Sweet Pear Loaf
A moist and flavorful pear loaf featuring chopped pears and walnuts, perfect for brunch or tea time, appealing to fruit lovers and those seeking a sweet, nutty treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat oil and sugar together until well blended.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients and add to the wet mixture, beating until well blended.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and pears.
- Pour batter into a well greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Turn out onto a rack to cool completely, then slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter loaf, consider reducing the sugar to 3/4 cup. You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for added protein. If fresh pears aren’t available, canned pears can work, but make sure to drain them well. For added flavor, try mixing in a bit of lemon zest or using brown sugar instead of white. This recipe is a great way to use up overripe pears.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Pear Loaf is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a spread of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for breakfast or as a snack. For a more festive touch, serve alongside Aunt Patty'S 24 Hour Salad for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sweet Pear Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice the loaf and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag to freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw slices and warm in the microwave or toaster oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Pear Loaf contains roughly 576 calories, with 5g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1067mg per serving (46% 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 other fruits instead of pears?
Yes! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute chopped apples, bananas, or even berries. Just keep in mind that moisture content may vary, so adjust the flour slightly if needed to maintain the right batter consistency.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of gluten. This will allow everyone to enjoy the loaf without compromising on taste or texture.
Can I add more nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional nuts like pecans or hazelnuts, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Just ensure that you maintain the balance of wet and dry ingredients so the loaf bakes properly.
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).