Pear Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pear Bread is a beautifully simple dessert that allows the natural sweetness and texture of ripe pears to shine. Instead of mixing fruit into the batter, pear halves are arranged on top of the cake, where they gently settle into the surface as it bakes. The result is a moist, tender loaf with a slight sweetness from the pears and a soft crumb thanks to the yogurt-based batter. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this pear bread is a delightful treat that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
  • ½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Topping: Pear Bread Recipe

  • 1–2 small ripe but firm pears, halved and cored
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the exposed sides to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy. Add the oil, yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and whisk until smooth and fully blended.
  4. Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently using a spatula or whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.
  5. Pour and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the pear halves cut side up on top of the batter, pressing them in slightly so they rest on the surface without being fully submerged.
  6. Bake: Bake the loaf for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center (away from the pear) comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
  7. Cool and Dust: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

  • Other Fruits: Try using other fruits like apples, peaches, or plums in place of pears for a different flavor.
  • Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
  • Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth and spice, or sprinkle cinnamon over the pears before baking.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover pear bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Reheating: For a warm treat, slice and reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of yogurt?
    Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt with any plain yogurt or even a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt.
  2. Can I use other types of pears?
    While any ripe pear will work, firmer varieties like Bartlett or Bosc pears are best for this recipe to hold their shape while baking.
  3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
    Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
  4. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
    Yes, this bread actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Simply wrap it well in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
  5. Can I freeze this pear bread?
    Yes, you can freeze the bread. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  6. Can I add a glaze or frosting to this bread?
    Absolutely! A simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice or a cream cheese frosting would complement the pear flavor beautifully.
  7. Can I substitute the oil with applesauce or another fat?
    Yes, you can substitute the oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version or use melted butter for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

This Pear Bread is a simple yet elegant dessert or breakfast loaf that’s packed with natural pear flavor and a soft, tender crumb. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s a perfect recipe to bake for a cozy treat or to share with family and friends. Whether you enjoy it as is or add a few variations to suit your taste, this pear bread is a delightful way to showcase the beauty and flavor of pears. Enjoy!


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Pear Bread Recipe

Pear Bread Recipe

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pear Bread is a beautifully simple dessert that lets the natural sweetness and texture of ripe pears shine. With a moist, tender loaf and a soft crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.


Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients:

1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs

¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter

½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Topping:

1–2 small ripe but firm pears, halved and cored

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the exposed sides to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy. Add the oil, yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and whisk until smooth and fully blended.
  4. Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently using a spatula or whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.
  5. Pour and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the pear halves cut side up on top of the batter, pressing them in slightly so they rest on the surface without being fully submerged.
  6. Bake: Bake the loaf for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center (away from the pear) comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
  7. Cool and Dust: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a creamier texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt.

Try substituting pears with other fruits like apples, peaches, or plums for a different flavor.

Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.

For a spiced twist, add ground ginger or cinnamon to the batter.

Store leftover pear bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
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