Easy & Delicious Honey Pear Bread: Your New Favorite Quick Bread Recipe
There’s an undeniable charm to quick breads and muffins, making them perennial favorites for breakfast, brunch, or an impromptu snack. Their ease of preparation combined with comforting flavors means they often become cherished recipes in any home. While they make marvelous after-school snacks, their appeal truly expands during the leisurely summer months when they transform into “all-day” treats. The simple pleasure of a warm slice, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea, can brighten any moment.
My journey to this delightful Honey Pear Bread began with a spark of inspiration from a Spiced Pear Bread recipe I discovered on Alicia’s blog. The concept of a tender, spiced bread studded with juicy pears instantly captured my attention. However, like many home cooks, I often find myself adapting recipes based on available ingredients and family preferences. Being mindful of my grocery budget, I realized I had plenty of ripe pears but no molasses, which was called for in the original. Rather than making an extra trip to the store, I opted for a creative substitution, choosing honey to provide that essential sweetness and moisture. Additionally, my family has a strong aversion to nuts, so I happily omitted them, ensuring this bread would be a universally loved, nut-free indulgence.
A Sweet Revelation: The Honey Twist
The decision to swap molasses for honey proved to be a stroke of genius. This quick bread turned out exceptionally good, exceeding all expectations. The honey contributed a delicate, nuanced sweetness that perfectly harmonized with the natural flavor of the pears and the warm spices. The original recipe yielded two loaves, so I decided to bake one traditional loaf and twelve individual muffins. This seemed like a brilliant way to have both a beautiful centerpiece for slicing and convenient grab-and-go portions.
However, even the most seasoned bakers have their “oops” moments. In my enthusiasm, I confess I was a complete “ding dong” and completely forgot to take the muffins out of the oven after their allotted 25 minutes! By the time I remembered, they were, regrettably, quite burnt. UGH. It was a humbling reminder to always set a timer, especially when caught up in the delightful chaos of the kitchen. Despite the tragic muffin mishap, the loaf of Honey Pear Bread emerged from the oven absolutely perfect. Its golden-brown crust, moist interior, and fragrant aroma were simply divine. In that moment, savoring a slice of my honey-infused creation, I knew I would definitely make this bread again. I honestly couldn’t imagine wanting to use molasses after tasting this delicious honey version – it was truly perfect my way!
Why This Honey Pear Bread Will Become Your New Favorite
This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating a moment of pure comfort and joy. Here are just a few reasons why this Honey Pear Bread deserves a prime spot in your recipe collection:
- Unbelievably Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the generous amount of diced pears and the rich honey, every bite of this bread is exceptionally moist. The carefully selected blend of warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves) creates a complex, inviting flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
- Effortlessly Easy: Quick breads are a baker’s best friend for a reason! There’s no yeast, no kneading, and no extensive proofing required. Simply mix your wet and dry ingredients, fold in the fruit, and bake. It’s perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
- Incredibly Versatile: This bread is a chameleon in the kitchen! Enjoy it warm for breakfast, as a delightful afternoon snack, a light dessert with a scoop of ice cream, or a welcome addition to any brunch spread.
- Family-Friendly and Customizable: As I discovered, it’s naturally delicious as a nut-free option, making it suitable for those with allergies or preferences. Feel free to experiment with other additions like a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top for extra crunch, or even some dried cranberries for a tart counterpoint.
- Budget-Conscious Baking: It’s a fantastic way to utilize ripe pears you might have on hand and transform simple pantry staples into something truly special without breaking the bank.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Honey Pear Bread Every Time
While quick breads are generally forgiving, a few simple tips can elevate your baking from good to absolutely outstanding:
- Embrace Don’t Overmix: This is the golden rule for any quick bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a tough, chewy texture. Mix your ingredients just until they are combined; a few small lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable and even desirable.
- Choose Ripe Pears: The success of your pear bread heavily relies on the quality of your pears. Opt for ripe, but still firm, pears. Varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett are excellent choices for baking as they hold their shape well and offer a sweet, juicy contribution. Ensure they are peeled, cored, and diced into uniform small pieces for even distribution.
- Prepare Your Pans Properly: To prevent sticking and ensure easy release, thoroughly grease and flour your loaf pans. For an extra layer of protection, you can even line the bottoms with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bread out easily after baking.
- Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary widely. While the recipe provides a guideline, always use the toothpick test: insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only moist crumbs attached, your bread is done. If it’s wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Cool Patience is a Virtue: As tempting as it is to slice into a warm loaf straight from the oven, allowing your bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes is crucial. This helps the loaf set and prevents it from crumbling when transferred. After 15 minutes, remove it from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack to achieve the perfect texture and clean slices.
- Don’t Fear the Spices: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, aromatic profile that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pears and honey. These spices are key to the bread’s depth of flavor, so don’t be shy with them!
Ingredients Spotlight: The Dynamic Duo of Honey and Pears
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the star ingredients that make this quick bread truly shine:
- Honey: As our chosen substitute for molasses, honey brings a delicate, golden sweetness to the bread. Its subtle floral notes and natural moisture content contribute significantly to the bread’s tender crumb and beautiful golden-brown crust. Unlike the robust, earthy notes of molasses, honey offers a brighter sweetness that allows the fruit flavors to take center stage.
- Pears: Pears are an underrated baking fruit, offering a juicy texture and mild sweetness that softens beautifully when baked. Their high water content helps keep the bread incredibly moist, and their gentle flavor blends seamlessly with the warm spices. Using fresh, ripe pears is paramount for the best flavor and texture.
Now that you’re equipped with all the insights and tips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of homemade Honey Pear Bread!
Honey Pear Bread
adapted from Spiced Pear Bread
Honey Pear Bread
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup canola oil
- ½ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 4 medium pears peeled, cored and diced
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare two standard loaf pans by greasing and flouring them thoroughly. If you opt to make muffins as well, prepare a 12-cup muffin tin, noting that muffins will bake for a shorter time, typically 20-25 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: the unbleached all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Ensure they are well combined, then set this mixture aside. In a separate, even larger bowl, combine the wet ingredients: packed light brown sugar, canola oil, honey, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk these until the mixture is smooth and well integrated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender. Finally, gently fold in the diced pears, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
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Divide the prepared batter evenly between your two greased and floured loaf pans. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean (or with just moist crumbs, no wet batter). If baking muffins, bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness as described. Allow the baked loaves to cool in their pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. This cooling period helps them firm up and prevents crumbling. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the loaves (or muffins) from their pans and transfer them to the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This delightful Honey Pear Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a truly comforting experience, serve a slice warm, either plain or with a generous spread of butter, cream cheese, or even a dollop of mascarpone. It pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or tea, making it a perfect start to the day. It also makes an excellent contribution to a brunch spread or simply a satisfying snack any time you crave something sweet and wholesome.
To extend the freshness of your homemade pear bread, always ensure it has cooled completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Stored this way at room temperature, it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. For longer enjoyment, Honey Pear Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf securely in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
This Honey Pear Bread recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s an opportunity to create something truly special with simple ingredients and a touch of homemade love. The blend of sweet, tender pears, aromatic spices, and golden honey creates a quick bread that’s both comforting and elegant. Give it a try, and I have a feeling you’ll agree that the honey substitution is a winning twist!
If you enjoyed baking and tasting this Honey Pear Bread, I would be so grateful if you could share this recipe with your friends and family! Your support helps my passion for creating delicious recipes continue. Feel free to share it on Facebook, Pinterest, or any other social media platform you love!
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