Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread – There’s an undeniable magic that sweeps through the kitchen as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, isn’t there? For me, that magic often begins with the sweet, comforting embrace of pears and warm spices, slowly mingling and filling the house with their irresistible aroma from the oven.
This isn’t just any recipe; it’s my personal take on a beloved fall classic, a true hug in every single slice. This particular Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread transports me straight back to those crisp autumn mornings and festive holiday brunches, surrounded by the laughter of loved ones and the warmth of a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
What emerges from the oven is nothing short of perfection: a golden-brown loaf, generously studded with tender, juicy pears and satisfyingly crunchy walnuts, each bite bursting with those wonderful festive flavors. It’s the kind of bread that demands to be shared, yet also secretly tempts you to hoard a slice (or two!) for yourself – and if you’re looking for another comforting bake, our Pumpkin Pecan Streusel Bread recipe offers similar seasonal bliss. Ready to infuse your home with this incredible joy?
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread
This Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread truly shines because it’s the perfect balance of unique and comforting. It’s wonderfully moist, thanks to those juicy pears, and has a delightful crunch from the walnuts. The unique blend of spices isn’t overwhelming but instead creates a warm, inviting aroma and flavor that feels incredibly festive without being overly sweet. It’s simple enough for a weekend bake but elegant enough for holiday entertaining, making it a versatile favorite in my kitchen. Plus, it fills your home with the most incredible scent!
The Secret to Great Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread
The real secret to this phenomenal bread lies in a couple of things: first, using ripe but firm pears, not mushy ones, and gently folding them into the batter to prevent bruising. The second is toasting your walnuts lightly before adding them. This small extra step brings out their nutty flavor, giving them a more profound taste and a crisper texture that beautifully complements the soft pears and tender bread. It’s a little family secret that elevates this loaf from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Pro Tips to Nail It Every Time
To ensure your spiced pear bread is always a triumph, make sure all your wet ingredients are at room temperature – this helps everything combine smoothly and results in a more uniform texture. Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the bread tender and moist. If you’re using very juicy pears, you might want to lightly dust them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter; this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom and ensures even distribution throughout the loaf. Always let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for the cleanest cuts and best texture.
Fun Variations to Try
While this Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread is perfect as is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for creative twists! You could try adding a handful of dried cranberries for an extra burst of tartness and festive color. A drizzle of a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a tiny bit of milk) would add a bright, zesty contrast. For an even more decadent treat, fold in a quarter cup of white chocolate chips with the pears and walnuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different nuts like pecans or even a mix of nuts for a varied texture profile.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread always brings such a wave of warmth and happiness into our home. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moments, and share something truly special with those you love. Whether it’s enjoyed with a morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as part of a festive spread, this bread always sparks joy. I hope it brings as much coziness and deliciousness to your kitchen as it does to mine. Happy baking, my friends!
Cozy Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread: A Holiday Delight
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalA wonderfully moist and fragrant quick bread, featuring tender spiced pears and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
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
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1/2 tbsp lemon juice)
2 medium-sized ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1.5 cups)
1 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced pears and toasted walnuts with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Toasting Walnuts for Flavor: Don’t skip toasting your walnuts! A quick 5-7 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat (or on a baking sheet at 350°F) brings out their deep, nutty flavor, making a huge difference in the final taste and texture of your Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread.
- Perfect Pears: For the best texture, choose pears that are ripe enough to be fragrant but still firm to the touch. This ensures they soften beautifully during baking without turning mushy. A dusting of flour on the diced pears before adding them to the batter can also help prevent them from sinking.
- Moistness Secret: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t fret! You can easily make your own by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a 1/2 cup measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and voilà – homemade buttermilk for a super moist Spiced Pear And Walnut Bread!
