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Chocolate Pear Bread

December 8, 2015
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Rich Chocolate Pear Bread looks decadent, but it’s full of good-for-you ingredients. A delicious addition to brunch or a holiday party.

Chocolate pear bread on platter

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This post was originally sponsored by Chobani as part of a partnership. I was compensated for my time, but as always all opinions are my own.

Chocolate and peanut butter are a well known and loved combo. Same for chocolate and strawberries. But chocolate and pears? I bet that pairing (no pun intended!) isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind. Well, I’m here to tell you it’s time you give it a try. Preferably in the form of this Chocolate Pear Bread.

Preparation & Ingredients

I’m not a big baker, but quick breads are easy enough, and as the name suggests, they don’t take a lot of time. The formula is pretty foolproof –  whisk together dry ingredients (generally flour, sugar, some combo of baking powder/baking soda, and any spices you include), whisk together wet ingredients (generally oil, eggs, and vanilla), and then mix the two together until combined.

The key with quick breads is to make sure you don’t overdo it on the mixing – go too wild with the whisk and you risk a tougher end product.

This Chocolate Pear Bread has the extra step of folding in chopped up pears and lining the top of the quick bread with sliced pears for a decorative touch. I’ve made this same recipe in a round baking pan and used more pear slices on top, arranged in concentric circles like you would do when making an apple tart. That makes for an even prettier presentation, and is more cake-like, but it also takes a wee bit more time. 

sliced chocolate pear bread

The quick bread form of this chocolate pear bread is perfect for weekend brunch. It’s also a nice addition to the office holiday party or a homemade gift when dining at a friend’s house. Or you can simply make it to enjoy on your own with a cup of coffee or tea (or a glass of milk for the kids).

Nutritional Goodness of Chocolate Pear Bread 

While my Chocolate Pear Bread looks and tastes decadent, you’ll be surprised by the nutritional goodness it provides.

  • It’s a good source of calcium thanks to the inclusion of Greek yogurt, which makes it super moist and satiating.
  • It’s also a good source of fiber thanks to whole grain flour and fiber-rich pears.

Are you ready to try this chocolate pear flavor combo? Here’s the recipe!

take a bite of chocolate pear bread

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Rich chocolate pear bread is easy to make, moist, and delicious. Plus it’s a good source of fiber and calcium. Vegetarian and nut-free.

Chocolate Pear Bread

Yield: 15
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This rich chocolate quick bread studded with sweet pears is easy to make, moist, and delicious. Plus it’s a good source of fiber and calcium.

Ingredients

Dry ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup + 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 5 ounces plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup chopped pears, (pear should be ripe, but firm)
  • 2 to 3 medium-thick slices of pear

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to bake at 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla, and oil until smooth. Add the yogurt and whisk again until smooth.
  4. Make a well in the dry ingredients and gradually mix in the wet ingredients. Do not overmix. Fold in the chopped pears. Batter will be thick.
  5. Pour batter into greased loaf pan and make a row of the sliced pears down the center of the loaf. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 
  6. Remove from oven and rest for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the loaf and turn cake onto a wire rack to let cool completely.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 15 Servings
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171
© Jessica
Cuisine: Nut-Free / Category: Dessert

Have you ever tried the combination of chocolate and pears?

What’s your favorite chocolate pairing?

Share with me below!

Rich chocolate pear bread is easy to make, moist, and delicious. Plus it’s a good source of fiber and calcium. Vegetarian and nut-free.

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  1. I love this! I just finished chopping a big salad for lunch and veggies to roast for dinner. I recognized yesterday after a coffee date with a friend when I come home famished I eat everything in site (hence the butterscotch chips lol!). Time I heed my own advice lol!

    Reply

    1. Oh, I know how that goes! I often need to re-read my advice for myself too! So great you got your lunch and dinner veggies all ready to go!

      Reply

  2. 5 stars
    The exercise has been tough for me! It’s hard to balance decorating, celebrating, mommying, working, cleaning and everything else and still find time for myself. Love the idea of putting it on my calendar and scheduling it the same way I do meetings and parties. Great recipe too–yum!

    Reply

    1. I’m totally with you Holley. Exercise has been lacking these days. Not easy to fit everything in. Good luck scheduling it in! Thanks for stopping by 😉

      Reply

  3. 5 stars
    These are all such great pieces of advice. Very good point on how restrictions and deprivation can only backfire – i’ve definitely learned from those mistakes. Also… this bread looks SO delicious!! I love adding yogurt to baked goods – can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Jamie! Learning from my mistakes has definitely helped me provide people with this advice! So glad to hear you like the bread too – hope you try it!

      Reply

    1. Thanks Alisa! The pear yogurt is really delish, but you can definitely make the bread with a plain non-dairy yogurt. I would probably just add a little more sugar!

      Reply

    1. Thanks Taylor – glad you like the tips! Saying no is so hard in so many ways, but sometimes it just needs to be said!

      Reply

    1. I can’t even imagine how challenging it’s been to be living in a hotel for so long! Glad you’re getting back to yourself…and my chocolate bread 😉

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Kelly! The cinnamon pear yogurt is definitely one of my faves – too bad it’s only a limited batch! Hope you get to try it, and my bread!

      Reply

    1. I’m so glad that’s been a helpful tip – it definitely applies to food and commitments! Thanks – hope you give the bread a try!

      Reply

  11. This looks so yummy Jessica! I’ve made a gluten-free bundt cake before with yogurt, and it came out so moist and delicious. I definitely want to try making a gluten free version of your chocolate pear bread!!

    Reply
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  19. This bread sounds amazing! I love the chocolate pear combo 🙂 As for keeping the weight off during the holidays, sticking to my normal routine is KEY for me. Gym every morning or so, followed by a healthy breakfast and a solid lunch. I let myself slip a bit at dinner time for treats, but not every day. Being choosy is another good tip!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Kat! That sounds like such a great plan for keeping the weight off and good for you for sticking to it!

      Reply

  24. All your tips are great to remember during the holidays! Sticking to my routine is a must! As for this chocolate pear bread, I sure would love a slice right now! Yum!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Taylor. Sticking to routine seems to be hands down the #1 most important for most people. I bet you could whip this loaf up in no time!

      Reply

    1. It’s such a yummy combo, I hope you’ll try it! I’ve been using white whole wheat flour for my baking all the time now – so much easier than using 1/2 whole wheat and 1/2 all purpose!

      Reply
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  32. […] to get even more benefit out of cocoa? Try adding unsweetened cocoa powder to smoothies, yogurt, quick breads, or […]

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  34. I had no idea that Chobani has a pear cinnamon yogurt – that sounds like Christmas in a container! This bread looks delicious as is, but I bet if you cubed it and made a parfait with extra pear cinnamon yogurt it’d be a super tasty dessert or special breakfast!

    Reply

    1. That parfait sounds like a delicious idea Kelli! I actually do not think that Chobani still makes that cinnamon pear yogurt 🙁 I just looked at their products and seems they have an apple cinnamon one. Will need to update the recipe to account for that change. I would just use plain nonfat or lowfat greek yogurt instead of the flavored one and add a couple more teaspoons of sugar to account for the difference in added sugar in the flavored yogurt. LMK if you give it a try!

      Reply

  38. i like the idea of sticking with the normal schedule, eating your meals regularly rather than starving all day to feast at a party…

    Reply

  43. 5 stars
    These are great tips. I find it hard to stick to my healthy eating routine during holidays but with little effort it’s totally doable. I’ll be making this choco pear bread very soon. Looks absolutely amazing. Love it!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Natalie. I agree it is hard! I’m glad you are able to make the effort and stick with your healthy habits during the holidays. LMK how you like the bread!

      Reply

  45. Yum, this sounds amazing! I have not tried that flavor of Chobani, but will look for it!!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Angela. Unfortunately the Cinnamon Pear Chobani is a limited edition – I need to update the post. But I would use plain yogurt plus a couple teaspooons more sugar to get the same level of sweetness. LMK if you try it!

      Reply

  47. I love all your tips! One of the advantages of following a gluten free diet, is less temptation to eat too much at holiday parties 🙂 I’m also trying to get as much exercise as I can in-it’s such a great mood booster too. Your Chocolate Pear Bread looks delicious!

    Reply

    1. Thanks EA. It’s so interesting that you say that about the gluten-free diet. I know you follow it because you physiologically need to, but I think some people decided to follow it, or go on other diets that eliminate groups of foods, so that they have a reason to avoid them at parties and such. I agree exercise is definitely a mood booster. I need to pick back up with mine! Happy holidays, EA!

      Reply

  48. 5 stars
    Chocolate pear bread looked soooo good, I had to try and make it. I used your suggestion and used 1 teaspoon baking powder. Thx Jessica!

    Reply

  49. 5 stars
    Really this would be special and great chocolate pear bread recipe, Jessica! Love healthy food! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  50. NEVER TRIED PEARS w/choc, thought have made 4/5 different pear breads and 1 upside down cake, but usually love dark choc with bananas, mint, pumpkin, all kinds of nuts, cafe; pears are a challenge as once theyre ripe thay turn mushy, so challenfing to know the exact right time 4 baking! but i am very interested in trying yuir recipe, once i buy some pears, but what type do u recommend, pls? ths:): kelli

    Reply

    1. Hi Kelli,

      I can’t wait for you to try this Chocolate Pear Bread and hear how you enjoy the flavor combination. I generally use bartlett or d’anjou pears for this recipe. I agree that it can be tricky because once the pears are ripe they can get mushy fast, so best to use a less ripe pear, which will soften while it bakes. Good luck!

      Reply

  51. i’ve made a few different pear cakes in the past, all quite good, esp the one with cardamon! i make to gift 1st responders, my doctors, therapists, firefighters, and occasionnally my friends; yours is a gift for the kind CNA who cared for me after one of my many recent surgeries and she became a wonderful friend! i made an 8×4 to gift and a mini so i could have a taste; dont like gifting things to strangers w/o knowing that theyre good!
    followed your directions to the tee, except used 1/2Cup of oat flour, finishing a few minutes earlier than your time to be expected with smaller pans! am anxious to taste and will give u my opinion, but the smell is very fragrant! thx:) kelli

    Reply
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