Desserts

Wholemeal Pear Slice

Name: Wholemeal Pear Slice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Baking
Ingredients: 2 cups wholemeal flour; 1 cup ripe pears, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of salt

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This wholemeal pear slice is a simple, wholesome bake that brings warm spice and juicy pear into a tender, slightly nutty cake. It smells like cinnamon and warm fruit as it bakes. The crumb is moist and slightly dense from the wholemeal flour, but still soft enough to slice easily. It makes a cozy snack with tea or a light dessert after dinner.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: ~270 kcal
Protein: ~6 g
Carbohydrates: ~37 g
Fat: ~9 g
Fiber: ~4 g
Sugar: ~15 g
Sodium: ~120 mg

Why Make This Wholemeal Pear Slice

Make this slice when you want a simple, healthier-ish treat that still feels indulgent. Wholemeal flour gives a toasty, nutty flavor and a heartier texture than white flour. Ripe pears add natural sweetness and juicy pockets in every bite. The cinnamon and vanilla lift the aroma and taste. If you like pear flavors in other dishes, you might also enjoy this balsamic pear pizza for a savory-sweet twist: balsamic pear pizza.

How to Make Wholemeal Pear Slice

This slice is quick to mix and forgiving to bake. You’ll combine dry ingredients, whisk wet ingredients, fold in pears, and bake. The batter will be thick but pourable. When baked, the top will be golden and spring back gently to the touch.

Ingredients:

2 cups wholemeal flour
1 cup ripe pears, peeled and diced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish (about 20 x 20 cm / 8 x 8 in) or line it with baking paper. Peel and dice the ripe pears into roughly 1 cm pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Mixing

In a bowl, whisk together the wholemeal flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the brown sugar until slightly thickened. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix — that keeps the slice tender. Gently fold in the diced pears so they distribute evenly.

Step 3: Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes. The slice is done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will smell warmly of cinnamon and baked fruit.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the slice from the oven and let it cool in the dish for 10–15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack if you like a firmer crust on the bottom. Allow it to cool further before slicing, which helps the slices hold together. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Wholemeal Pear Slice

Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt, mascarpone, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Slice into squares for a tea-time plate or cut smaller pieces for a lunchbox treat.
Add a drizzle of honey or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness when serving.
For breakfast, warm a slice and top with ricotta and a few chopped nuts.

How to Store Wholemeal Pear Slice

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp or warm gently before serving.
Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1–2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
Tip: If the slice softens in the fridge, warm it for 10–20 seconds in the microwave or 5–7 minutes in a 160°C (325°F) oven to refresh the texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Wholemeal Pear Slice

Use ripe pears that give slightly when pressed. They sweeten well and soften while baking.
Dice pears uniformly so they cook evenly. Large chunks sink; small pieces disperse better.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour; overmixing can make the slice tough.
If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
For an extra moist slice, fold in a tablespoon of applesauce or a grated apple along with the pears.
Test doneness with a toothpick near the center, not just the edge.

Delicious Variations

Nutty Boost: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Spiced Up: Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of cloves for deeper spice notes.
Citrus Zest: Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.
Less Sweet: Reduce brown sugar to 1/3 cup and add a little maple syrup if needed.
Gluten-Free: Replace wholemeal flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if your mix lacks it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
A: You can, but drain them well and pat dry. Canned pears are softer and add extra syrupy moisture, so reduce the milk by a tablespoon to avoid a soggy batter.

Q: How do I know the slice is fully baked?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and spring back slightly when touched.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use a plant milk (almond, oat, soy) and ensure the oil and milk choices are dairy-free. The texture will be similar.

Q: Can I substitute the oil for butter?
A: Yes. Melted unsalted butter will give richer flavor. Use the same volume (1/4 cup). The slice may brown a touch more quickly.

Q: How ripe should the pears be?
A: Use pears that are ripe but still firm. They should give slightly when pressed but not be mushy. Overripe pears can make the slice too wet.

Q: Can I add extras like chocolate or dried fruit?
A: Yes. Fold in up to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped dried apricots. Keep the total extra additions to 1/2 cup to avoid altering the batter balance.

Q: How do I prevent the pears from sinking?
A: Toss the diced pears lightly in a teaspoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This gives them a little grip and helps them stay suspended.

Conclusion

This wholemeal pear slice is an easy, comforting bake with warm spice and juicy pear. It works for breakfast, snacks, or a simple dessert. The texture is pleasantly dense, the smell inviting, and the taste warmly spiced. If you want a closely related recipe or extra inspiration, check this Wholemeal pear slice recipe – Kidspot for another take on the classic: Wholemeal pear slice recipe – Kidspot

Enjoy baking — the kitchen will smell wonderful, and the first warm slice is always worth the wait.