Healthy Pear Pecan Bread

Pears are one of my favorite fall/winter fruits. Pears are versatile, can be used in salads, baking, cooking. I had a lot of ripe, juicy pears and thought of making this healthy breakfast bread. The addition of pecans gives a good textural contrast to the sweet, juicy pears. The recipe is quick and easy and your house will be filled wonderful aroma while it bakes.

Ingredients 

• 3 large eggs, room temperature 
• 1-1/4 cups sugar (add 1/4 cup more sugar if needed)
• 1/2 cup neutral flavor oil 
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon Almond extract 
• 1.5 Cups White whole wheat flour
• 1.5 Cups All-purpose flour 
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 4 cups finely chopped ripe pears (about 3 large or 4 medium)
• 1/2 cup chopped Pecans, additional  12-15 for topping

* 3 Cups of all purpose flour can be used instead of 50:50 ratio of whole wheat and all purpose flour.

Directions 

1. In a bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, oil, melted butter and almond extract; mix well. Preheat oven at 350°F or air fryer at 325ºF.

2. Chop the pears very finely (I did not peel them).

3. Sift whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; stir into the egg mixture just until combined.

3. Stir in pears and pecans into batter (batter will be thick). 

4. Spoon into 2 greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Baking time may vary depending on the oven. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

5. Store covered in an airtight container at room temperature upto 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.