Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite, look no further than this Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread. Imagine tender chunks of ripe pears mingling with warm spices and the sweet embrace of vanilla, all wrapped inside a moist, tender loaf. This bread isn’t just a snack—it’s an experience, evoking memories of home, comfort, and that irresistible scent that fills the kitchen as it bakes. Once you try this Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread, it will quickly become your go-to recipe for breakfast, tea time, or any moment that calls for a touch of homemade magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a loaf bursting with flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the natural sweetness of pears, the aromatic warmth from the spices, or the richness from vanilla and oil.

• 4 medium pears, peeled and finely chopped: Fresh, juicy fruit adds moisture and natural sweetness to the bread. About 2 cups needed.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives a fragrant depth that complements the pears perfectly.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without weighing it down.
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the pears with a nice, sweet touch.
• 2 eggs: Acts as a binding agent and enriches the texture of the bread.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the bread rises evenly and stays light.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps everything balanced.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds signature warmth, a hallmark of this spiced loaf.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Lends a cozy, slightly sweet earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice: Brings a subtle complexity to the spice profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves: Provides a hint of bold, aromatic bite without overpowering.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together; gluten-free 1-to-1 flour works beautifully too.

How to Make Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s heating up, grease a loaf pan thoughtfully—it’s the vessel that will shape your delicious creation. Next, peel and finely chop your pears so they’ll distribute evenly throughout the bread, infusing every slice with juicy, fruity bursts.

Step 2: Mix the Pears, Vanilla, Oil, Sugar, and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pears, vanilla, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs. Blend them together until the pears are nicely mashed. You want a mix that’s both fragrant and textured, with the vanilla lifting the pear sweetness and the oil keeping everything silky and moist.

Step 3: Add Your Spices, Baking Soda, and Salt

Now, toss in the baking soda, salt, and your perfectly measured spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Mix well to ensure every bite has that tantalizing hint of warmth and spice that defines this loaf. This step is where the bread starts coming to life.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

The final dry component is the flour. Gradually add the 2 cups of flour to your batter, folding it in until fully incorporated. Resist the urge to overmix here—you want the bread tender and airy, not dense or tough.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Pour your luscious batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top gently. Slip it into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it starting around 45 minutes—oven times can vary especially depending on your pears’ juiciness. Your goal is a knife that comes out clean when inserted into the center of the bread.

How to Serve Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread

Garnishes

Enhance every slice by topping with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a spread of whipped butter. A dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone teamed with a drizzle of honey adds a luxurious finish that’s irresistible at brunch or teatime. These simple touches bring out the cozy spice and soft pear sweetness even more.

Side Dishes

Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai latte, coffee, or herbal tea. For a wholesome breakfast, accompany slices with fresh fruit or a smooth yogurt parfait. At any time of day, it’s a perfect partner to both sweet and savory sides, making it versatile and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread into smaller cubes for fun French toast bites or warm it slightly and serve topped with a cinnamon-sugar glaze to turn it into a mini cake. You can also cut thick slices and toast them lightly for a crispy edge that contrasts the soft crumb inside. Presentation is your playground with this adaptable Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist. It will stay delicious at room temperature for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy over the next couple of mornings or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Slice the bread first and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze the whole loaf tightly wrapped. It will maintain its flavor and moisture well for up to three months, ready whenever you crave a comforting slice.

Reheating

To bring your Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread back to life, warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast them lightly. This reawakens the aromas and softens the bread, making it taste just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use ripe but slightly soft pears for this bread?

Absolutely! Using ripe, soft pears actually makes your bread more moist and flavorful. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend seamlessly into the batter without creating overly wet spots.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Swapping in a gluten-free 1-to-1 flour works wonderfully without sacrificing texture or taste. This makes the Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread accessible to those with gluten sensitivities while still delivering that classic homestyle comfort.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins are fantastic add-ins that bring additional texture and flavor. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your chosen add-in after mixing in the flour.

What’s the best way to tell when the bread is done baking?

The best test is inserting a clean knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Because pears release moisture, checking around the 45-minute mark ensures you don’t overbake.

Can I make the molasses crumble topping mentioned in the notes?

Yes, the molasses crumble makes a delightful topping that turns this bread into something closer to a cake, adding extra sweetness and texture. It’s easy to make and adds a festive touch that’s perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

Making this Spiced Vanilla Pear Bread is like wrapping yourself in a warm, fragrant hug from the oven. Every slice brings together the perfect harmony of juicy pears, inviting spices, and comforting vanilla. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the pan or warmed up the next day, this bread promises happiness in every bite. I can’t wait for you to bake a loaf and share in the cozy magic that this recipe offers—you’re going to love it!

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