Pear bread with brown butter and a cinnamon crumble is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell absolutely incredible while it bakes. I created this one after having a big pile of ripe pears and wanting something cozier than a plain quick bread. The result is a soft, spiced loaf with tender pear pieces baked right in and a crumble top that gets perfectly golden in the oven.

It’s hearty enough to feel like a real treat but comes together with just a few bowls and a loaf pan. No fancy equipment needed. My family was slicing into this one before it had even fully cooled. If you love cozy fall baking, my glazed apple fritter bread is another one you’ll want to bookmark alongside this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bakery-style crumble top: That golden cinnamon crumble on top is the finishing touch that makes this loaf look and taste like something from a bakery case.

Brown butter flavor: Browning the butter first adds a rich, nutty depth that you just can’t get with regular melted butter. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Loaded with pears: Two cups of diced pears go right into the batter, so you get juicy bites of fruit in every single slice.

What I Love:

Greek yogurt goes into the batter to keep this pear loaf moist and tender from edge to edge. No dry, dense slices here!

Ingredients for the spiced pear bread on the counter.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Brown Butter: You’ll melt and brown the butter before adding it to the batter. Use a light-colored pan so you can watch the milk solids brown without burning. Let it cool before adding it in. In a pinch, you can use regular melted butter, but the nutty flavor will be milder.

Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt keeps the batter moist and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Any percent works here. You can swap for sour cream or a plain dairy-free yogurt if needed.

Pears: Use firm, ripe pears for the best results. Bosc and Anjou hold their shape well during baking. Softer pears can get a little mushy, so try to avoid overripe ones. Peel and dice them into small, even pieces.

Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves give this loaf a warm, cozy flavor. You can adjust to personal taste.

All-Purpose Flour: Works perfectly here. If you need to make this spiced pear bread gluten-free, swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour.

Pear bread batter in a loaf pan with the crumble in a bowl next to it.

Pear loaf cake with crumble topping before going in the oven to be baked.

How to Make Pear Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Grease or line a 9×5 inch bread pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Brown the butter by adding it to a light-colored pan over medium heat. Stir often until the milk solids start to turn golden brown and the butter smells nutty, roughly 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
Make the crumble topping by combining the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly. Place the crumble in the fridge while you make the batter so the butter stays cold.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on high for 30 seconds. Add the Greek yogurt, cooled brown butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the diced pears.
Pour or scoop the batter into the prepared bread pan. Gently spread the batter out with a knife. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top.
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool before slicing and serving.

Sara’s Tip

Bake time can vary depending on your oven. Start checking around the 50-minute mark. If the crumble top is browning too fast before the center is set, loosely tent a piece of foil over the top and continue baking. Check with a toothpick. You want it to come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

Pear bread on a wood cutting board with two wood plate with a slice of pear bread.

Recipe FAQs

What are the best pears to use for pear bread?

Firm pears like Bosc or Anjou work best in this pear bread recipe. They hold their shape while baking and give you tender bites of fruit throughout the loaf. Overripe or very soft pears can turn mushy during baking.

Do I have to brown the butter?

You don’t have to, but it’s worth it! Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor to the bread that makes it taste really special. If you are short on time, regular melted and cooled butter works too.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few dry crumbs, the bread is done. If wet batter clings to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Can I add anything else to this bread?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition folded into the batter. A drizzle of a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top once cooled would also be delicious if you want a little extra sweetness. You can also browse through the quick breads category for more loaf inspiration.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes! Fill a lined muffin tin and add a little crumble on top of each one, and bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, then reduce to 350 degrees for about 13-17 minutes or until fully set.

How do I store leftover pear bread?

Store the bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. I actually prefer storing it in the fridge and just warming a slice in the microwave before eating.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.

Looking for more cozy quick bread ideas? My cozy sweet potato bread with crumble topping uses that same irresistible crumble topping and is perfect for fall mornings. And if you love baking with warm spices, the spiced gingerbread loaf with Greek yogurt uses a similar yogurt-based batter and is just as cozy.

If you give this pear bread recipe a try, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.

From my kitchen to yours, happy baking! I hope you love this spiced pear bread as much as we do!