MINI PEAR-NUT CAKES (OR MUFFINS, IF YOU PREFER)

This is my original recipe. These are so good I get requests for them all the time. Many of those requests are from people who are not diabetic. 

4 cups diced pears

3/4 cup Splenda granulated
Combine together and let stand for about 10 to 20 minutes.

1 cup Splenda granulated
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
3 cups white whole-wheat flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 heaping tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl combine the Splenda, canola oil, applesauce, and eggs, cream together well.  Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; add 1 cup at a time to the creamed mixture alternately with the pears.  Beat well after each addition.  Mix in the vanilla then stir in the nuts.

Spray 24 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray.  Divide the batter between the cups.  Bake at 350 degrees until the cakes are done and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  (I have never watched the time, but I think it takes around 20 to 25 minutes.)

*You could also substitute 1/4 cup ground flaxseed for half the canola oil.

Note: Apples are a good substitute if you don't have pears.

This is an old photo. Samantha is now 18 and getting ready for college.