Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread: Your New Holiday Favorite

Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread
Picture this: a chilly morning, a warm kitchen, and the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread. This isn’t just any quick bread; it’s a cozy embrace, a slice of pure holiday magic that instantly brings warmth and cheer to any gathering, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg dancing with sweet pears and crunchy walnuts filling every nook and cranny of your home. I still vividly remember the very first time this accidental masterpiece emerged from my oven, born from an unexpected abundance of late-season pears and a desperate craving for something comforting yet sophisticated, instantly transforming an ordinary day into something truly special, like Christmas morning itself.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This recipe quickly became a treasured family secret, a beautiful blend of humble ingredients transforming into a truly unique holiday flavor profile that begs you to snuggle up with a hot cup of tea and savor every single bite. If you, like me, adore the simplicity and joy of baking quick breads, you’ll also fall head over heels for our irresistible Pumpkin Pecan Streusel Bread – another seasonal favorite perfect for those crisp autumn days. For even more inspiration and delightful takes on this seasonal treat, you might enjoy this wonderful spiced pear and walnut bread recipe from our friends at Taste Charm.
Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread: Your New Holiday Favorite
Course: BreadsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalThis Spiced Pear and Walnut Bread is a deliciously moist quick bread, packed with tender pears, crunchy walnuts, and warm holiday spices. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a festive snack.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra spice)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1/2 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and diced firm ripe pears (about 2 medium pears)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and optional cloves until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
- Gently fold in the diced pears and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts on top if desired.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. Slice and serve when cool.
Notes
- Pear Perfection: For the best texture, use firm-ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou. They hold their shape beautifully during baking and won’t make your bread soggy. Avoid overly soft or watery varieties.
- Spice It Up: Don’t be shy with the spices! Adding a touch of cardamom or a pinch of white pepper can elevate the ‘spiced’ profile and give it a truly unique holiday flavor. Adjust to your family’s preference!
- Moisture Magic: Buttermilk is key for a tender crumb. If you don’t have any, simply add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the wet ingredients. It works wonders!
