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Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread: Your Ultimate Autumn Baking Delight

Welcome the cozy embrace of autumn with a truly special treat: Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread. Imagine the delicate sweetness of fresh pears, the satisfying crunch of pistachios, and the exotic undertone of sweet coconut, all baked into a wonderfully moist, cinnamon-spiked quick bread. This isn’t just a loaf of bread; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures designed to bring warmth and comfort to your home, making every bite a delightful escape. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this bread promises to be a new family favorite, embodying the very essence of seasonal baking.

As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your kitchen. This particular recipe captures that magic, blending the best of fall produce with unexpected tropical notes, all unified by the comforting spice of cinnamon. It’s a versatile quick bread that comes together with ease, rewarding you with a dense, flavorful loaf that’s simply irresistible.

Why Autumn Pears are a Baker’s Best Friend

Pears truly shine during the autumn months, reaching their peak sweetness and juiciness. Their subtle, fragrant flavor and tender texture make them an exceptional fruit for baking. We simply can’t resist stocking up on them at the market this time of year! Unlike some fruits that can become watery when baked, pears transform beautifully, their natural sugars caramelizing to create an even richer, deeper flavor. Whether they’re starring in a classic pie, a rustic crisp, or this magnificent sweet bread, pears consistently deliver a touch of elegance and natural sweetness that’s hard to beat.

The beauty of baking with pears lies in their ability to provide incredible moisture without overwhelming other flavors. When shredded, they integrate seamlessly into the batter, ensuring every slice of this quick bread is wonderfully moist and tender. This characteristic is key to achieving that desirable dense, yet delicate crumb that makes our Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread so enjoyable.

The Irresistible Crunch of Pistachios

What sets this bread apart is the thoughtful combination of ingredients that offer both delightful flavor and engaging texture. The inclusion of crunchy pistachios provides a wonderful contrast to the soft, moist crumb of the bread. These vibrant green nuts bring a subtly sweet and earthy note, along with a satisfying bite that elevates the entire experience. Pistachios are not just for garnish; they are an integral part of the bread’s character, adding depth and a gourmet touch.

We chop the pistachios and mix them into the batter, ensuring that each slice contains pockets of nutty goodness. A sprinkle of extra pistachios on top before baking creates a beautiful visual appeal and a caramelized crunch that makes the first bite even more exciting. The richness of pistachios complements the sweetness of the pear and the tropical notes of coconut perfectly, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavor profile.

The Tropical Sweetness of Coconut

Adding a hint of the tropics to a classic autumn bread might seem unconventional, but the sweet shredded coconut in this recipe is a game-changer. It introduces a unique chewiness and a gentle, buttery flavor that beautifully marries with the pear and pistachio. The coconut doesn’t overpower; instead, it adds a subtle layer of complexity and a pleasant tropical twist that makes this quick bread truly memorable.

Just like the pistachios, the coconut is incorporated into the batter and generously sprinkled on top. As it bakes, the coconut flakes toast lightly, enhancing their aroma and creating another delightful textural element. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures—the soft pear, the crisp pistachio, and the chewy coconut—is what makes this bread so incredibly satisfying.

Crafting the Perfect Loaf: What Makes This Bread Special

This bread is a delightful fusion of my favorite flavors and textures, meticulously balanced to create a truly exceptional quick bread. It bakes up with a wonderfully dense and moist crumb, thanks to the generous amount of shredded fresh pear. Every bite is packed with juicy, sweet pear goodness, which is the secret to its incredible moisture and flavor. You’ll find yourself reaching for another slice the moment you finish the first!

Beyond the ingredients, the magic truly begins when this Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread enters the oven. Your home will soon be enveloped in the most intoxicating autumn aromas – a comforting blend of cinnamon, sweet fruit, and toasty nuts. This sensory experience alone is enough to bring immense warmth and comfort to your home, especially on a chilly autumn day. It’s an aroma that promises deliciousness and delivers every time.

The Heart of the Bread: Shredded Pears for Ultimate Moisture

The star ingredient for achieving that unbelievably moist texture is, without a doubt, the shredded fresh pear. Using fresh, ripe pears and grating them into the batter ensures that their natural sweetness and moisture are fully incorporated. This technique prevents the bread from becoming dry and instead creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience that is truly marvelous. This is why choosing the right pear and preparing it correctly is crucial for the success of this quick bread.

Texture and Aroma: A Perfect Combination

While the pears provide moisture, the chopped pistachios and shredded coconut are responsible for the delightful texture. Every bite offers a compelling interplay between the soft cake-like crumb, the satisfying crunch of the nuts, and the chewy sweetness of the coconut. This combination not only enhances the eating experience but also contributes to the bread’s inviting appearance. As soon as you begin baking this bread, your kitchen will fill with the most amazing autumn aromas – a blend of warm cinnamon, sweet fruit, and toasted nuts and coconut. Believe me, it’s an intoxicating scent that truly signifies the start of a cozy season!

Baking Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect loaf of Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread is simpler than you might think. Here are a few tips to ensure your baking experience is a complete success:

Choose Ripe Pears: Select pears that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft pears can make the batter too wet, while unripe pears won’t contribute enough sweetness or moisture. Varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett work wonderfully.
Shredding is Key: Don’t skip the shredding step! This ensures the pear moisture is evenly distributed throughout the bread, leading to that coveted moist crumb. A box grater works perfectly for this.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
Generous Garnishing: The sprinkle of extra pistachios, coconut, and cinnamon sugar on top isn’t just for looks; it adds extra texture and a caramelized crust that’s utterly delicious. Don’t be shy!
Test for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean, possibly with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread is versatile enough to enjoy in many ways. It’s fantastic on its own, perhaps with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup. It also makes an excellent addition to a brunch spread or a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors during the holiday season. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this bread is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Storage Tips

To keep your Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread fresh and delicious, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

The Recipe: Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread

Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread

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Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Yield: 12
Category: Breakfast

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Description

Fresh pear, crunchy pistachios and sweet coconut baked into a cinnamon-spiked quick bread that’s full of flavor and comfort in this Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread! A perfect fall treat for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack.

Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1–1/2 cups shredded fresh pear (about 2 medium pears), excess liquid squeezed out if very juicy
3/4 cup chopped pistachios, divided
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes, divided
2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)

Instructions

Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8-inch loaf pan, ensuring it’s evenly coated to prevent sticking. Set the prepared pan aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In the large bowl of an electric mixer (or a mixing bowl with a hand mixer), beat together the softened coconut oil, granulated sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and creamy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl. Beat on low speed until the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the shredded pear (ensure any excess liquid has been squeezed out), 1/2 cup of the chopped pistachios, and 1/2 cup of the sweetened shredded coconut flakes. Stir until evenly distributed.
Fill and Garnish: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top of the batter with the remaining 1/4 cup chopped pistachios and 1/4 cup coconut flakes. For an extra decorative touch, if desired, garnish with a few thin slices of pear cut into heart shapes. Finish by sprinkling generously with the cinnamon sugar.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 1 hour, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are acceptable, but no wet batter).
Cooling: Let the Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This allows the bread to set properly. After 20 minutes, carefully invert the loaf onto the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Seasonal Treat

This Pear Pistachio Coconut Bread is more than just a quick bread; it’s an experience. From the moment the enchanting autumn aromas fill your home during baking to the first incredibly moist and flavorful bite, it promises comfort and joy. It’s the perfect recipe to celebrate the pear season, bringing together an exquisite blend of earthy, sweet, and tropical notes that will captivate your taste buds. Once it comes out of the oven, don’t be surprised if it’s quick to “disapPEAR!” (Haha! 😉). It truly is irresistible!

We hope you enjoy baking and savoring this unique and delicious quick bread as much as we do. It’s a wonderful way to embrace the flavors of the season and share a little homemade happiness with those you love.

Enjoy every slice!

xoxo,