Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze

Why Make This Recipe

Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze is a delightful treat that combines the soft sweetness of ripe pears with the crunchy texture of almonds. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The added glaze gives it a beautiful finish that makes it look as good as it tastes. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to make, making it an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels. If you’re looking to impress family and friends with a lovely homemade loaf, this bread is sure to do the trick. Moreover, it’s a great way to use up any ripe pears you have at home.

Emerging from an oven with an appealing aroma, this baked pear bread speaks comfort and warmth. It’s a unique way to enjoy pears, and the almond glaze is like the cherry on top, making every slice a little more special. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or offered days later, this bread stays moist and flavorful.

How to Make Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze

Taking the plunge into baking can seem daunting, but this Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze is an easy venture. The process is inviting, encouraging everyone to indulge in home cooking. You won’t need any fancy equipment or elaborate techniques, just some simple mixing, folding, and baking.

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:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly. Grease your loaf pan with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Pears: In a large bowl, mix the diced pears with cinnamon and honey. This step is crucial as it allows the pears to soak in the flavors. Set this mixture aside and let it sit while preparing the other ingredients.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy. This might take a few minutes, but it’s essential for getting that light texture in your bread.

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are creamy, add in the two large eggs and vanilla extract. Mix this well to combine all the wet ingredients fully.

6. Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can take away from the softness of the bread.

7. Fold in Pears and Almonds: Gently fold in the pear mixture and the chopped almonds into the batter. This step introduces the main flavors of the bread, adding sweetness and crunch.

8. Pour into the Loaf Pan: Move the batter to your greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Smooth the top to ensure it bakes uniformly.

9. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s ready, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is good to go.

10. Make the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, take a moment to prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with almond milk. Stir until smooth. Adjust the amount of almond milk based on your desired consistency.

11. Cool and Glaze: Once baked, cool the bread for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, transfer it to a wire rack. Once it’s completely cooled, drizzle or spread the almond glaze over the top for added taste and charm.

How to Serve Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze

Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It can be sliced and enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas on how to serve this delightful bread:

• For Breakfast: Serve slices warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top, or toast each slice lightly for a delightful crunch. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy start to your day.

• As a Snack: This bread works perfectly as an afternoon snack. Enjoy it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

• For Dessert: Elevate this bread into a light dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm slices. The combination of warm bread and cold ice cream is simply dreamy.

• With Cheese: For a savory twist, consider serving slices with your favorite cheese. The warmth of the bread pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of wedge cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

How to Store Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze

If you find yourself with leftover Baked Pear Bread (which is likely, given how delicious it is!), here are some tips to store it:

• At Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. This helps it stay moist and keeps it fresh.

• In the Fridge: If you want to keep it a bit longer, you can refrigerate the bread. Just be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It should last about a week in the fridge.

• Freezing: For longer-term storage, this bread freezes very well. Slice it into individual pieces, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can take out only what you need. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Thawing Frozen Bread

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen bread, here’s how to thaw it:

• At Room Temperature: The best way is to remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.

• In the Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from getting too hot or tough.

• Toasting: Another quick way to enjoy the bread is to toast it straight from the freezer. Just pop it into the toaster until it’s warmed through and enjoy!

Tips to Make Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze

• Choosing Pears: For the best flavor, opt for ripe pears that yield slightly when pressed. Varieties like Bartlett or Bosc are perfect for baking due to their sweet flesh.

• Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted before mixing with sugar. This helps create that desirable airy texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can result in denser bread.

• Serve Warm: Baked bread tastes best when served warm, so if you can, enjoy it fresh out of the oven.

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly. You can always taste the batter and adjust before baking.

Variation

While this recipe is delightful as is, there are a few variations you can try:

• Add Spices: Experiment with adding nutmeg or allspice for an autumn twist. A pinch of each can deepen the flavor profile of the bread.

• Change the Nuts: If you aren’t a fan of almonds, consider using walnuts or pecans instead. Each nut brings a different flavor and texture.

• Dried Fruits: Incorporating dried cranberries or raisins can add a lovely chewiness and additional layers of flavor to the bread.

• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a nutty flavor and some fiber.

• Vegan Option: To make a vegan version, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pears instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned pears, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bread. Fresh pears will still provide the best texture and flavor.

2. Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely! The glaze adds extra sweetness and presentation, but the bread itself is delicious even without it.

3. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center of the bread should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.

4. What can I do with leftover bread?

Leftover bread can be stored as mentioned previously. You can also consider making French toast or bread pudding with it for a delicious twist!

5. How long does the bread take to bake?

The baking time is generally between 60-70 minutes, but every oven is different. Keep an eye on it and adjust as necessary based on how your oven performs.

In summary, Baked Pear Bread with Almond Glaze is an easy yet impressive recipe that you can enjoy any time of year. It’s packed with flavor, offers valuable use of ripe fruits, and is incredibly satisfying. With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have a delightful loaf that will leave everyone asking for more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a treat that combines the essence of comfort food with a touch of elegance!

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