Cinnamon Pear Loaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

There’s something deeply comforting about the pairing of cinnamon and pear delicate, golden, and full of warmth. This Cinnamon Pear Loaf with Brown Sugar Glaze captures that feeling perfectly. Each slice is tender and aromatic, laced with juicy bits of pear and a whisper of spice that feels like a slow winter morning.

Drizzled with a silky brown sugar glaze, this loaf is both rustic and refined the kind of treat that feels at home on a holiday brunch table or wrapped as a thoughtful gift.

Affirmation: “I savor life’s quiet sweetness warm, spiced, and full of peace.”

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 ½ cups peeled and finely diced ripe pears (about 2 small pears)

• Optional: ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted

• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare:

   
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   
   

   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Cream the Butter & Sugar:

   
   

   In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

4. Combine Wet & Dry:

   
   

   Mix in half of the dry ingredients, then add the yogurt and milk. Finish with the remaining flour mixture, mixing gently until combined.

5. Fold in Pears:

   
   

   Gently fold in the diced pears (and nuts, if using). The batter should be thick and fragrant.

6. Bake:

   
   

   Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   

   Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

7. Make the Glaze:

   
   

   In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat until smooth. Stir in milk and bring just to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until glossy. Add a pinch of cinnamon for depth.

8. Finish:

   
   

   Pour warm glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides for that elegant bakery finish.

Gifting Ideas

• Wrap loaf in kraft parchment paper, tie with copper or cinnamon-colored ribbon, and tuck a sprig of rosemary or dried pear slice on top.

• Attach a tag that reads:

  
  

  “A little warmth for your winter days.”

• Pair with a jar of spiced pear preserves or cinnamon butter for a truly heartfelt gift.