Date 'N' Pear Bread
A moist and flavorful quick bread combining sweet dates, pears, and cheesy goodness, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack for fruit lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease and flour the bottom of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Combine the Pillsbury butter-date quick bread mix, diced canned pears, pear syrup, and grated Cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Stir the mixture 50 to 75 strokes until just moistened.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 55 to 65 minutes.
- Cool for 15 minutes before turning out of the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch. If canned pears aren't available, fresh pears can be used but may require additional syrup for moisture. Ensure to mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense loaf. This recipe is a delightful way to incorporate fruits into your baking, much like the flavorful Brown Sugar Applesauce Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect as a breakfast option, served warm with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve it alongside a slice of the Best Chess Pie for dessert. You can also enjoy it as a snack or light dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Date 'N' Pear Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through, preserving its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date 'N' Pear Bread contains roughly 309 calories, with 6g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh pears for canned pears, but make sure to peel and finely dice them. You may need to add a bit more syrup to maintain the moisture in the bread, as fresh pears can be less juicy than canned.
How can I enhance the flavor of this bread?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. A splash of vanilla extract or almond extract can also complement the sweetness of the pears and dates beautifully, making the bread even more aromatic.
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Make sure to mix until just moistened. Additionally, check if your baking powder is fresh, as old leavening agents can affect the bread's rise.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).