Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this irresistible pear bread recipe! This homemade delight is perfect for a cozy afternoon, a weekend brunch, or even a thoughtful gift for a friend. Forget store-bought baked goods; this recipe will quickly become a staple in your healthy meal repertoire. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced ripe pears (about 2 medium pears)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your pear bread releases easily from the pan.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This combines all the dry ingredients and helps them blend evenly throughout the batter.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can result in a tough loaf.
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Add Pears & Nuts: Gently fold in the diced pears and nuts (if using). This ensures the pears are evenly distributed throughout the bread, resulting in a delicious, moist texture.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the bread is fully cooked and no longer gooey in the middle.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the pear bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from sticking to the pan. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pear Bread:
- Use ripe pears: Ripe pears will give you the best flavor and moisture. Slightly overripe pears work even better!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the bread is fully baked. It's done when it comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Spiced Pear Bread: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
- Cranberry Pear Bread: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart and festive twist.
- Citrus Pear Bread: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a brighter flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator online, inputting the specific ingredients and portion size. Generally, pear bread provides a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, with moderate amounts of fat and sugar.
This easy pear bread recipe is a wonderful addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. It's a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can result in extraordinary flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy!