Gluten-Free Spiced Pear Loaf

This Spiced Pear Loaf is a winter delight, offering a unique flavor that's unlike any other baked good!

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The Best Sweet Loaf Recipe

Few things compare to a warm baked good fresh from the oven, filling your home with irresistible aromas. This gluten-free pear loaf, with its sweet flavor, hints of cinnamon, and pieces of fresh pear, is perfect for breakfast alongside your morning coffee.

Ideal for beginner bakers, this easy recipe features step-by-step instructions to help you create a moist, delicious loaf that tastes store-bought. Plus, it’s a great way to use seasonal pears from your local market, allowing you to explore their distinct flavors and enhance your appreciation for this delicious fruit in baking!

Difference Between a Loaf, Bread and Cake

The terms loaf and bread are often interchangeable, with "loaf" referring to the whole, typically rectangular shape, while "bread" describes the slices from that loaf.

Cakes differ from bread in taste and texture. Bread is usually savory and a staple food, whereas cake is sweet and often reserved for special occasions. The key difference lies in their preparation: cakes are made by creaming solid fat (like butter) with sugar, resulting in a softer texture (according to WildGrain), while bread uses a leavening agent for rise.

Although "loaf" and "bread" have minimal distinction, "loaf cake" can describe cakes baked in a loaf pan. This recipe is called a loaf because it resembles a sweet bread rather than a traditional cake, similar in texture to pumpkin bread or this blood orange loaf.

Why Use Pears in Baked Goods?

Pears are known for their soft texture and subtle sweetness, which becomes more pronounced when baked. As they cook, their flavors spread throughout the dish, making them irresistible.

Despite being underutilized compared to fruits like apples and cherries, pears deserve more attention in baking. They are often eaten raw and not commonly used in recipes due to their perishability and tendency to bruise easily, which affects consumer demand.

However, pears’ softness is what makes them delicious! From adding them to a Radicchio Salad to serving them as an appetizer, like this Gluten-Free Pear and Walnut Tart recipe, there's countless ways to take advantage of fresh pears during their peak season.

The Perfect Pear

Knowing which pears are in season can help you choose the right one for your recipe.

• Anjou Pears: Egg-shaped and available in green or red, these are in season in late fall to early winter. They have a mild flavor and firm texture, making them great for cooking and baking.
• Bartlett Pears: The most popular variety in the U.S., these are round at the bottom with a longer top. They are juicy and soft, perfect for snacking.
• Comice Pears: Known as the Christmas pear, they have a rotund shape and a fruity aroma. Their fine texture makes them less grainy.

For this recipe, the red Anjou pear is ideal. Its firm texture holds up well during baking, softening to the perfect consistency while absorbing spices beautifully.

Time to Bake This Loaf!

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a rectangular bread loaf pan with coconut oil or butter, dusting it with gluten-free flour. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Next, prepare your dry ingredients: in a medium bowl, combine two cups of Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, two teaspoons of cinnamon, one teaspoon of baking powder, one teaspoon of nutmeg, half a teaspoon of salt, and a fourth teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well and set aside.

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together three-fourths cup of softened unsalted butter and three-fourths cup of cane sugar on medium-low speed for about two minutes. Once smooth, add three room-temperature eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing between additions for a consistent texture.

Add the Pears & Bake

After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's time to add the pears. To keep them fresh, peel and slice two pears just before incorporating them. This prevents browning and maintains their texture.

Fold the pear pieces into the batter using a spatula to avoid bruising, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about one hour, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.

To remove the loaf, run a knife along the edges and invert the pan, or lift it out using parchment paper. Let it cool on a wire rack for about twenty minutes before slicing.

How to Serve and Store

Once the pear loaf has cooled, it's ready to enjoy! It's best served warm from the oven, paired with coffee or tea, and a scoop of ice cream if desired. This versatile loaf can be enjoyed any time of day!

To store, keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its texture; refrigerating can dry it out. To reheat, microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds. If stored properly, the loaf can last up to five days.

Other Recipes You'll Love

If you enjoyed this quick and easy Gluten-Free Spiced Pear Loaf, here are some of my favorite pairings and similar dishes:

• Coffee Cake: This gluten-free and dairy-free coffee cake features a soft interior with a streusel ribbon and crumbly topping, perfect for enjoying with morning coffee or as a late-night treat.
• Cinnamon Rolls: Ideal for any occasion, these rolls combine persimmon and pumpkin purees for a moist bread packed with fall flavor.
• Persimmon Pumpkin Loaf: This easy-to-make gluten-free loaf blends pumpkin and seasonal persimmons, offering a unique and delicious flavor.

These gluten-free baked goods make perfect sweet treats, and there are plenty more recipes to explore on my blog!