Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup diced ripe pears, peeled and cored
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced pears and walnuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.