There’s something truly magical about the comforting aroma of spices mingling with sweet, ripe pears in the oven, and that’s exactly what this spiced pear bread recipe delivers. Perfect for cool mornings or cozy afternoons, this quick bread captures the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger while letting the natural sweetness of juicy pears shine through. Whether you’re baking for brunch, gifting to a neighbour, or just treating yourself, it’s a nostalgic loaf that feels both homey and special.
What makes this version shine is its relative balance of moisture without being heavy and sweet but not cloying, with just enough spice to make things interesting. Chopped fresh pears lead it to a soft, juicy texture, and warm spices mean you get fall flavour in every bite. It’s easy to whip together in just one bowl and bring together in less than 15 minutes before baking.
This spiced pear bread just so happens to be no exception to that rule. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or toast it for breakfast, and enjoy a slice with afternoon tea. You can even top it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze to make it look bakery-worthy. However you carve it, this bread is a comforting classic that you’re going to want to make on repeat.
What Is Spiced Pear Bread?
The spiced Pear Bread Recipe is a delicious combination of fruit and spice baked into a tender cake-like bread. It’s a variation of quick bread with no yeast involved, similar to banana bread or zucchini bread, but with fresh pears as the star. While the bread bakes, the pears turn soft and juicy and practically dissolve into the crumb, adding moisture as well as sweetness.
Aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give the bread a rich, inviting flavour that’s perfect for cooler months, afternoon tea, or even holiday breakfast tables. It’s rustic, comforting, and easy to make with everyday pantry ingredients.
Why This Spiced Pear Bread Recipe Is a Must-Try
Not only does this recipe taste good, but it’s foolproof. Even if you’re not a pro baker, the method is simple: combine wet ingredients, fold in dry, pour into a loaf pan and bake. The ripe pears offer plenty of natural sweetness and moisture to keep the bread tender and tasty for days without extra sugar or oil.
What really makes this recipe stand out is its texture: light and fluffy with a rich, moist crumb. Whether you’re baking for family, company, or only yourself, this is the kind of wholesome treat you’ll make again and again. It also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it bakes pure comfort in loaf form.
Choosing the Right Pears for the Recipe
Fresh, ripe, but not overly mushy pears work best. Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc are ideal varieties because they hold their shape well and offer just the right amount of sweetness. Avoid canned pears or overly ripe fruit, which can cause the bread to turn out soggy or overly sweet.
Pro Tip: If the pear skin is thick or grainy, peel it before chopping. If the skins are soft and smooth, you can leave them on for extra fibre and nutrients.
Health Benefits of Spiced Pear Bread
This comfort food isn’t just delicious, it also comes with a few nutritional perks thanks to its fruit base and simple ingredients.
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pears | High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Promotes digestion and heart health. |
| Cinnamon | May help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation. |
| Ginger | Aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Whole Wheat Flour (optional) | Adds fiber and helps regulate blood sugar levels. |
| Eggs | Provide protein and healthy fats. |
For a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar, use unsweetened applesauce, or substitute half the flour with whole wheat.
Spiced Pear Bread Recipe From OoohDelish!
Spiced Pear Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan 9×5 inch preferred
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
- 1 Grater For fresh pears
- 1 Whisk For mixing wet ingredients
- 1 Spatula For folding in dry ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated pear about 2 ripe pears peeled and grated
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 eggs large
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon ground
- ¼ tsp nutmeg freshly grated if possible
- ¼ tsp ground ginger optional
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the grated pear to the wet mixture and stir well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in chopped walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice, serve warm or cool ; delicious on its own or with a smear of butter or cream cheese!
Notes
- Use overripe pears for the juiciest texture and richest flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of raw sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
- Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days; also freezer-friendly.
The Spice Mix: What Brings It All Together
The warm spices in this bread are key to its cozy, nostalgic taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs beautifully with pears.
- Ground ginger: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Boosts warmth and flavour complexity.
- Optional: Allspice or cloves for an extra festive aroma.
You can also use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice. If you’re in a pinch, adjust the measurements slightly.
Creative Twists and Add-Ins
Want to get creative? Try these optional additions:
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch.
- Dried fruit: Raisins, dates, or cranberries add texture and chew.
- Glaze: A drizzle of powdered sugar glaze or maple icing on top.
- Crumb topping: Make a cinnamon streusel for bakery-style flair.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Spiced pear bread keeps well, making it a great make-ahead bake.
- Room Temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Slice and wrap each piece individually or freeze the whole loaf in a double layer of plastic and foil for up to 2 months.
To serve, thaw at room temp or warm a slice in the toaster.
Serving Suggestions for Spiced Pear Bread
- Snack: Perfect with coffee or chai tea on a cozy afternoon.
- Breakfast: Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
- Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs or yogurt.
- Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion: Spiced Pear Bread Recipe
There’s something classic about the Spiced Pear Bread Recipe: its rustic simplicity, the heavenly scents wafting through the kitchen, and the comfort your taste buds experience from one bite of this soft, spiced treat. Whether it’s for breakfast to give as a gift in the festive season or just over a cup of tea, this recipe combines the warmth of nostalgia with wholesome goodness. It combines the sweet juiciness of pears and the warmth of cinnamon into a loaf that feels like a hug on wintry days.
The magic with this loaf, though, is just how adjustable it is. You can make it more or less rich, dress it up with glazes or nuts, or make mini loaves to share. It’s easy enough for beginners but still rewarding for experienced bakers. The ingredients are simple, but the result is anything but. It’s the perfect weekend bake, and it freezes like a dream, so you’re never far from a piece of homemade comfort.
What sets this loaf apart is the fact that it’s incredibly adaptable. You can go lighter or richer; you can dress it up with glazes or nuts; you can make mini loaves to share. It’s forgiving enough for novices but still satisfying for veterans. The ingredients may be rudimentary, but the outcome is anything but. It’s a dream to freeze and a perfect weekend bake, so you’re never far from homemade treats.
FAQs: Spiced Pear Bread Recipe
What is Spiced Pear Bread?
Spiced Pear Bread is a moist quick bread made with ripe pears, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and often enhanced with nuts or raisins. It’s a cozy, lightly sweet loaf perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pears, but make sure to drain them well and reduce added sugar slightly as canned pears are typically preserved in syrup.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. This typically takes about 50–60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Can I freeze Spiced Pear Bread?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I serve with Spiced Pear Bread?
This bread pairs wonderfully with cream cheese, a pat of butter, or even a drizzle of honey. It’s also great with tea or a spiced latte.
Is Spiced Pear Bread healthy?
While it’s a treat, it can be made healthier by using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or adding ground flaxseeds for fiber.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and oil. The result is still moist and flavorful.
🍐 Share Your Twist on Spiced Pear Bread!
Did you add a drizzle of maple glaze? Maybe swapped in cardamom for a bold flavor punch? We’d love to see how you made this Spiced Pear Bread your own!
✨ Whether you added nuts, made it vegan, or gave it a fun holiday spin; share your twist and get featured on Oooh Delish!
📩 Send your version (with photo and your name) to: contact@ooohdelish.com
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