Description
This Pear Cardamom Swirl Bread is a deliciously fragrant and tender loaf, featuring the natural sweetness of caramelized pears and the warm, aromatic spice of ground cardamom. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this bread offers a delightful swirl of pear filling within a soft, cardamom-spiced dough. The combination of yeast-leavened bread and fruity filling creates a moist texture and complex flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
Pear Filling
- 2 medium ripe pears, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Cook the Pear Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the diced pears with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the pears soften and become caramelized, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Fill the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the caramelized pear filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough into a log shape and then twist it to create the swirl pattern. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until it has puffed up.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use ripe pears for the best natural sweetness and flavor in the filling.
- You can substitute cardamom with cinnamon for a different spice profile.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
