The first time I made pear bread, I didn’t plan on it. A bowl of overripe pears sat on my counter, too soft for snacking but too fragrant to waste. Instead of tossing them, I mashed them into a batter, added a generous shake of cinnamon, and hoped for the best. What came out of the oven was nothing short of magic—a golden, tender loaf bursting with juicy pear flavor and warm spices.
If you’ve ever found yourself with too many ripe pears, this pear bread recipe is your solution. It’s softer than banana bread, more delicate than zucchini bread, and filled with natural sweetness. Whether you enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or toasted with a drizzle of honey, each bite feels like a cozy hug.
So, let’s turn those pears into something unforgettable. Trust me—you’ll wish you had extra pears more often.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Pear Bread Special?
There are plenty of quick breads out there, banana, zucchini, pumpkin, but pear bread has a charm all its own. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
Juicy Pears Keep It Incredibly Moist
Unlike banana bread, which relies on mashed fruit, this pear bread bakes with chunks of real pear folded into the batter. As the bread bakes, the pears soften and release their natural juices, creating a tender crumb that stays moist for days.
Aromatic Spices for a Warm, Cozy Flavor
Cinnamon and nutmeg complement the natural sweetness of pears, adding just the right amount of spice. If you want to elevate the flavor even more, a pinch of ginger or cardamom can bring a subtle warmth and depth.
Simple to Make, Yet Feels Special
This recipe doesn’t require a mixer or complicated steps—just a bowl, a whisk, and a handful of basic ingredients. It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s as easy as banana bread but offers a fresh, unique twist.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Pear bread is just as welcome at breakfast as it is for dessert. Enjoy a warm slice with butter, toast it and drizzle with honey, or serve it alongside a cup of coffee. It also freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand for a quick homemade treat.
If you love easy, homemade bakes that feel just a little bit special, this pear bread is about to become a new favorite. Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients & What to Prepare
A great loaf of pear bread starts with the right ingredients. This recipe keeps things simple, but a few key choices make all the difference in flavor and texture.
Choosing the Best Pears
Not all pears are created equal when it comes to baking. For the best results, use Bartlett or Anjou pears—they’re naturally sweet, juicy, and hold their shape beautifully in the oven. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Ripe but firm pears work best. Too soft, and they’ll release too much moisture; too firm, and they won’t fully soften while baking.
- Peel or no peel? It’s up to you! Peeling gives a smoother texture, while leaving the skins on adds a rustic touch.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Loaf
Beyond pears, here’s what makes this bread flavorful and well-balanced:
- Warm spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the pears’ natural sweetness. A pinch of cardamom or ginger can add extra depth.
- Moisture-rich base: Butter (or oil) and eggs help create a tender crumb.
- Just the right sweetness: Sugar adds structure and sweetness without overpowering the fruit’s natural flavor.
- A balanced rise: Baking soda and baking powder ensure the perfect lift.
Quick Prep Tips for Best Results
- Dice pears evenly to ensure every bite has soft, juicy fruit.
- Pat the pears dry if they’re extra juicy—too much moisture can lead to soggy bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter—a gentle stir keeps the bread light and fluffy.
Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to bring it all together. Find the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Printable Recipe: Pear Bread Recipe
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Pear Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This pear bread recipe is incredibly moist, naturally sweet, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this easy quick bread is a great way to use up ripe pears. Serve warm with butter or a drizzle of honey for a cozy treat.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ripe pears, diced (Bartlett or Anjou)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare the pears: Peel (optional), core, and dice into small chunks. Pat dry if very juicy.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the diced pears.
Combine: Gently stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
For extra flavor: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips to the batter.
Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Pear bread recipe, moist pear bread, easy pear bread, quick bread recipe
Pear Bread, Your Way: Tasty Variations to Try
One of the best things about this pear bread recipe is its versatility. Whether you need a gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar option, a few simple tweaks can make it just right for you.
Gluten-Free Pear Bread
Making this pear bread recipe gluten-free is easy with the right flour choice.
- Best swap: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If it lacks xanthan gum, add 1 teaspoon for structure.
- Moisture matters: Gluten-free flours absorb more liquid, so if the batter is too thick, stir in a tablespoon of milk or water.
- Try einkorn flour: This ancient grain is easier to digest and adds a slightly nutty flavor.
👉 Love experimenting with flours? Try our Einkorn Bread Recipe for another delicious homemade loaf!
Vegan Pear Bread
Skipping dairy and eggs? Pears naturally keep this pear bread recipe moist, and these swaps make it completely plant-based:
- Flax eggs: Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes.
- Butter alternative: Use coconut oil, vegetable oil, or plant-based butter.
- Natural sweeteners: Swap sugar for maple syrup or coconut sugar.
👉 For more plant-based baking, check out our Vegan Breakfast Recipes!
Sugar-Free Pear Bread
This pear bread recipe is naturally sweet, but here’s how to cut refined sugar:
- Replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or mashed bananas.
- Use extra ripe pears for more natural sweetness.
- Reduce liquid slightly to maintain the right texture.
👉 Interested in naturally sweet breakfasts? Discover more wholesome flavors in The Magic of Middle Eastern Breakfast.
No matter how you customize it, this pear bread recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy ripe pears. Now, let’s answer some common baking questions!
FAQs About Pear Bread Recipes
Here are answers to some common questions about baking and enjoying pear bread.
Do I need to peel the pears for this pear bread recipe?
Not necessarily! If you prefer a smoother texture, peel them. If you like a more rustic feel, leave the skins on—they soften beautifully while baking.
How do I keep my pear bread from getting soggy?
Excess moisture from pears can lead to a dense or soggy loaf. To prevent this:
Use ripe but firm pears—overripe ones release too much juice.
Pat diced pears dry before adding them to the batter.
If the batter seems too wet, mix in an extra tablespoon of flour.
Can I freeze pear bread?
Yes! This pear bread recipe freezes beautifully. Slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
What’s the best way to store pear bread?
Room temperature: Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.
Freezer: Stays good for 3 months when properly wrapped
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
Fresh pears work best, but you can use canned pears if drained well. Be sure to pat them dry and reduce any added sugar in the recipe since canned pears are often packed in syrup.
What’s the Best Pear for Baking?
Bartlett and Anjou pears are the best choices for pear bread. They’re sweet, juicy, and hold their shape well during baking. Bosc pears are also excellent if you prefer a firmer texture.
Bake, Slice, and Savor Every Bite
There’s something special about baking a loaf of homemade pear bread—the way the sweet, spiced aroma fills your kitchen, the golden crust that crackles just a little as it cools, and that first warm slice, soft and fragrant, melting on your tongue.
Whether you keep it classic, go gluten-free or vegan, or add nuts and chocolate for an indulgent twist, this pear bread recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s simple, cozy, and just the right balance of sweet and spiced—the kind of recipe that turns ordinary pears into something unforgettable.
So, what’s your favorite way to enjoy pear bread? Toasted with butter? A drizzle of honey? Maybe even transformed into French toast? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!
“Baking is more than just mixing ingredients—it’s about filling your home with warmth, your kitchen with memories, and your table with something made from the heart.”