Pear Bran Bread
A hearty, wholesome pear bran bread with natural sweetness from honey and molasses, perfect for breakfast or snacks, appealing to health-conscious bakers and bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat molasses, honey, and egg until well blended.
- Stir in buttermilk and vegetable oil.
- Combine whole wheat flour, oat bran, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the buttermilk mixture and blend until smooth.
- Fold in the finely chopped pears and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 65 to 70 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using maple syrup instead of molasses, or experiment with different nuts like pecans. If you're short on buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5 minutes. Ensure your pears are ripe for the best sweetness, and finely chop them for even distribution throughout the bread.
Serving Suggestions
This Pear Bran Bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a spread of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with Mom Blackburn'S Sugared Nuts for a delightful snack or breakfast option. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a wholesome meal or brunch treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pear Bran Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or oven until heated through for best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Bran Bread contains roughly 449 calories, with 2g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 963mg per serving (42% 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 different fruits instead of pears?
Absolutely! Apples or mashed bananas can be great substitutes for pears in this recipe. Just ensure that any fruit you use is finely chopped or mashed to maintain the bread's texture. Experimenting with different fruits can create a delightful twist on the traditional recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this Pear Bran Bread vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and using plant-based milk instead of buttermilk. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your Pear Bran Bread turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to gently fold in the dry ingredients and measure your flour accurately. Adding a bit more buttermilk can also help achieve a lighter texture if it seems too thick.
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).