-in-your-mouth quality of the buttercream, while the crumble topping retains its satisfying crunch. A great alternative to the buttercream is a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm cupcake creates a sublime dessert experience, where the cool creaminess of the ice cream melds with the warm spices and sweet fruit, offering a delectable contrast in temperatures and textures. If this is more your pudding I recommend putting a few more drops of pear flavouring in the sponge so you get the same flavourful hit as you would with the buttercream.

These Conference Pear Crumble Cupcakes present themselves as an elegant choice for dessert or a refined accompaniment to an afternoon tea, promising to delight with their harmonious blend of flavours and textures. Whether enjoyed on their own or dressed up with cream or ice cream, they promise a treat that is both comforting and indulgent.

Conference Pear Flavouring

High strength Conference Pear Natural Flavouring – Elegantly light and fresh with juicy sweet pear notes. A hit with cafes and coffee shops, perfect for sponges and buttercream. Enjoy in your cakes, ice cream, marshmallows and more.

Buy Flavouring Here

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*

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