Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your bread bakes evenly. While the oven heats, prepare your loaf pans. Lightly spray two 8×4-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray, making sure every corner is covered so the bread doesn’t stick.
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until fully combined and the mixture is slightly frothy. This helps incorporate air, which will make your bread fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Make sure to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid any clumps, as this ensures an even distribution of flavors in your bread.
Carefully stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients gently; be careful not to overmix. Stir just until combined, and you can still see some flour; that’s perfect.
Next, gently fold in the 2 to 2½ cups of peeled and chopped ripe pears. If you’re using 1 cup of chopped pecans, add them in at this stage too. This is where the magic happens! The pears will add incredible moisture and flavor to the bread.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. You want to fill each pan about two-thirds full. This gives the bread room to rise without overflowing. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even finish.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end; ovens can vary.
Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to remove them without breaking. After that, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential, as it allows the crust to stay crisp while the inside remains soft.
After the loaves have cooled completely, slice and enjoy your homemade Pear Bread. You can serve it plain, with butter, or even a drizzle of honey for an extra special treat!
