Looking for the coziest fall bake that fills your kitchen with the sweet scent of cinnamon and pears? This Spiced Pear Bread recipe is just the thing. Made with ripe, juicy pears and warm spices, it’s the kind of loaf that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re serving it with tea or packing slices in lunchboxes, this quick bread delivers comfort in every bite. We’ll walk you through the ingredients, mixing steps, and baking tips—all while keeping the Spiced Pear Bread recipe simple and foolproof. Ready to mix, bake, and make your kitchen smell amazing?
Table of Contents
My Grandma’s Fall Favorite
I still remember the first time I made this Spiced Pear Bread recipe with my grandma. We had a couple of pears that were too soft for snacking, but she saw potential. “Perfect for baking,” she said, handing me a grater. I thought we were making banana bread—but no, this was better. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and those soft, juicy pear shreds created something so tender, it was almost cake. That recipe got scribbled on a note card and taped to her fridge, and I’ve been making it every fall since.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This Spiced Pear Bread recipe isn’t just nostalgic—it’s practical. It’s a great way to use up ripe pears, and it doesn’t demand fancy tools. Just two bowls, a whisk, and a loaf pan. Plus, it’s adaptable. Want to swap oil for butter? Go for it. Need it nut-free? Just skip the walnuts. It’s sweetened with brown sugar for depth and a hint of molasses, and the spices balance perfectly without overpowering the pear. You’ll find it holds together well, stays moist for days, and toasts like a dream the next morning.
Naturally, you can pair this bread with a cozy breakfast spread like this microwave mayo omelet or round out a brunch table with vegan blueberry muffins.
Ingredients & How to Make It
Choosing the Best Pears for Baking
To get the best flavor and moisture, always start with ripe—almost overripe—pears. They should be soft to the touch but not mushy. Bosc or Bartlett pears work great. For this spiced pear bread, you’ll peel and grate the pears rather than dicing. Grated pear blends into the batter more evenly and adds natural moisture without chunks. It’s the secret behind the bread’s tender crumb.
You can try this technique in other fruity bakes too, like this fruit and ricotta cake that balances juicy ingredients with a smooth base.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring this comforting loaf to life:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ripe pears (grated) | 1 cup (about 2 pears, peeled) |
| All-purpose flour | 1½ cups |
| Brown sugar (packed) | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Vegetable oil or melted butter | ½ cup |
| Eggs (large) | 2 |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | ½ tsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Nutmeg | ¼ tsp |
| Ground ginger (optional) | ¼ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Chopped walnuts (optional) | ½ cup |
Spiced Pear Bread Recipe: Moist, Cozy, and Full of Fall Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and warmly spiced pear bread made with ripe pears, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks.
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 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp grated nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×5 loaf pan.
2. Whisk together eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Stir in grated pear.
4. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
5. Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
6. Gently fold in walnuts, if using.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top.
8. Bake 45–55 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
10. Slice and serve warm or cool.
Notes
Use overripe pears for best texture.
Add raw sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
Bread freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
How to Make Spiced Pear Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, both sugars, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in the grated pear until evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined—don’t overmix!
- Fold in walnuts, if you’re using them.
- Pour into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, checking with a toothpick.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy warm or at room temp. It pairs beautifully with coffee or alongside a light brunch like this pasta bean salad.
Variations, Storage, and Serving Tips
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic spiced pear bread recipe, there are plenty of ways to mix it up. One delicious twist is adding chopped dried cranberries or raisins for a bit of tart sweetness. You can also toss in a handful of chocolate chips if you want a dessert-style loaf. If you’re leaning toward healthier swaps, try using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or coconut oil in place of vegetable oil.
Feeling inspired? You’ll love experimenting the same way with recipes like chewy vegan monster cookies—another bake that lets you customize ingredients without stress.
If you need a gluten-free version, consider replacing the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just remember, the batter might bake a bit differently, so keep an eye on the oven.
How to Store and Freeze Spiced Pear Bread
This bread holds up wonderfully. Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresher longer, refrigerate it for 3–4 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds or warm it in a low oven.
Wondering if you can freeze spiced pear bread? Absolutely. Wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) in plastic and then foil, then place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven. It’s just as good the second time around—especially slathered with butter or cream cheese.
And if you’re looking to pair this loaf with another homemade bite, try a spread from marinated red onions to make a tangy-sweet open-face toast moment.
Serving Suggestions for All Occasions
This spiced pear bread is tasty enough to stand on its own, but it also shines with a few cozy add-ons. Try it:
- Warm with a pat of salted butter for breakfast.
- With cream cheese and honey as an afternoon snack.
- Lightly toasted and topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Planning brunch? Set it out alongside sizzling spaghetti or natural mounjaro recipe for a sweet and savory combo your guests won’t forget.
FAQ
What is Spiced Pear Bread?
Spiced Pear Bread is a moist, tender quick bread made with grated ripe pears and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes ginger. This Spiced Pear Bread Recipe blends fruity sweetness with comforting spice, creating a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat. Unlike banana bread, pear bread is softer and a little more fragrant—thanks to the pears and that rich vanilla note.
Can I freeze Spiced Pear Bread?
Yes! One of the best things about this Spiced Pear Bread Recipe is how freezer-friendly it is. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store individual slices in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight at room temperature or reheat gently in the oven.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The top of your Spiced Pear Bread should be golden brown and gently spring back when touched. The best way to test is to insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it looks wet or gooey, bake it for a few more minutes and test again.
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
Fresh is best for this Spiced Pear Bread Recipe, especially if you want that naturally juicy texture and subtle flavor. But if you’re in a pinch, yes—you can use canned pears. Just be sure to drain them very well and pat them dry with paper towels. Then grate or mash before folding into the batter. Avoid pears packed in syrup, as they’ll make the bread overly sweet.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Spiced Pear Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy bake that’s as easy as it is satisfying, this Spiced Pear Bread Recipe truly checks every box. It uses pantry staples, comes together in under 20 minutes of prep, and fills your kitchen with the irresistible smell of fall spices and baked fruit. Whether you’re slicing it for breakfast, gifting it to friends, or sneaking a late-night piece straight from the fridge, this recipe delivers every time.
Make it once, and you’ll be baking it again and again—just like I do, every fall without fail. And don’t forget, it pairs beautifully with savory dishes like salmon pasta . Follow me for more delicious recipes on Pinterest and Medium.
