Fresh Pear Bread

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 55 min. + cooling

Makes

2 loaves (16 pieces each)

Updated: Oct. 04, 2023
When our tree branches are loaded with ripe and juicy fruit, I treat my family and friends to lots of easy pear recipes. I always receive raves and requests for this particular pear bread recipe because of the mix of fun ingredients.—Linda Patrick, Houston, Texas

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups finely chopped peeled ripe pears (about 4 medium)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; stir into the egg mixture just until moistened. Toss pears with lemon juice. Stir pears and walnuts into batter (batter will be thick).
  2. Spoon into 2 greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Pear Bread Tips

Can you substitute any other fruits in this recipe?

Apples or Asian pears would be a terrific substitute for the pears in this recipe. Berries and stone fruits (like plums or peaches) would be too soft and yield too much juice. Be sure to check out these other quick bread recipes that you can make in a loaf pan.

Can you freeze pear bread?

Yes, you can freeze pear bread! Once the bread has baked and is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Learn how to freeze bread.

How can I jazz up pear bread?

To jazz up pear bread, we recommend adding a streusel topping! Mix up the streusel from Streusel Cranberry Oat Muffins; sprinkle over the bread batter and bake as directed. If the streusel begins to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with a sheet of foil until the end of the baking time. Need more pear recipes? Take a look at our favorite pear recipes, or get a more detailed look at bread with our ultimate guide to making bread.

Research contributed by Julie Schnittka, Senior Editor and Rashanda Cobbins, Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 168 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.