Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze
Why Make This Recipe
Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze is a delightful treat that combines the subtle sweetness of pears with the comforting texture of bread. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert. What makes this bread special is not only its moist and tender crumb but also the beautiful almond glaze that adds a glossy finish and a sweet almond flavor.
Using ripe pears in the recipe gives the bread a natural sweetness and a fruity essence that elevates the overall taste. The aromatic cinnamon pairs wonderfully with the pears and adds warmth to every slice. If you’re looking to impress friends and family or simply want to treat yourself to something unique, this baked pear bread is a great choice.
Moreover, making this bread at home is easy and straightforward. You’ll find that the ingredients are simple and readily available. Plus, the process is uncomplicated, making it an excellent choice even for novice bakers. The result? A home that smells heavenly and a delicious bread that everyone will love.
How to Make Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze
Let’s dive into the process of making this delicious Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze. Preparation is key, so be sure to gather all your ingredients before you start.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons almond milk (for glaze)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, take a moment to grease your loaf pan with some butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the bread later.
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Prepare the Pears: In a large mixing bowl, combine your diced pears with the cinnamon and honey. This mixture should be set aside to let the honey infuse into the pears.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, take your softened butter and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, and it’s a crucial step to ensure a soft texture.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The vanilla adds a wonderful aroma to your bread.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; just blend until you see no dry flour remaining.
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Fold in Pears and Almonds: Carefully fold in the pear mixture along with the chopped almonds. The almonds provide a lovely crunch and complement the sweetness of the pears perfectly.
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Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed.
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Bake: Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
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Make the Glaze: While the bread is baking, prepare the almond glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond milk until smooth. Adjust the almond milk based on your preferred glaze consistency.
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Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bread is cooled, drizzle the almond glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for a neat finish.
How to Serve Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze
Baked Pear Bread can be served in several ways. Here are some ideas:
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Breakfast or Brunch: Slice the bread and serve it warm for a cozy breakfast. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
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As a Snack: Enjoy this bread as a quick snack throughout the day. It’s perfect on its own or spread with some butter or cream cheese.
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Dessert Option: This bread can serve as a lovely dessert. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added treat.
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Gift Idea: Wrap a loaf in pretty paper and gift it to a friend or neighbor. Homemade baked goods always make for thoughtful presents.
How to Store Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze
Proper storage is important to keep your Baked Pear Bread fresh:
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At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, you can store it at room temperature. Place the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
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In the Refrigerator: For a longer shelf life, you might consider refrigerating the bread. Make sure it’s wrapped well to prevent it from drying out. It can last up to a week in the fridge.
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Freezing: If you want to keep the bread for an extended period, freezing is a good option. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It should maintain its quality for about 3 months in the freezer. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in the oven before enjoying.
Tips to Make Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze
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Choosing Pears: Use ripe but firm pears. Overripe pears can lead to too much moisture in the bread, so select pears that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Varieties such as Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc work well.
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Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature so that it creams well with sugar. Cold butter can lead to a dense bread and prevent it from rising properly.
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Mixing Technique: Remember not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Just mix until the dry ingredients are barely incorporated.
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Spice Up Your Recipe: If you want to add some extra flavor, consider including additional spices such as nutmeg or cardamom. These spices can enhance the aromatic qualities of the bread.
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Healthy Alternatives: If you want to make this recipe healthier, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the amount of sugar or replace it with honey or a sugar substitute.
Variation
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Nut Choices: Instead of almonds, you can use walnuts or pecans for a different flavor. Toasting the nuts before folding them into the batter can enhance their flavor even more.
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Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk in the glaze.
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Fruit Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with other fruits. Adding dried cranberries or chocolate chips can offer a nice twist to the standard flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh pears?
Yes, you can use canned pears. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the bread.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your bread is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more baking time.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the bread a day or two in advance. Store it at room temperature wrapped well in plastic wrap, and it will still taste delicious.
How long does Baked Pear Bread last?
When stored properly, Baked Pear Bread can last up to a week in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the bread?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar in the recipe if you prefer a less sweet bread. However, keep in mind that this may affect the moisture content and flavor balance.
