Spiced Pear Bread is a wonderfully moist and flavorful quick bread that captures the essence of fall with its blend of warm spices and juicy, ripe pears. The sweet pears add a delicate fruitiness and natural sweetness to the bread, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide a cozy warmth that makes each bite irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this bread pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a simple yet comforting treat that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and grated or finely chopped ripe pears (about 2 medium pears)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add the Pears and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the grated or chopped pears and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve your Spiced Pear Bread warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your Spiced Pear Bread, a comforting and delicious treat that brings the flavors of fall to your table!
