Imagine the warmth of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, with the comforting aroma of ginger and ripe pear swirling in the air. This Ginger Pear Bread is not just any quick bread; it’s a sweet, spiced loaf with a crunchy pecan streusel topping that adds a delightful texture to every bite. Perfect for cool mornings, holiday brunches, or as a cozy afternoon snack, this bread brings together the sweet juiciness of pears, the zing of fresh ginger, and the crunch of pecans in a recipe that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.

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The Inspiration Behind Ginger Pear Bread

Ginger and pear are a match made in heaven, especially when combined in a warm loaf of bread. The sweetness of pears balances out the spiciness of ginger, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s perfect for fall and winter baking. This recipe takes those classic flavors and elevates them with a buttery streusel topping that provides a crunchy contrast to the soft, moist crumb of the bread. The result is a loaf that’s both comforting and sophisticated, ideal for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why Ginger Pear Bread Will Be Your New Favorite Fall Bake

This bread is packed with the flavors of fall but can easily be enjoyed year-round. The pears bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the ginger adds warmth and depth. The streusel topping, made with brown sugar and pecans, creates a buttery, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the soft interior of the bread. Plus, the recipe is simple enough to whip up on a lazy weekend morning, yet special enough to serve at a holiday brunch or as a homemade gift.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings):

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 150mg

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This bread is a deliciously satisfying treat, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or as a dessert.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Ginger Pear Bread is best enjoyed warm, either on its own or with a slather of butter. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a bit of honey over the top or spread on some cream cheese for a tangy contrast to the sweet bread. It’s a versatile loaf that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot apple cider.

This bread is also wonderful served at brunch, alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon. The spiced flavors of the ginger and sweet pear make it a perfect companion for a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack or as part of a larger meal, this Ginger Pear Bread is sure to become a favorite.

Storage Instructions

This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its freshness, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it up in the oven for a few minutes. The topping will stay crisp, and the bread will remain soft and moist, making it just as delicious as when it was first baked.

Fun Fact: Pears and Ginger – A Perfect Pair

While pears have been a staple in baking for centuries, ginger has long been revered for its medicinal and culinary uses. When combined, these two ingredients create a delightful balance of sweet and spicy. Bosc pears, used in this recipe, are known for their firm texture and ability to hold their shape during baking, making them ideal for this bread. The ginger not only adds warmth but also complements the natural sweetness of the pears, resulting in a loaf that’s full of flavor and perfectly textured.

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Cooking Tips:

• Choose Ripe Pears: Make sure your pear is ripe but firm. Overripe pears can make the bread too mushy, while under-ripe pears won’t offer enough sweetness.
• Grate Your Own Ginger: Freshly grated ginger provides the best flavor, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the amount, as ground ginger is more concentrated.
• Keep the Topping Crunchy: To ensure your pecan streusel topping stays crunchy, make sure to use cold butter when mixing it with the sugar and flour. This will create a crumbly texture that bakes to a crispy, golden finish.

Optional Variations:

• Add Dried Fruit: Add ¼ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
• Spice It Up: For an even spicier kick, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the batter.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this bread gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Drink Pairings:

• Alcoholic: A warm spiced cider or mulled wine will complement the ginger and pear flavors beautifully, adding extra warmth to the dish.
• Non-Alcoholic: Pair this bread with a hot cup of chai tea or a spiced latte to enhance the ginger notes and provide a cozy, comforting combination.

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Ginger Pear Bread Recipe

Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• ¼ cup pecans, chopped
• ½ tablespoon flour
• ½ tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Bread Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 ripe but firm pear, peeled and finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. To make the topping, combine the brown sugar, pecans, flour, and melted butter in a small bowl. Stir until crumbly and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, grated ginger, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the chopped pear until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the batter.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and serve warm, or at room temperature, with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

This Ginger Pear Bread with Pecan Streusel Topping is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With its tender crumb, sweet pear chunks, and crunchy topping, it’s a bread that feels special but is simple enough to make on any day of the week. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and enjoy the cozy, spiced flavors that make this bread a true seasonal favorite!