Oh, honey, let me tell you about my Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in the form of a loaf! I can almost smell it now… the warm, sweet aroma of pears mingling with the nutty scent of walnuts, all baking together in perfect harmony. This Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe has been a staple in our home for years, a go-to for everything from breakfast on a chilly morning to a comforting dessert after a long day.
I remember the first time I made this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe. It was a complete disaster! I forgot the baking powder, and it came out flatter than a pancake. But, you know, even that first, sad little loaf had the potential of this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe.
Life gets crazy, doesn’t it? Between school runs, soccer practice, and trying to keep the house from looking like a tornado hit it, finding time to bake can feel impossible. But this easy pear bread recipe? It’s my sanity saver. It’s quick enough to whip up on a whim and comforting enough to make everything feel just a little bit better.
So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s bake a loaf of love together. Trust me; this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe is one you’ll be making for years to come!
Ingredients for Your Pear Walnut Loaf
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat. Don’t be intimidated; most of these are pantry staples!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (I always use canola oil for my Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe; it has a neutral flavor.)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced pears (About 2-3 medium pears. Bosc or Anjou work great in this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe!)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (I sometimes buy pre-chopped to save time, but watch the prices! Buying whole walnuts and chopping them yourself is usually cheaper.)
You know, finding good, ripe pears can be tricky. I always give them a gentle squeeze near the stem. If they give just a little, they’re perfect for this pear walnut loaf. Also, don’t be afraid to substitute! I’ve used applesauce instead of oil in this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe before, and it turned out great. The kids didn’t even notice! This Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe is pretty flexible.
How to Make Pear and Walnut Bread – Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to create your own Pear and Walnut Bread masterpiece!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Trust me, greasing and flouring is KEY. I once skipped the flouring step and ended up with half the loaf stuck to the pan. Not fun! And while you are at it, check out this sourdough sandwich bread recipe, it’s also pretty easy and you will have delicious sandwiches all week!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is where all the magic starts to happen. Make sure everything is well combined so you don’t get a bite of pure baking soda! We don’t want this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe to be a science experiment gone wrong!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. I always use room-temperature eggs for this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe. I swear it makes a difference in the texture. Plus, it helps everything mix together more evenly.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf. Gently fold everything together until there are no more streaks of flour. This Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe should be a labor of love, not a workout!
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Fold in the diced pears and chopped walnuts. This is where the Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe really comes to life! Make sure the pears and walnuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Don’t skimp on the walnuts; they add such a lovely crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Pour and Prepare
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. A little tip: I sometimes sprinkle a few extra walnuts on top for a pretty presentation. It’s the little things that make this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe extra special.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil. You want a perfectly golden Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe, not a burnt offering! And while you wait, you can always read some additional information about Walnut Nutrition Information.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue, my friend. Letting the bread cool slightly in the pan helps it release more easily. Plus, it gives you a chance to admire your handiwork before devouring it! This step is essential to get the perfect Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe.
Serving & Enjoying Your Moist Pear Bread
This Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe is delicious served warm or at room temperature. My son loves it slathered with cream cheese, while my daughter prefers a simple pat of butter. As for me? I love a slice with a cup of hot coffee. It’s the perfect way to start the day or unwind after a long one. It is the perfect moist pear bread.
I often make this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe for potlucks or bake sales. It’s always a hit! People are always asking me for the recipe. This pear walnut loaf is great to bring with you to any event! I usually wrap it in cellophane with a pretty ribbon; it makes a lovely gift.
Leftover Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe? What leftovers?! Just kidding. If you do happen to have any left, it’s delicious toasted or made into French toast. And, believe it or not, it freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. I love how versatile this pear and walnut loaf is. It really is a family favorite. If you love quick breads, you should also check out this cottage cheese bread recipe!
FAQs About This Easy Pear Bread Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this delightful recipe.
Can I use different types of pears for this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! I’ve used Bosc, Anjou, and even Bartlett pears in this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe. Just make sure they’re ripe but not too mushy. It is important to find a pear that fits your preferred sweetness.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Of course! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts would be delicious in this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. You can create the perfect pear walnut loaf.
Can I make this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe gluten-free?
I haven’t tried it myself, but I think it would work with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to add a little extra moisture, as gluten-free flours tend to be drier. When trying to make this easy pear bread recipe gluten-free, make sure to check for cross-contamination of ingredients!
My Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe is dry. What did I do wrong?
It could be a few things. Overbaking is a common culprit. Make sure you’re not baking it for too long. Also, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly. Spoon it into the measuring cup instead of scooping it, which can pack it down. Also, be sure you have enough wet ingredients in your easy pear bread recipe!
Can I add chocolate chips to this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe?
Oh, honey, you read my mind! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe. I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. This will make the ultimate pear walnut loaf.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that sugar adds more than just sweetness. It also contributes to the bread’s moisture and texture. I wouldn’t reduce it by more than 1/4 cup. Reducing the sugar can affect the quality of this pear walnut loaf!
Closing Thoughts on This Pear Walnut Loaf
This Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe isn’t just a recipe to me; it’s a memory. Every time I bake it, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, watching my mom whip up her own version of this comforting treat. I hope this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe becomes a cherished tradition in your family, too. The perfect moist pear bread just makes everything better!
Here are some of my personal tips for this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. A pinch of cardamom or ginger would add a lovely warmth to this bread.
- Toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter. This will bring out their flavor even more.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing. It’s tempting to dig in while it’s still warm, but it will slice much easier if you let it cool down.
As for variations, I’ve tried adding dried cranberries, chopped dates, and even a streusel topping to this Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe. My husband loves the cranberry version, while my kids are partial to the streusel. I found some pear nutrition information at this link.
Ultimately, the best Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe is the one you make your own. So go ahead, get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, have fun! Making this easy pear bread recipe is all about enjoying the process and creating something delicious to share with the people you love. So, go and create the perfect moist pear bread!
Pear and Walnut Bread Recipe
Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with this moist and delicious pear and walnut bread. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced ripe pears
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced pears and chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.