Pear Pecan Bread

Pears and pecans are a match made in heaven. And this easy and delicious pear pecan bread will become your new fall favorite quick bread!

This pear pecan bread was the first recipe I ever baked with pears. To be honest, I grew up mainly eating canned pears because we didn't have access to quality fresh pears. Fast forward to marrying a farmer who grows commercial pears, and I haven't touched a canned pear since. There's nothing wrong with canned pears. In fact, some of our pears go to the canning market. But once you try a fresh pear, you're going to be spoiled by their sweetness and texture.

I found an old church cookbook recipe for apple bread and decided to swap out the apples for pears. Now, ten years later and a handful of ingredient swaps and additions, this pear bread has been perfected. With a moist texture and nutty flavor, this quick bread is perfect for those days when you're craving something different. This pear pecan bread delivers flavor and texture without being too sweet!

Apples and pumpkins usually take center stage in the fall. Still, I really think once you try this delicious and easy-to-make pear pecan quick bread, you'll fall in love with pears as much as I have. I recommend using fresh pears for this recipe and not canned pears. This is an excellent recipe for pear season, which typically runs from August through early October.

Quick breads are easy to whip up and the end results are so enjoyable. As a bonus, this recipe produces two loaves of delicious pear pecan bread!

This fall spiced bread is super moist, thanks to the pears, eggs, and oil. This quick bread also has brown sugar that adds moisture and a caramel sweetness.

The Best Pear Varieties for Baking

Baking throughout fall gives us plenty of chances to use seasonal ingredients. See my tips below for the best type of pear to use for baking.

• Best pear varieties for baking: Bosc, Anjou and Bartlett

• For baking, look for pears that are firm but ripe.
  • Check the neck. Apply gentle pressure to the neck of the pear with your thumb. If it yields to pressure, it’s ripe.

• If the pears are rock hard when you buy them, you will have to wait a few days for them to ripen on the counter.

• Mushy pears aren't good for baking, so don't use them for this recipe.

How to Make Pear Pecan Bread

Making pear pecan quick bread is easy and fast. First, start by preheating your oven and preparing two 8x4 inch loaf pans by lightly greasing. I love these loaf pans from USA PAN – and they are made in America!

In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and ground cardamon) together.

In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the oil, sugars and eggs, and beat well. Next, mix in the vanilla. Then gently stir in pears and pecans.

Carefully stir dry ingredients into the pear mixture. Lastly, pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake in a preheated oven for around 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out with a few moist crumbs. Check bread around the 50-minute mark so it doesn’t overcook. Every oven is different and could cook faster or slower. It might take your bread a little less time or a little longer. 

How to Store Pear Pecan Bread

Allow loaves to cool in pans for at least 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and keep on the counter for up to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Pear Pecan Bread?

Yes, you can freeze pear pecan bread. Once the bread is baked and is completely cooled, double wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip top freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Check out some of my other pear recipes, such as Mini Chai Spiced Pear Pies, Browned Butter Spiced Pear Bundt Cake and Bourbon Pear Pie with Oat Pecan Crumble.

Cheers!

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