Print

Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe

Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe

5.1 from 6 reviews

This Pear and Walnut Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread filled with sweet diced pears and crunchy walnuts, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a cozy teatime treat, it offers a delightful balance of texture and taste with optional dried fruit additions for extra richness.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ripe pears, peeled and diced (about 2 medium pears)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Add-ins:

  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ripe pears, vegetable oil (or melted butter), brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a smooth, cohesive mixture.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. This step ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and rise.
  4. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently and just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and fluffy rather than dense.
  5. Add the Nuts and Dried Fruit: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and the optional raisins or dried cranberries. This adds texture and bursts of flavor throughout the bread.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the bread is fully cooked.
  7. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents sogginess and allows the flavors to set.
  8. Serve: Slice and serve the Pear and Walnut Bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a bit of butter spread on top for extra richness.

Notes

  • Be sure to use ripe pears for the best flavor and moisture.
  • If oats or flaxseeds are desired, they can be added for extra texture.
  • Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and add extra dried fruit or seeds.
  • Optional spices like ground ginger or allspice can be added to customize the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pear bread, walnut bread, quick bread, easy bread recipe, fall baking, fruit bread, moist bread, spiced bread