For Christmas, my grandparents sent me a gift card to Williams Sonoma. That afternoon, I scoured the store’s website, as excited as a kid in a candy store as I browsed page after page of rolling pins, cookie cutters, and grill pans. During my search, I discovered two differed sizes of pretty gold loaf pans that, with tax, added up to almost the exact amount on the card.
But at the mall, too many other post-Christmas shoppers liked the smaller loaf pan and snatched all of them off the shelves before I even set foot in the store. Disappointed, I still bought the larger size and resolved to send my thank-you card once Williams Sonoma restocked the mini pans.
Unfortunately, life turned into a whirling tornado of activity shortly after the holidays, and I have yet to drive back to the store—or mail my letter. But I finally mixed up a moist batter to break in the first pan, and if I hadn’t devoured the entire loaf, I would have slipped a few slices into a box to send along with the belated thank-you card.
Pear and Applesauce Quick Bread
serves 16
This quick bread is extremely moist, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet treat after dinner. Substitute apples for the pear if you prefer.
2 c. whole-wheat flour
½ c. granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
¾ tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¾ c. unsweetened applesauce
¼ c. agave nectar
2 tsp vanilla
1 pear, diced
- Preheat the oven to 325° and coat an 8×4” baking tin with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour through nutmeg). Add in the applesauce, agave, and vanilla, stirring just until moist. Gently fold in the pears.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin, and bake at 325° for 45-60 min or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check after 30-35 min; if the top is browning too quickly, cover the tin with foil and continue baking until done.
- Cool in the pan for 10 min before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cover the bread in plastic wrap and tin foil, and refrigerate for 8 hrs or overnight to allow the flavors to deepen.
I was eyeing those gold baking pans myself, but hadn’t seen any reviews. Are they wonderful? Just OK? I’m looking to upgrade my cookie sheets.
Greetings from north of the Arctic Circle.
I’ve only used the 8×4″ loaf pan the one time, but it baked evenly and was easy to clean. The price isn’t all that much more than an inexpensive loaf pan from Target or any department store, so I’d say it’s worth purchasing.
As for cookie sheets, I haven’t bought any from Williams Sonoma, but I’m sure they have quite a few good ones!
Thanks for your input.
My pleasure!
What a classy way to send your thanks! It far outweighs a traditional card (no pun intended) amd includes a yummy and healthy recipe as well.
Oh goodness, you’re so clever; I love your pun! Thank you again for the gift card, and I’ll try to figure out a way to send you a loaf of the bread so you can enjoy it as well.
Tried this recipe today, it turned out really good !
I used all purpose flour bc i run out of whole wheat, put half the amount of granulated sugar and it’s sweet enough for my taste. I also replaced cinnamon & nutmeg for some gingerbread spices.
It was so quick + easy to make and the best part was to not have to use any butter, oil or eggs.
Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this quick break Eda! 🙂
Do you happen to know the nutritional information for this pear bread recipe.
This is the free nutrition calculator that I use! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Bev!