Today is reason to celebrate my friends!!! Sunday Supper is TWO years old. I have been cooking and baking with this fabulous group for over a year and a half and it’s been wonderful! This group challenges me, encourages me and hey, since we’re all food bloggers, we understand each other.
TWO years is something to celebrate. . so I wanted to bring something special to the table.
When I saw this bread in my Jan/Feb 2014 issue of Cooking Light magazine, I knew exactly what I wanted to bake and this was it. But I didn’t use just any ole bread mix, or even the Maple-Stout Quick Bread recipe that Cooking Light suggested (although I am totally trying this next time), I made an olive oil lemon mix. Cake, bread, call it what you want.
This Poached Pear Olive Oil Bread is the bomb.
The sweet, tender pears paired with the flavorful olive oil cake is perfection. And if you’ve never tried an olive oil cake, the olive oil is very subtle and delicious. But you must use a good quality, good tasting olive oil for this. I used CA Olive Ranch’s everyday extra virgin olive oil and I have also used Trader Joe’s Imported Olive Oil (packed in Italy) for olive oil cake, here and here. The awesome thing about this recipe, there’s a video. Watch this before you bake and here are my step-by-step photos and TIPS as well.
Bring 4 cups water and granulated sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pears; reduce the heat to medium, and cook at a medium-low boil for 5 minutes or just until the pears start to soften.
Remove the pears from the pan; cool slightly. Trim the bottom off of each pear so that it is about the height of a 9 x 5–inch loaf pan. Place your pears in or next to your baking pan so you know approximately how much to cut off.
Arrange the pears in the direction and order you want ahead of time.
Lightly brush some flour over the bottom 2/3rds of each pear. I probably should have brushed on more flour here and this is probably why my olive oil batter did not adhere completely to my middle pear while baking.
Spray your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Now, for this next step you can either place your pears in the baking pan and pour in the batter like I did OR you can pour in the batter first and then arrange the pears in the baking pan, pressing them into batter.
VERY IMPORTANT: Remember, your batter will rise so make sure you don’t pour too much batter in the baking dish. With the recipe card below, you are fine to pour in all of the olive oil bread batter. Even though it may appear that I have too much batter, none of it overflowed when baking. It will depend on what bread recipe you use, your ingredients and the size of your baking loaf pan so just watch it and be careful not to pour in too much. If you are concerned that the batter will overflow while baking, discard a 1/4 – 1/2 cup of the batter.
Bake at 350° for about 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes in pan on a wire rack. I always like to take a butter knife and run it around the edges of the loaf to loosen the bread and help it to fall out of the pan easier. Carefully remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack, slice and serve immediately. Enjoy!
I did get a little crackage with my Olive Oil Bread but it still tasted fabulous! Slice and serve immediately! yum!!
This was the other end of my bread. . I think the pears are so beautiful and since each one is shaped differently. . it makes the bread look all the more unique and gorgeous!
Poached Pear Olive Oil Bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 small whole Bosc pears
- 1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour for brushing on the pears
For the olive oil batter:
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup extra-virgin good tasting olive oil
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- Finely grated zest and freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- non-stick baking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Bring 4 cups water and granulated sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pears; reduce heat to medium, and cook at a medium-low boil for 5 minutes or just until pears start to soften. Remove pears from pan; cool slightly. Trim the bottom off of each pear so that it is about the height of a 9 x 5–inch loaf pan. Lightly brush flour over the bottom 2/3rds of each pear.
For the olive oil bread:
- Using your electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the eggs and sugar and beat on high speed for about 3 minutes. Drizzle in the olive oil and melted butter and continue to mix. Fold in the lemon zest and juice.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet egg mixture and mix until evenly combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula if needed.
- Spray your baking pan with non-stick baking spray. Arrange your pears (brushed with the flour) in the baking loaf pan and carefully pour in the batter.
- Bake at 350° for about 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging. Cool for about 20 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Carefully remove from pan and allow to cool completely on wire rack. Slice and serve immediately.
Recipe adapted from Cooking Light.
We’re celebrating TWO years! Woot woot!!! I have so many fun memories and so many themes that I loved. I love that SundaySupper challenges me to cook or make something I may have never even thought of. I love reading everyone’s stories, posts and recipes each Sunday.
One of my favorite moments this past year with Sunday Supper was our Thanksgiving Day Sunday, where we all said what we were thankful for. The stories that were shared were so touching and meaningful. Another favorite thing was being a part of the American Family Insurance “Back To The Family Dinner Table” Sunday Supper and having our recipes included in their e-cookbook. You can download the cookbook here. It’s FREE. And my Veggie Mac and Cheese is in there! It’s just a small cookbook but it’s cool seeing our recipes there and I absolutely love what the cookbook stands for. Getting families back to the dinner table. Sitting down, reconnecting as a family and eating together. That’s what it’s all about.
I also loved the Desserts In Jars Sunday Supper. I think these photos say it all.
The lovely Liz from That Skinny Chick Can Bake is hosting today! I had the pleasure of meeting Liz at IFBC and Nancy from Gotta Get Baked. Liz bakes the most gorgeous desserts, cakes, pies, tarts. . you name it. I am always in awe of her recipes and photography. And she is the sweetest person!
So, without further ado. . Happy TWO years, Sunday Supper!! Let’s see what everyone is bringing to the table!
Brilliant Breads and Breakfast Fare:
- Brioche aux Pépites de Chocolat from Food Lust People Love
- Broccoli, Potato & Cheese Egg Cups from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Celebration Strawberry Crepes from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Homemade Brioche from Masala Herb
- Onion Cheddar Cheese Focaccia from Flour On My Face
- Poached Pear Bread from Hip Foodie Mom
Amazing Appetizers and Cocktails:
- Blood Orange Gin Fizz from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Blue Cheese Walnut Tarts from Magnolia Days
- Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Stuffed Butternut Squash from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Cheesy Twists from What Smells So Good?
- Key Lime Pie Martini from girlichef
- Pizza Dip from The Food Army Wife
- Slow Cooker Party Mix from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
Spectacular Soups and Salads:
- Creamy, Tangy Bacon Salad Dressing from Daily Dish Recipes
- Day at the Beach Healthy Tuna Salad from Shockingly Delicious
- Low Carb Spicy Chunky Vegetable Beef Chili from Yours and Mine Are Ours
- Luscious Fruit Salad from Pescetarian Journal
- Quinoa and Buffalo Chicken Salad from In the Kitchen with KP
Enticing Entrees:
- Carne de Porco Alentejana | Portuguese Pork and Clams from Family Foodie
- Chicken Shami Kebab from Soni’s Food
- Chicken and Rice Dinner in the Crock from Momma’s Meals
- Curried Chicken from The Foodie Patootie
- Healthy Chicken Tetrazzini from Citronlimette
- Imagination Stew from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Orecchiette with Chicken, Brocccoli, Mushrooms and Onions from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Runny Egg Risotto from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Sautéed Chicken with Tarragon Cream Sauce plus Arugula, Radicchio and Escarole Salad from Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Seafood Stew from Healthy. Delicious.
- Spice-Crusted Fish Tacos with Confetti Salsa from The Weekend Gourmet
- Spicy Roasted Squash and Wild Rice Bake from Curious Cuisiniere
- Spicy Shrimp Tempura Rolls from kimchi MOM
- Spinach Proscuitto Macaroni and Cheese with Walnut Topping from Noshing with the Nolands
- Tuscan Chicken Spinach Soup with Roasted Red Pepper from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Decadent Desserts:
- Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream from The Ninja Baker
- Banana Pudding Parfaits from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Birthday Cake Macaron from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Caramel Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars from Pies and Pots
- Chocolate Mousse Torte from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Cinnamon Sugar Churros and Chocolate Sauce from Neighborfood
- Crumb Cake Brownies from Table for Seven
- Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Pops from Ruffles & Truffles
- Gluten-Free Epiphany Cake from Happy Baking Days
- Gluten-Free Vegan Coconut Cookies by Killer Bunnies, Inc
- Happy Birthday Cake Batter Truffles from Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Kahlua Toffee Ice Cream Cake from Webicurean
- Mini Chocolate Bundt Cake with Raspberry Sauce from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes from Basic N Delicious
- S’mores Snack Cake from Alida’s Kitchen
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter today! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
Oh Alice, this looks so beautiful! I saw a pear loaf just like this in a Williams Sonoma magazine as well and it totally had me drooling….so incredibly beautiful. I love how you photographed it. Bright and gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Brandi!!
Saw it, loved it! I love the use of poached pears in tarts and classic desserts. So much in fact, (I have one) on my graduation menu at school. This is so very beautiful, definite #swoon factor!
Thank you so much, Alice! This was a lot of fun and will definitely be making this one again soon!
What a fun bread to bring to the party, Alice…Looks a little challenging but fun to make, too.
Giving thanks – no matter – what time of year is always grounding for me, too.
P.s. Love seeing your little ballerina photos on FB =)
Thank you so much, Kim!
Those whole pears and olive oil in the batter make this an absolute stunner Alice! I bake with olive oil so much, and pears, I think I like them over apples! Happy sunday my wonderful friend!
thank you so much, Paula! I wasn’t sure of the combination at first and this tasted delicious!
Oh, my gosh, Alice, this is STUNNING!!! I seriously must bake this bread…you are an inspiration! It was such a joy to meet you at the IFBC…one of my favorite SS moments, too! Looking forward to cooking along with you for many Sundays to come! xo
Thank you so much, Liz! It was so AWESOME meeting you!!! and hello?! Your Chocolate Mousse Torte is gorgeous!!! Looking forward to cooking along you as well! Cheers!
Oh my. Oh WOW. Your bread is STUNNING!!! It’s a masterpiece and something to make for a very special event like this two year anniversary.
Awh, thank you so much, Renee!!! 🙂
I can’t get over how beautiful this bread is! It sounds wonderful, and it’s such a showstopper….
Thank you so much, Katie! I’m hoping everyone tries this one!
What a show stopper! I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything like it! This is a perfect party dish and a real conversation starter too!
Thank you so much, Renee!!! yes, this is definitely dinner party or party dish material! 🙂
Excuse my language, but holy shit. (There are no other words to describe what I think about your dish for today.) This bread is beautiful. I just…I have no other words. 🙂
haha, thank you Jennifer!!! 🙂
Gorgeous Alice! So glad to have met you through Sunday Supper!
Thank you, Amy! Me too!!! I will look into plane tickets!!
Alice, seriously — this cake is a work of art! Absolutely spectacular. Thank you for being such a big part of the Sunday Supper Family and sharing inspiring recipes like this one week after week!!!!
Isabel, thank you so much! That means so much coming from you. . I am going to try to make it to the conference this year! I have to meet you! 🙂 Cheers!
This is SO pretty…I saw it in the back of my magazine this week and wanted to make it too! Good to know it can be made with a variety of cake batters. Yummy!
Thank you so much, Wendy! Yes, Cooking Light!
I opened your link, Alice, and when I scrolled down, I gotta tell you that my first reaction was an audible, “Ooooo, fancy!.” (Yes, sadly, I speak to myself.) What a gorgeous cake! This is definitely worthy of a celebration!
haha, thank you so much Stacy! I talk to myself all the time. . 🙂
I can’t wait to make this bread. It looks spectacular.
Thank you so much, Marie!!! Let me know how it goes!
Never seen anything like this and my mother would have loved it as where I grew up we had tons of pear trees on our property from an old orchard. Simply divine!!
Thank you so much, Tara!!
Wow this is amazing! I love pears and this is a great way to REALLY love them! What a fabulous recipe! Happy Sunday to you and yours!
Thank you so much, Tammi! I hope you give the recipe a try!
Holey Socks!!! This is GORGEOUS!!!! Happy “Birthday!” 😀
Conni, haha thank you SO much!
What an attractive and unusual cake – such a great idea and a wonderful combination of flavours.
Oh. My. God. This is just about the most delicious thing I’ve ever seen! Poached pears make me weak in the knees.
Lauren, I love this comment. . thank you so much! Poached Pears make me weak in the knees too! 🙂
What an impressive and beautiful bread! My grandma used to make a pear bread recipe, but it was nothing close to how fancy this looks. Stumbled and pinned! 🙂
Thank you so much, Alida!!! 🙂
This bread is stunning! I want it for my birthday too 🙂
thank you, Laura! I think you would really love this!
WOWSER that is one inventive bread/cake! It is pretty wonderful, the way those pears just salute you!
I have loved being a part of Sunday Supper, and cooking along with everyone each week.
Cheers to another great year!
Thank you so much, Dorothy! I feel the same way! Cheers!
WOW – look at that beauty. Simply stunning 🙂
Yay for Sunday Supper – I am so glad we met 🙂
Thank you so much Bea!
This is such a stunner, and I love olive oil cakes. I made my first one a couple of years ago, and I was sold. They’re so moist. And I love the pear baked inside. When I was in school, we did a gingerbread that way with seckle pears and it was fabulous. I’d forgotten all about it until now. Thanks, and pinned!!
Thank you so much Susan!! Ah, gingerbread and seckled pears. . delicious .. must try!!
I cut this recipe out to make it after I saw it because it’s so gorgeous! You did an amazing job with it!
What a beautiful presentation! and an interesting flavor combo.
Oh wow, this is so elegant. Thanks for being part of this community, I learn so much from everyone else and I’m constantly inspired.
Built in fruit! Better than adding jelly. So cool Alice!
I’m speechless. That bread is so creative and presented so beautifully. I wouldn’t even thought to conceptualize something like this. Completely impressed.
Awh, thank you so much!!! 🙂 you are too sweet! thank you!!!
Oh, your bread looks so good! I want to reach through the scree and try some, and I don’t even like pears! Thanks for sharing the awesome memories as well. HUGS!
This is beautiful! I can not wait to give this recipe a try!
Wow, how creative you are! I’ve never heard of or seen Poached Pear Bread. Wonderful photos too!
This is a gorgeous way to celebrate! Thanks for being part of the crowd 🙂
Absolutely stunning! Alice, I cannot get over how gorgeous this cake/bread is… and I love the flavor combination. Poached pears + olive oil sounds divine! Congratulations to you and all the other Sunday Supper contributors 🙂
Thank you so much, Allie!!! the flavor combination is a huge winner in my book! 🙂
My mum once made this aeons ago, also with Bosc pears. I am not sure if I liked it and anyway I was a kid so my flavor choice was way different. We don’t get these gorgeous pears here so I might try your recipe with Anjou pears.
Helene, oh let me know how it turns out!
What an interesting idea. Poached pears are so good! I’ve never had one baked into bread before, I bet it’s fabulous!
Oh wow!Your cake is absolutely stunning and we also love fruits in our cake 🙂 The Olive oil batter must taste so so good with the pear and I cannot wait to try this! Its been a pleasure cooking Sunday Suppers with you!
Such a pretty bread! I’m all about olive oil based quick breads now that I just made one recently and I used the same brand of oil as you!
SO gorgeous — just Pinned your photo. I’m not even a big fan of pears, but I really want to try making this bread.
If this bread even tastes half as good as it looks I am going to be in heaven. I have to make this one.
Brilliant girl! This is just so very pretty.
Crackage! HA! I’d eat that amazing bread, cracks or no cracks! I am sure it was delicious! Gorgeous photos, Alice.
This is crazy cool Alice. Who knew you could put whole fruit into a loaf of bread?
You’re poaching the pears first. . but yeah, totally cool! 🙂
whoah, these look elegantly beautiful, perfect for any dinner party or special occasion.
i am very excited to try your recipes. i have a couple printed out and can’t wait to try them out 🙂
Thank you so much!
Wow, neat! I’ve never seen anything like this. Gives me ideas to put all kinds of fruit and veggies in bread. I linked to your post at http://www.rawinthemiddle.com/link-love-9/
Wow that’s gorgeous! I never would have thought to bake the pears into the bread that way, but I’ll bet it was amazing!
This is such a fabulous post, Alice. My mouth literally dropped open in awe when I first saw your photos of the sliced loaf. Complete and total gorgessity. I’d never have thought of baking whole poached fruit into a quick bread. This must’ve tasted amazing! I have loved being a part of Sunday Supper. It’s connected me with such incredible people and I was thrilled when you joined because you are a perfect match for the mission and the movement. Needless to say, meeting you, Liz and other SS participants and bloggers was the highlight of my 2013. Here’s to many more years of #SS!
Awh, Nancy. . you are the sweetest! yes, I totally agree. . we’re all connected in some way and understand each other. . I hope we are able to meet up again. . if not this year, next year? 🙂 thank you so much!! yes, this olive oil bread with the poached pear was fabulous. . totally making it again . .
wwooowww, look so nice and tasty, I never try this kind of breakfast and the way it looks, I think is delicious
Thank you! I was quite happy with how this one turned out! 🙂
Simply gorgeous! Perfect party food indeed, the pears looks so wonderfully soft and moist in the cake! love to try this if I could get those pears at this time of year.
This is such a neat idea!
thank you, Nicole!
Thank You so much for sharing this lovely recipe.
I am very well impressed with the taste and looks that I got at home.
Definitely gonna share this with friends.