Apple and Pear Bread is a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful way to celebrate the bounty of autumn. This delightful recipe harmoniously blends the crisp sweetness of fall apples with the tender, juicy essence of ripe pears, creating a bread that’s simply irresistible.

Looking for more apple-inspired treats? Don’t miss this easy Apple Crisp without Oats for a gluten-friendly option, or indulge in the viral sensation of this incredible Apple Fritter Cake!

Apple and Pear Bread: Time to Bake the Ultimate Fall Treat!

As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and a crisp coolness fills the air, autumn arrives in full splendor. This magical season inspires a shift in our kitchens, calling for warm spices, comforting aromas, and the rich flavors of seasonal produce. While pumpkins often steal the spotlight with their charming presence and versatile culinary uses, let’s turn our attention to another equally captivating duo: apples and pears!

There’s nothing quite like the tradition of apple picking, a cherished activity that brings families together to gather nature’s sweet treasures. Just last weekend, I continued this beloved family tradition, even with a nine-month baby bump! Wobbling through the orchards, the joy of hand-picking crisp, ripe apples made every effort worthwhile. Returning home, my basket overflowing, the aroma of fresh fruit sparked a flurry of baking. Beyond making a batch of homemade apple butter (recipe coming soon!) and a classic apple pie, my heart was set on creating something truly special: this incredible Apple and Pear Bread. And let me tell you, it was an absolute hit, filling our home with an inviting scent and satisfying every sweet craving!

Essential Equipment for Effortless Apple and Pear Bread Baking

While this recipe is designed to be straightforward, having the right tools can make your baking experience even more enjoyable and efficient. Here’s a list of recommended equipment:

• Stand Mixer with Paddle and Dough Hook Attachments: While not strictly mandatory, a stand mixer greatly simplifies the dough-kneading process, ensuring a perfectly smooth and elastic dough without the arm workout.
• Dough Scraper: This humble tool is surprisingly useful, especially when working with slightly tacky dough. It helps immensely with handling and dividing the dough neatly.
• 9×5 Inch Loaf Pan: This is crucial for achieving the classic loaf shape. Ensure it’s properly greased and lined for easy removal.
• Cutting Board: Essential for safely chopping your apples and pears.

Remember, if you don’t have a stand mixer, don’t fret! You can absolutely knead the dough by hand. It might take a bit more time and effort, but the results will be just as rewarding. The dough scraper is a great helper for managing the dough’s initial tackiness, but a well-floured hand works too!

Crafting Your Apple and Pear Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful bread is a rewarding process, starting with the foundation of a perfectly prepared dough. The journey from simple ingredients to a golden, aromatic loaf is simpler than you might think.

The Dough: The Heart of Your Bread

Begin by combining all the dough ingredients in your stand mixer – flour, active yeast, sugar, warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. The dough hook attachment will be your best friend here. Mix on medium-low speed, observing as the ingredients come together to form a soft, supple dough. Kneading is a vital step; it develops the gluten, giving your bread its characteristic chewiness and structure. Allow the mixer to work its magic for about 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky to the touch but not sticky. Once kneaded, transfer the dough to a well-oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it has delightfully doubled in size. This primary rise is crucial for developing flavor and achieving a light, airy texture.

The Irresistible Fruit Filling

While your dough is rising, prepare your aromatic fruit filling. Dice your chosen apples and pears into small, even pieces. The combination of sweet and slightly tart apples, like Honeycrisp, with tender, fragrant pears, such as Bosc, creates a balanced flavor profile. Toss the chopped fruit with a hint of lemon juice (this prevents browning and brightens the flavors), a touch of sugar, and a generous blend of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. These spices truly evoke the essence of autumn, infusing the fruit with comforting warmth.

Assembling and Baking Your Loaf

Once your dough has completed its first rise, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a long, slender log, approximately 24 inches in length. From these logs, cut about 24 one-inch pieces, then roll each piece into a small, uniform ball. These dough balls are the magical components that will cradle your spiced fruit.

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold the dough balls into your prepared fruit mixture, ensuring each little ball is thoroughly coated with the delicious spices and fruit juices. This method ensures that every slice of bread will be bursting with flavor. Carefully transfer the coated dough and fruit into your prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan, distributing it evenly. Cover the pan and let the dough rise a second time in a warm, draft-free spot. You’ll know it’s ready for the oven when it looks wonderfully puffy and has nearly doubled in size again, holding a slight indentation when gently poked.

Before baking, an egg wash can be brushed over the top for a beautiful golden crust. Bake your bread for approximately 55 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and cooked through. The heavenly aroma filling your kitchen will be your first reward! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it’s cooling, whip up the simple apple cider glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, apple cider, a touch of nutmeg, and a splash of milk. Drizzle this luscious glaze generously over the cooled bread, and voilà – your magnificent Apple and Pear Bread is ready to be devoured!

What to Serve with Your Apple and Pear Bread

This versatile Apple and Pear Bread is delightful on its own, but its unique flavor profile makes it an excellent companion to a variety of dishes. One of my absolute favorite pairings is a classic breakfast of crispy bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs. The irresistible sweetness of the bread beautifully complements the savory richness of bacon and eggs, creating a truly memorable meal. It’s a flavor combination that “pears” perfectly, if I do say so myself! 😉

For a simpler indulgence, a slice of this bread, lightly toasted and slathered with a pat of good quality butter or a generous spread of homemade apple butter, is pure bliss. It’s also incredibly comforting when enjoyed with a warm beverage. Imagine cozying up with a mug of spiced mulled apple cider or a rich hot chocolate on a chilly autumn afternoon, paired with a slice of this wholesome fruit bread. It’s a moment of pure culinary heaven, trust me!

Beyond breakfast and casual snacks, this bread can also elevate your brunch spread or even serve as a light dessert. Consider serving it with a dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat.

More Fall-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love!

If you’re eager to continue your autumn culinary adventure, here are a few more recipes that celebrate the best of the season:

• Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Frosting
• Homemade Pear Cider
• Cinnamon Apple Bread
• Caramel Apple Hand Pies
• Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken
• Apple and Honey Upside Down Cake
• Apple Pie Filling

This blog post and recipe for Apple and Pear Bread was crafted in partnership with Bake From Scratch Magazine! Your continued support means the world.

Apple and Pear Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

By Britney

Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 10 servings

Apple and Pear Bread is a fun way to use your Fall apples and pair it with sweet and juicy pears to make this delightful bread!

Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C to 115°F/46°C), (120 grams)
• 1 package (7 grams) Platinum Instant Yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, (384 grams)
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, (60 grams)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, (7.5 grams)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and warm (110°F/43°C to 115°F/46°C), (76 grams)
• 3 large eggs (150 grams), room temperature

For the Filling:

• 2/3 cups chopped Bosc pear, (115 grams)
• 2/3 cups chopped Honeycrisp apple, (92 grams)
• 1 tablespoon sugar, (12.5 grams)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (5 grams)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, (128 grams)
• 2 teaspoons apple cider, (25 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 teaspoons whole milk, (13 grams)

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine 3 cups flour, 5 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/3 cup melted warm butter, 3 room-temperature eggs, Platinum Instant Yeast, and warm milk. Mix on medium-low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until a shaggy dough begins to form. Reduce speed to low and continue mixing for 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky; if it’s too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead it into a smooth ball. Place the dough into a well-oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. (Alternatively, you can cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. The next day, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before proceeding.)
3. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. While it rests, spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides for easy removal.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the fruit filling. In a large bowl, combine the chopped pears and apples, 1 tablespoon sugar, fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Gently stir everything together until the fruit is well coated.
5. On a very lightly floured surface, divide the rested dough in half. Take one half and roll it into a 24-inch long log. Using a dough scraper or sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch pieces. Roll each small piece into a neat ball and set aside on your work surface. Repeat this process with the remaining half of the dough.
6. Lightly sprinkle a small amount of flour over all the dough balls and gently roll them to ensure they have a thin, even coating. This helps prevent them from sticking too much.
7. Add about 8-10 dough balls to the fruit mixture in the large bowl. Gently mix them with the fruit to coat them thoroughly with the spices and fruit juices. Continue adding the remaining dough balls in batches, gently mixing until all are coated.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the fruit-coated dough balls into the prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan, making sure they are evenly distributed. Cover the pan and let it rise again in a warm, draft-free place (ideally around 75°F/24°C) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the dough is visibly puffed up and holds a slight indentation when gently poked.
9. In a small bowl, whisk one egg to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the top of the risen dough with the egg wash just before placing it in the preheated oven. Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until the bread is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 30 minutes.
11. While the bread cools, prepare the apple cider glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, apple cider, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and whole milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Serve immediately, or keep the bread covered with a moist cloth or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 300 kcal per serving (approximation)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.