If you’re looking to cozy up your baking repertoire, let me introduce you to the delightful Pear Bread: A Moist and Comforting Twist on Classic Quick Bread Recipe. This bread captures the perfect balance of tender crumb and fragrant spices, highlighted by the juicy sweetness of fresh grated pears that keep every slice unbelievably moist. It’s a quick bread that feels like a warm hug in loaf form, ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a simple snack. Every bite offers familiar comfort with a unique fruity surprise that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together seamlessly to create something truly special. Each element plays a key role, from the blend of sugars adding depth of sweetness to the warming spices that bring the bread’s cozy character to life.
- Granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb with a light texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like flavor and extra moisture to the bread.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread moist and ensures a soft texture throughout.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind all ingredients together for a perfect rise.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding warm, aromatic notes.
- Peeled and grated ripe pears: The star ingredient, infusing natural juiciness and fruity sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the body and base of the bread to hold everything together.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work in tandem to give the bread a nice lift and a tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: Bring the spicy warmth that makes this bread feel like autumn in every bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors overall.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: Add a pleasing crunch and nutty depth.
- Raisins or dried cranberries: Give bursts of sweetness and texture contrast.
- Coarse sugar for topping: Provides a lovely sparkle and a delicate crunch on the crust.
How to Make Pear Bread: A Moist and Comforting Twist on Classic Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well or line it with parchment paper—this ensures your precious bread will come out without sticking and keep its perfect shape. A well-prepared pan is the foundation for a flawless quick bread.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Oil
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step creates a luscious base that’ll keep your bread tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition so everything blends harmoniously. Then stir in the vanilla extract, the little magical touch that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Fold in the Grated Pears
Now, gently fold in the grated pears. If your pears are particularly juicy, lightly drain the excess liquid—but avoid squeezing them dry. Those natural juices make the bread moist and deliciously soft, so they’re worth preserving.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This mix is your spice and leavening magic, essential for both the flavor and the rise.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gently fold the dry ingredients into your pear mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overworking the batter can make the bread dense, so fold it just until you see no more streaks of flour. At this stage, stir in the chopped nuts and dried fruit if you’re using them, for texture and a hint of extra sweetness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the surface with coarse sugar for a subtle, crunchy crust. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready. Let it cool first in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the flavors settle and the texture become just right.
How to Serve Pear Bread: A Moist and Comforting Twist on Classic Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Serve slices with a pat of butter melting slowly on top, or a light spread of cream cheese for a tangy complement. A dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey also enhances the warm, inviting spices nestled inside the bread.
Side Dishes
Pear bread pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced chai, coffee, or cinnamon tea. For brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the richness and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning slices into mini sandwiches by spreading some nut butter or ricotta between two pieces. For an elegant twist, toast slices lightly, top with mascarpone and sliced fresh pears or figs, and sprinkle with toasted nuts—instantly turning everyday quick bread into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your pear bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The moisture from the pears helps maintain its softness, so there’s no need to refrigerate unless you want it to last longer.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place slices in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back the softness and enhances the aromatic spices, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pear for this bread?
Absolutely! Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou pears all work well. Just choose ripe pears for the best sweetness and moisture content, ensuring your bread stays tender.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
Melted butter is a great alternative to vegetable oil and adds a richer flavor. You can use it in equal amounts for delicious results.
Is it necessary to peel the pears?
Peeling is recommended to avoid any tough texture from the skin in the bread. It also helps the batter maintain a smooth consistency and pleasant crumb.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy this bread without gluten. Just make sure the blend you use contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure.
How can I make the bread less sweet?
Reduce the sugars slightly, but keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to moisture and tenderness, so adjust gradually to maintain balance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a new favorite to your baking rotation, the Pear Bread: A Moist and Comforting Twist on Classic Quick Bread Recipe is a must-try. Its combination of fruit, spice, and texture offers a little something extra that feels special without any fuss. This bread is like a warm, welcoming friend you’ll want to share again and again, so don’t hesitate—grab those pears and start baking!
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Pear Bread: A Moist and Comforting Twist on Classic Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices (9×5 inch loaf)
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pear Bread recipe offers a moist, aromatic twist on classic quick bread, featuring ripe grated pears, warm spices, and optional nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Perfectly tender and comforting, it’s an ideal treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and grated ripe pears (about 2 medium-large pears)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bread.
- Mix Sugars and Oil: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar and oil mixture, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to incorporate flavor.
- Fold in Grated Pears: Gently fold the peeled and grated pears into the wet ingredients. If the pears are very juicy, lightly drain the excess liquid but do not squeeze them dry to maintain moisture.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt for a well-distributed spice mix.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter which can make the bread tough.
- Add Nuts and Dried Fruit: Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins or dried cranberries evenly through the batter if using, adding texture and flavor variety.
- Bake the Bread: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired for a crunchy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and ideal texture.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears for best texture—Bartlett or Anjou varieties work well.
- If pears are very juicy, lightly draining prevents bread from becoming too wet.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Add coarse sugar topping for a crunchy crust or skip it for a softer top.
- Store bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Slice the bread once fully cooled to avoid crumbling.
