Fresh Pear Bread Recipe

Introduction

Fresh Pear Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Combining the natural sweetness of pears with warm spices, this bread offers a comforting taste that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 4 eggs
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) pear halves, chopped; or 2 cups fresh pears, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.5-inch loaf pans to prepare for baking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, baking soda, and ground nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, and vanilla until well blended.
4. Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. The batter will thicken and lighten in color.
5. Step 5: Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is moistened. Then gently fold in the chopped pears.
6. Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Remove the bread from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then turn out the loaves onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Wrap each loaf in foil and let stand overnight in a cool, dry place for the best flavor and texture before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, try mixing in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Replacing half the vegetable oil with applesauce can create a lighter, slightly healthier bread.
• If using fresh pears, choose firm but ripe varieties for the best flavor and moisture.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warmer spice profile.

Storage

Store the wrapped bread at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slices in a toaster or oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pears work wonderfully. Just peel, core, and chop about 2 cups of firm, ripe pears to replace the canned pears.

Why should I let the bread stand overnight before serving?

Allowing the bread to rest overnight lets the flavors meld and the moisture distribute evenly, resulting in a more tender and flavorful loaf.

Fresh Pear Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

Fresh Pear Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread made with ripe pears, warm spices like ginger and nutmeg, and a tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a delightful snack, this bread combines the natural sweetness of pears with a rich blend of vegetable oil and butter for a soft, tender loaf that stays fresh when wrapped and rested overnight.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus overnight resting
• Yield: 2 loaves (8.5 x 4.5 inch) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs

Fruit

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) pear halves, chopped; or 2 cups fresh pears, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two loaf pans measuring approximately 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches to prevent the bread from sticking during baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, baking soda, and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside to keep it well combined and aerated.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the batter becomes light in color and starts to thicken.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the flour is moistened. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Add Pears: Carefully fold in the chopped pears, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill Loaf Pans and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
7. Cool the Bread: Remove the pans from the oven and let the loaves cool for 10 minutes. Then, turn the loaves out onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
8. Rest Before Serving: Wrap each cooled loaf tightly in foil and let them stand overnight in a cool, dry place. This resting period allows flavors to meld and the texture to improve before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Using canned pears simplifies preparation but fresh pears offer a more vibrant flavor—just ensure they are ripe and peeled.
• Sifting the flour and spices helps create a lighter, fluffier texture.
• Resting the bread overnight enhances the flavor and moistness.
• Store wrapped bread in an airtight container or foil at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
• You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch if desired.

Keywords: pear bread, quick bread, spiced bread, moist bread, fruit bread, ginger bread, nutmeg, homemade bread