Perfect Pear Muffins

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2 . Stage

Sift flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt together in a large bowl. Add pears; stir to coat evenly.

3 . Stage

Combine buttermilk, egg yolks, oil, and vanilla extract in a bowl; mix well. Stir into the pear mixture until batter is just moistened.

4 . Stage

Beat egg whites in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until stiff but not dry. Fold egg whites into the batter until just barely incorporated. Fill muffin cups 2/3-full with batter.

5 . Stage

Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon together in a bowl; sprinkle over the batter.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until light golden brown and tops spring back when lightly pressed, 25 to 30 minutes.