Warm and Spicy: The Ultimate Ginger Pear Bread Recipe
Pear bread, a delightful twist on classic quick bread, gains incredible depth and complexity when infused with the warm spice of ginger. This Ginger Pear Bread recipe is moist, fragrant, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack. The natural sweetness of pears complements the zesty ginger beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Get ready to experience a slice of pure autumnal bliss!
## Why You’ll Love This Ginger Pear Bread
* **Moist and Tender:** The combination of pears and oil ensures a remarkably moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
* **Warm and Spicy:** The ginger adds a delightful kick and a comforting warmth that’s perfect for cool weather.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires no special skills or equipment. Simply mix, pour, and bake!
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or as a base for a decadent dessert.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** This recipe makes a generous loaf, perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these ingredients:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** The foundation of our bread. You can also use a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
* **Baking Soda:** The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** Adds a warm and comforting spice.
* **Ground Ginger:** The star of the show! Use fresh or ground ginger, adjusting the amount to your taste.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** A hint of nutmeg complements the ginger and cinnamon perfectly.
* **Salt:** Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Sweetens the bread and adds moisture.
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds a molasses-like flavor and contributes to a chewy texture.
* **Vegetable Oil:** Keeps the bread moist and tender.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Pears:** Choose ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett. Peel, core, and dice them.
* **Optional: Walnuts or Pecans:** Add chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
* **Optional: Crystallized Ginger:** For an extra punch of ginger flavor.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Ginger Pear Bread:
**Step 1: Prepare the Pears**
* Wash, peel, core, and dice the pears into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even distribution throughout the bread.
* If using, chop the walnuts or pecans and crystallized ginger (if using).
**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
**Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients**
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.
* The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy, which is perfectly normal.
**Step 5: Fold in the Pears and Nuts (Optional)**
* Gently fold in the diced pears and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
**Step 6: Prepare the Pan**
* Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
**Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan**
* Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
**Step 8: Bake the Bread**
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
* If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
**Step 9: Cool the Bread**
* Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Step 10: Slice and Serve**
* Once the bread is completely cool, slice and serve. Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese.
## Tips for the Perfect Ginger Pear Bread
* **Use Ripe Pears:** Ripe pears will add the most flavor and moisture to the bread.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Fresh Ginger:** Fresh ginger will add the most intense flavor, but ground ginger works well too.
* **Adjust Spices to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to your liking.
* **Add a Glaze:** For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
* **Store Properly:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
## Variations and Substitutions
This Ginger Pear Bread recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
* **Applesauce:** Substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier version.
* **Whole Wheat Flour:** Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
* **Different Spices:** Experiment with other spices, such as cardamom, cloves, or allspice.
* **Dried Fruit:** Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for extra texture and sweetness.
* **Nuts:** Use different types of nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Vegan Option:** Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use a plant-based milk instead of dairy and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
## Serving Suggestions
Ginger Pear Bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **Toasted with Butter:** A classic and simple way to enjoy this bread.
* **With Cream Cheese:** Spread a layer of cream cheese for a tangy and creamy addition.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top with whipped cream for a light and airy treat.
* **As French Toast:** Use slices of Ginger Pear Bread to make French toast for a decadent breakfast or brunch.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve warm slices of Ginger Pear Bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
* **In Bread Pudding:** Use leftover Ginger Pear Bread to make a comforting bread pudding.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** A perfect accompaniment to your morning or afternoon beverage.
## How to Store Ginger Pear Bread
To keep your Ginger Pear Bread fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
* **Room Temperature:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will help to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezer:** To freeze Ginger Pear Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
## Ginger Pear Bread Recipe Card
Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:
**Ginger Pear Bread**
**Yields:** 1 loaf
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups diced pears (about 2 medium)
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the diced pears and nuts (if using).
6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve.
Enjoy this warm and spicy Ginger Pear Bread! It’s the perfect treat for any occasion and a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Feel free to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe. Happy baking!