Pear Zucchini Bread
A moist and flavorful zucchini bread infused with the sweetness of pears and warm spices. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this bread combines hearty whole wheat flour with nuts for added crunch. Its comforting aroma and balanced flavors make it a favorite for family gatherings or casual tea time.
Ingredients
- 3 c. whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. pears, chopped and peeled or canned pear halves, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. zucchini, finely shredded
- 1 c. oil ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 c. pecans, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix in a medium bowl the first five ingredients: flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: pears, sugar, brown sugar, zucchini, oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix well until just combined.
- Add the chopped pecans to the wet ingredients and mix gently.
- Pour the batter evenly into two sprayed loaf pans.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaves for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Remove the bread from pans and cool thoroughly on a wire rack.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and store overnight before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can work well. Ensure the zucchini is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the bread. Consider adding a handful of chocolate chips for a delicious twist, or try using different nuts like walnuts instead of pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of pear zucchini bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps spread with a bit of cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for brunch. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a scoop of yogurt for a balanced meal. For dessert, it can be enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the whole loaf in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Zucchini Bread contains roughly 382 calories, with 2g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Absolutely! You can substitute apples or even mashed bananas for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the fruit is well-prepared, chopped, or mashed to integrate well into the batter. Each option will lend a unique taste and texture to the bread.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum, which helps replicate the texture of wheat flour. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free bread may need slight adjustments.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The best way to check if the bread is done is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. Additionally, the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan, and the top should be golden brown.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).