Name: Spiced Pear Bread with Toasted Coconut and Chai-Infused Milk Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened coconut; 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature); ½ cup brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs; 2/3 cup chai-infused milk; 2 ripe Anjou pears (or Bosc pears, cored and cut into ½-inch chunks); 1 cup powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 to 2 tablespoons milk; Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 15 reviews

If you are looking for a cozy treat bursting with warm spices and juicy fruit, the Spiced Pear Bread with Toasted Coconut and Chai-Infused Milk Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful loaf brings together the comforting flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, paired beautifully with tender chunks of ripe pears and the irresistible crunch of toasted coconut. The subtle hint of chai-infused milk adds an unexpected yet harmonious depth, making every bite a perfect balance of moist, spicy, and sweet. This recipe is not just a quick fix—it’s a celebration of autumnal flavors that'll have you reaching for seconds and sharing with everyone you know.

Ingredients You'll Need

Two whole green pears stand side by side on a white marbled surface. Each pear has a smooth skin with a mix of light green shades and soft brownish patches near the bottom. Both have a short brown stem at the top, and the pears are close enough to slightly lean toward each other. The background is plain and light, making the pears the main focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Spiced Pear Bread with Toasted Coconut and Chai-Infused Milk Recipe is simple, and each plays an essential role in building the bread’s complex flavor and irresistible texture. Together, they create a loaf that's moist and tender but with delightful bursts of crunch and spice.

Unsweetened coconut (1 cup): Toasting this brings out a nutty flavor that adds great texture contrast to the soft bread.
Unbleached all-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure without overpowering the delicate spices and fruit.
Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures your bread rises beautifully, fluffy yet dense enough to hold those pear chunks.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Balances the spices and sweetens the bread just right.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, pulling everything together.
Ground cardamom (¾ teaspoon): Adds an exotic, aromatic spice that’s a lovely partner to pear.
Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Boosts the warmth and ties the spices with the coconut and pears.
Ground cloves (a pinch): Provides a subtle depth that lingers and uplifts the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature): Gives the bread its tender crumb and rich flavor.
Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a toffee-like sweetness that complements the chai infusion.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and provide structure.
Chai-infused milk (⅔ cup): Infuses the bread batter with gentle, spiced notes from your favorite chai blend.
Ripe Anjou or Bosc pears (2, cored and cut into ½-inch chunks): Bring natural sweetness and juicy fruitiness with every bite.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the soft, sweet glaze that finishes off the bread.
Vanilla (¼ teaspoon): Adds a comforting, mellow sweetness to the glaze.
Milk (1 to 2 tablespoons): Used to achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling): A final dusting brings aroma and visual appeal to the finished loaf.

How to Make Spiced Pear Bread with Toasted Coconut and Chai-Infused Milk Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Coconut

Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees F and spreading the unsweetened coconut evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast it gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so it browns evenly without burning. This simple step unleashes the coconut’s natural oils and creates a rich, toasty crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft bread.

Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan and Dry Ingredients

Increase your oven temperature to 350 degrees F and lightly grease and flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the toasted coconut, flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, kosher salt, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Mixing all the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of flavors and a consistent rise in your bread.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Mix Batter

In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is the secret to tender crumb and great texture. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring gently after each. Then alternate adding the flour mixture and chai-infused milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Stir just until combined; you want a tender batter that still has some airiness.

Step 4: Fold in the Pears and Bake

Gently fold in the diced pears, ensuring they’re evenly distributed but not mushed. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the bread is deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until thick and glossy. Spread this luscious glaze evenly over the slightly cooled bread, then sprinkle a touch of ground cinnamon on top for that extra hint of warmth and visual charm. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing so the glaze sets perfectly.

How to Serve Spiced Pear Bread with Toasted Coconut and Chai-Infused Milk Recipe

A single loaf cake sits on a black cooling rack, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has one main layer with a golden brown color and a slightly uneven top. A thick white glaze is poured over the top, dripping down in long streaks on one side. The texture of the cake looks soft but firm, with small visible pieces inside the batter. The background is soft and blurred, focusing attention on the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, sprinkle a little additional toasted coconut or a few thin slices of fresh pear on top of each slice. A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey enhances both the look and flavor, making your guests feel like they’re indulging in something truly special.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot chai tea or a creamy latte, playing off the chai-infused milk’s flavor in the bread itself. If you want to turn it into a fuller experience, try serving alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or mascarpone—these provide a cool, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness and richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly for a crunchy treat. Spread with almond butter or cream cheese and top with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a decadent breakfast or snack. It’s the perfect canvas for experimenting with both sweet and savory toppings while highlighting the spices in this Spiced Pear Bread with Toasted Coconut and Chai-Infused Milk Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and flavorful without drying out. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine but be aware the texture might be slightly firmer.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread for up to two months by first allowing it to cool completely, then wrapping it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours—still fresh and just as delicious.

Reheating

For best results, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven set to low heat until warmed through but not dried out. You can also microwave for a few seconds, though this may soften the toasted coconut topping. A little extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a tiny pat of butter can enhance the fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pears for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Anjou or Bosc pears are excellent for their firmness and sweetness, you can substitute with Bartlett or other firm pears. Just make sure they are ripe but not overly soft to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

How do I make the chai-infused milk?

Simply steep your favorite chai tea bag or loose leaf chai blend in warmed milk for about 10 minutes. Strain well before using it in the recipe to infuse the milk with those warm, spicy notes.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Is the toasted coconut necessary?

Toasted coconut adds a wonderful nutty crunch and depth to the flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer a softer texture or if someone has allergies. You might consider using chopped nuts as an alternative for texture.

Can I double this recipe for multiple loaves?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake the batter in two separate loaf pans to ensure even baking and don’t forget to adjust your oven timing if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Pear Bread with Toasted Coconut and Chai-Infused Milk Recipe has quickly become a treasured recipe in my kitchen because it feels like a hug in bread form. Every bite delivers a warm, spiced sweetness complemented by juicy pears and a luscious coconut crunch. You owe it to yourself to make this loaf for your next tea time or cozy weekend morning—it’s a truly memorable treat worth sharing with friends and family.

Spiced Pear Bread with Toasted Coconut and Chai-Infused Milk Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need