Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary quick bread recipe. Our Caramelized Pear Quick Bread with Cardamom is a true seasonal delight, featuring tender, sweet caramelized pears infused with the warm, exotic aroma of cardamom. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a beautifully moist and flavorful loaf that is sure to become a cherished addition to your fall baking repertoire. It’s so effortlessly delicious, you’ll find it utterly irresistible!
What Exactly is a Quick Bread? Demystifying This Easy Baking Marvel
If you’re new to the world of baking or simply seeking a less intimidating yet equally rewarding way to create homemade bread, quick bread is your perfect starting point. The term “quick bread” refers to any bread that relies on chemical leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder for its rise, rather than yeast. This fundamental difference is what makes quick breads so, well, quick!
Unlike traditional yeast-leavened loaves or complex sourdoughs that demand hours of kneading, proofing, and fermentation, quick breads bypass these time-consuming steps entirely. They offer a fast-track to fresh, homemade goodness, making them incredibly popular among busy home bakers. Their preparation often involves simply mixing wet and dry ingredients, pouring into a pan, and baking immediately.
Texture-wise, quick breads distinguish themselves from their yeast-leavened cousins. They typically boast a denser, more tender crumb, often likened to a rich cake or a fluffy muffin. This unique texture, combined with their incredible speed and ease of preparation, makes them wonderfully versatile. From sweet options like banana bread and pumpkin bread to savory varieties featuring cheese and herbs, the world of quick breads offers endless possibilities for delicious, comforting bakes that don’t require an entire day in the kitchen.
Why This Caramelized Pear Quick Bread Will Become Your New Favorite
This caramelized pear quick bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the cozy, comforting flavors of fall baking without any fuss. Here’s why you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with it and find yourself making it again and again:
- Effortlessly Quick & Simple for Any Baker: Say goodbye to complex baking procedures and excessive cleanup! This recipe is a true one-bowl wonder for the batter, designed for maximum efficiency and minimal fuss. You won’t need a stand mixer or specialized equipment; a simple whisk and a sturdy spatula are all it takes. This makes it an ideal choice for baking novices looking to build confidence, and a perfect go-to for experienced bakers seeking a delicious yet easy treat.
- An Aromatic Match Made in Culinary Heaven: The star of this bread is the exquisite pairing of sweet, tender pears with the warm, exotic, and slightly citrusy notes of cardamom. Caramelizing the pears beforehand intensifies their natural sweetness and creates pockets of rich, jammy fruit throughout the loaf. When combined with the unique fragrance of cardamom, your kitchen will be filled with an intoxicating aroma that signals pure comfort. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that stands out from typical fruit breads.
- Remarkably Versatile and Customizable to Your Liking: While this recipe shines brilliantly with caramelized pears and cardamom, its inherent flexibility means you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
- Not a pear connoisseur? No problem at all! This master recipe works beautifully with other fruits. Try substituting the pears with diced apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are excellent choices for baking), ripe peaches, or even a mix of berries for a different, yet equally delicious, fruit bread.
- Craving more texture and crunch? Feel free to fold in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter before baking.
- Desire an extra touch of sweetness? A simple vanilla glaze drizzled over the cooled loaf adds a lovely finish.
This quick bread truly empowers you to experiment and make it uniquely your own!
Inspired by Baker Bettie’s “Better Baking Book”: A Trusty Guide
This delightful caramelized pear quick bread recipe proudly draws its foundation from the “quick bread master recipe” found in my talented friend Kristin Hoffman’s highly anticipated and now acclaimed publication, “Better Baking Book.” Kristin, widely celebrated under her popular baking persona Baker Bettie, runs an incredibly informative blog that has become a go-to resource for countless home bakers. I was (and still am!) absolutely thrilled for the release of her comprehensive cookbook!
Kristin is far more than just a creator of delicious recipes; she is a trained chef and a dedicated baking educator whose passion lies in empowering others in the kitchen. Her unique approach goes beyond simply sharing instructions; she meticulously breaks down foundational baking skills and demystifies the science behind every step. This invaluable insight helps both beginner and seasoned bakers to truly understand *why* recipes work, fostering confidence and consistency in their baking endeavors. Her “Better Baking Book” is a treasure trove of approachable baking science, clear step-by-step methods, and, perhaps most excitingly, completely customizable master recipes for everything from perfect cookies and flaky pies to a diverse range of breads. This caramelized pear quick bread, which yields consistent and delicious results, stands as a small but perfect testament to the amazing culinary insights and reliable guidance you can expect from Kristin’s work.
For those eager to deepen their baking knowledge, Baker Bettie’s Better Baking Book was published on November 16th, 2021. It continues to be readily available for purchase on Amazon and wherever quality cookbooks are sold. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to truly master their baking skills and expand their recipe collection with reliable, foundational knowledge.
Crafting Your Caramelized Pear Quick Bread: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to bake an extraordinary loaf of quick bread? Follow these simple yet crucial steps to create your own perfectly moist and flavorful caramelized pear quick bread with cardamom.
1. Prepare the Irresistible Streusel Topping for Added Crunch and Flavor
While entirely optional, I wholeheartedly recommend adding this streusel topping. It contributes an amazing crunchy texture and an extra layer of sweet, spiced flavor that beautifully complements the soft, moist bread beneath. It’s a small step that makes a big difference and is truly worth the extra few minutes of effort!
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry streusel ingredients: all-purpose flour, both brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference for molasses flavor) and granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and a tiny pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously to ensure all the spices and sugars are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Pour in the melted unsalted butter. Using your fingertips or a fork, gently mix and rub the butter into the dry mixture. Continue working until coarse, crumbly clusters form. The goal is a rustic, uneven texture, so avoid overmixing into a paste. Set this fragrant streusel aside; it’s ready to crown your quick bread.
2. Create the Star of the Show: Perfectly Caramelized Pears
The secret to this quick bread’s profound and concentrated pear flavor lies in the caramelization process. My initial attempt with fresh, uncooked pears was pleasant, but it simply lacked that deep, rich sweetness and tender texture that truly elevates the bread. Caramelizing them was an absolute game-changer, and believe me, this extra step is entirely worth it for an intensified, richer pear experience that makes all the difference!
- Begin by preparing your pears. Wash, quarter, and remove the cores. Then, chop the pear flesh into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Consistency in size helps them cook evenly. In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
- Add the chopped pears to the bubbling skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the pears to soften slightly and absorb some of the sugary butter mixture. As the natural pear juices start to release, increase the heat to medium-high and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for approximately 8 minutes. The goal here is for the pears to become beautifully tender and develop a golden-brown hue, with the released juices thickening into a rich, luscious caramel glaze.
- Once the pears are perfectly caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and the ground cardamom. Cook for just one more minute, gently folding to allow these aromatics to fully bloom and meld with the pears. Immediately transfer the caramelized pears to a separate bowl or plate to cool completely. Allowing them to cool is crucial, as adding hot pears to your batter can prematurely cook the eggs or affect the batter’s consistency.
3. Assemble the Moist & Flavorful Quick Bread Batter for Baking
With your delectable streusel and beautifully caramelized pears prepped, the remaining steps for assembling the quick bread batter are incredibly straightforward and quick!
- Prepare your dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Ensure these ingredients are thoroughly combined and free of any lumps. This step is important for even leavening.
- Prepare your wet ingredients: In a separate, even larger bowl, lightly whisk together the vegetable oil, large eggs (ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification), milk (also at room temperature for a smoother batter), and the remaining 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
- Combine & Fold Gently: First, gently add the *completely cooled* caramelized pears to the wet ingredients mixture, stirring just enough to distribute them evenly. Next, pour the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients. Using a sturdy spoon or a silicone spatula, stir until the ingredients are *just combined*. This means stirring only until no dry streaks of flour are visible, typically taking a mere 30-45 seconds of gentle mixing. The batter will be quite thick and may appear lumpy—this is perfectly normal and desired! Do not over-mix, as overworking the gluten in the flour will lead to a tough, dense, and less tender quick bread.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased or parchment-lined 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping, which you prepared earlier, over the entire surface of the batter. Place the pan in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes. The loaf is fully baked when it has achieved a beautiful golden-brown color, the top springs back lightly when gently pressed in the center, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (without any wet batter clinging to it). If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. For even baking, consider rotating the pan halfway through the baking time.
- Cooling for Optimal Texture: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the internal structure of the bread to firm up slightly. After this initial cooling, carefully lift the bread out of the pan (using the parchment paper overhang if you lined it) and transfer it directly to the wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool for at least 20 minutes (or even longer) before slicing is essential for the best texture, preventing crumbling, and allowing the flavors to fully settle and develop.
- Storage for Leftovers: Any leftover bread should be stored covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and moisture. For longer storage options, refer to the “Tips & Notes” section below.
Pro Tip: Transform Your Loaf into Delicious Muffins!
This versatile quick bread recipe isn’t just for loaves! You can effortlessly convert it into delightful individual muffins. Simply divide the prepared batter evenly among a 12-cup muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full to allow for proper rise. Don’t forget to generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin for that extra crunch and flavor. Bake the muffins in a preheated oven at a slightly higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) for a shorter duration, typically 16-20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Muffins make for perfect individual portions, ideal for grab-and-go breakfasts, school lunches, or charming afternoon snacks!
Caramelized Pear Quick Bread with Cardamom & Streusel
Shinee Davaakhuu
This irresistible quick bread features tender, sweet caramelized pears infused with aromatic cardamom, crowned with a delightful streusel topping. It’s a perfect delicacy for any time of year, especially fall, and incredibly easy to make and versatile enough to customize with your favorite additions!
35 mins
1 hr 10 mins
2 hrs
12 servings
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Ingredients
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup (50 g) light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Caramelized Pear Quick Bread:
- 3 medium pears (Note 1: Bartlett or Bosc pears work well; semi-ripe will hold shape better, ripe offers softer texture and more sweetness)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) light or dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided (1 tsp for pears, 1 tsp for batter)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (Note 2: canola or grapeseed oil are also great neutral options)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml) milk, at room temperature (Note 3: use any kind: skim, 1%, 2%, whole, or even dairy-free alternatives)
Instructions
To Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Pour in the melted butter. Use your hands to mix and rub the butter into the dry ingredients until a crumbly, coarse mixture forms. Set aside; this will be sprinkled on top before baking.
To Make the Caramelized Pears:
- Quarter the pears and remove the cores. Cut the pear flesh into uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
- Add the chopped pears to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the pears to soften slightly. Once the juices begin to release, increase the heat to medium-high and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for approximately 8 minutes. The pears should be tender, golden-brown, and coated in a thick caramel.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract and the ground cardamom. Cook for just one more minute to meld the flavors. Transfer the caramelized pears to a clean bowl or plate and let them cool completely.
To Assemble and Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan by spraying it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray, or by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides to easily lift the bread out later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the bread: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk them together until uniformly distributed.
- In a separate, even larger bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, room temperature eggs, room temperature milk, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold the completely cooled caramelized pears into the wet ingredients mixture, ensuring they are evenly dispersed.
- Add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients. Using a sturdy spoon or silicone spatula, stir until the ingredients are *just combined*. This means stirring only until no dry streaks of flour remain, typically taking about 30-45 seconds. The batter will be thick and lumpy—do not over-mix, as this will lead to a tough and dry loaf.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over the entire surface of the batter.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes. The bread is fully baked when it achieves a golden-brown color, the top springs back when gently pressed, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. After this initial cooling, carefully lift the bread out of the pan and transfer it directly to the wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool for at least 20 minutes (or longer) before slicing is essential for the best texture and to prevent crumbling.
- Store any leftover bread covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Tips, Notes & FAQs for the Perfect Pear Bread
Note 1: Choosing Your Pears for Optimal Results
I highly recommend using Bartlett or Bosc pears for this recipe due to their sweet flavor and good texture when cooked. You have a choice between ripe or semi-ripe pears. Semi-ripe pears will hold their shape better, resulting in distinct, firm pear chunks within the bread. However, if you prefer a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth texture and a more integrated pear flavor throughout the crumb, ripe pears are an excellent choice. Avoid overly soft or mushy pears, as they might break down too much during caramelization and disappear into the batter.
Note 2: Best Neutral Oil for Quick Bread Recipes
For quick bread recipes where you want the primary flavors of the fruit and spices to shine, a neutral-flavored oil is key. Canola oil, grapeseed oil, or a light vegetable oil are all excellent choices. These oils provide essential moisture and tenderness without imparting any strong flavors of their own, ensuring the pear and cardamom remain the stars.
Note 3: Versatile Milk Options
Feel free to use any type of dairy milk you have on hand: skim, 1%, 2%, or whole milk will all work perfectly in this recipe. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, dairy-free alternatives such as unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can also be successfully substituted without significantly altering the texture or taste of the final bread.
Baking Consistency & Oven Variations:
Every oven has its unique quirks, so it’s always a good idea to know how yours behaves. If your quick bread seems to be browning too quickly on the top before the inside is fully cooked, you can lightly tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This prevents over-browning while allowing the interior to finish cooking perfectly. For even baking, consider rotating the pan halfway through the baking time.
Why Room Temperature Ingredients are Important:
Using room temperature eggs and milk isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a small but significant detail that impacts your final product. Ingredients at room temperature emulsify more effectively with the oil and other ingredients. This creates a smoother, more uniform batter, which in turn leads to a finer crumb, a more tender texture, and a consistently moist final loaf.
Can I Make This Pear Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This quick bread tastes wonderfully moist and flavorful the next day, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Store it at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this bread freezes beautifully.
Detailed Freezing Instructions:
To freeze the loaf for extended enjoyment, ensure it is completely cooled to room temperature first. Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then add an additional layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent any freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen loaf overnight at room temperature. You can also freeze individual slices, wrapped similarly, for quick grab-and-go treats throughout the week!
Delightful Serving Suggestions:
This caramelized pear quick bread is delightful on its own, perhaps with a comforting cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special treat, serve slices lightly toasted with a spread of cream cheese, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a generous drizzle of maple syrup. It makes an excellent, hearty breakfast, a comforting afternoon snack, or a simple yet elegant dessert for any occasion.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
1 slice
340 kcal
51 g
4 g
14 g
30 g
245 mg
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. It is provided for informational purposes only.
Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
American
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