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Apple Pear Bread pinterest

Apple Pear Bread

This Apple Pear Bread recipe transforms ordinary pantry ingredients and fall's bounty into a comforting treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. The natural sweetness and complementary textures of these fruits create a quick bread that's remarkably moist and packed with seasonal flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Silicone Spatula
  • Pastry cutter (for streusel)

Ingredients
  

For the Bread Base

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (or 1/2 cup applesauce for a lighter version)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar can reduce to 1/2 cup if using very sweet fruit
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk plant-based alternatives work well too
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 medium apple peeled, cored and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1 medium ripe pear peeled, cored and diced (Bartlett or Anjou preferred)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional

For the Optional Streusel Topping

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp cold butter cubed
  • 1/3 cup chopped nuts optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the middle. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Gently fold in the diced apple, pear, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • If using the streusel topping, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if desired.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. If using streusel, sprinkle it over the top.
  • Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after 40 minutes of baking.
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing and slicing.

Notes

For healthier alternatives, consider these substitutions:
  • Replace all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for more fiber
  • Substitute applesauce for butter to reduce fat content
  • Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index option
  • Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed for an omega-3 boost
  • For gluten-free needs, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well (may need additional 2 tablespoons of liquid)

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 195mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Apple Pear Bread, Fall Baking, Quick Bread, Fruit Bread, Autumn Recipe
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