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Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful, fresh, and slightly sweet bite that will wow your guests at your next afternoon gathering, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe is one of those simple yet elegant treats that I absolutely love making because it perfectly balances the crispness of pears with the creamy, nutty goodness of honey-pecan cream cheese. Trust me, whether you’re hosting a brunch or just craving a fancy snack, these little sandwiches will become an instant favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, Fresh Flavors: The pear and honey-pecan cream cheese combo offers a perfect sweet-savory balance that delights the palate.
  • Quick & Easy Assembly: You can whip these up in just 15 minutes—perfect for last-minute guests or a fancy snack.
  • Elegant Presentation: These sandwiches look beautiful cut into tiny squares or triangles, perfect for tea parties or bridal showers.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these – they’re light, flavorful, and have a lovely crunch from pecans and sprouts.
The image shows a white plate with five sandwich quarters arranged casually on it. The sandwiches are made with toasted raisin bread, showing light brown crusts with dark raisin spots. Inside, there are visible layers of melted cheese and fresh green sprouts, giving a mix of creamy white and green textures in the middle. The sandwiches rest on a white marbled surface with a rough yellow cloth seen to the side and some pecans scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe, you’ll want to choose fresh, juicy pears and a quality cinnamon-raisin bread to complement the honey-pecan cream cheese. Each ingredient plays a role in creating layers of flavor and texture you’ll really enjoy.

  • Honey-pecan cream cheese: You can buy this pre-made or easily whip it up yourself by folding finely chopped pecans and a touch of honey into cream cheese for that luscious, nutty spread.
  • Cinnamon-raisin bread: The cinnamon and raisins add that warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pears—make sure to toast the bread lightly so it holds its shape without becoming too crunchy.
  • Finely chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a toasty nuttiness, giving the sandwiches extra texture and flavor.
  • Ripe pears: Look for pears that are just slightly soft to the touch but not mushy—this makes slicing easy and ensures the best flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Alfalfa sprouts: These lend a fresh, slightly earthy crunch that balances the creamy and sweet elements.
  • Honey: A little drizzle on top amps up the natural sweetness and brings everything together.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, breads, or even add a savory hint if that’s more your style.

  • Spread Swap: I once tried using goat cheese mixed with honey instead of cream cheese, and it gave a tangy twist that was surprisingly delightful.
  • Bread Alternatives: If cinnamon-raisin isn’t your favorite, whole wheat or a mild sourdough also work well—just keep the toasting light.
  • Nut-Free Version: Simply skip the pecans and add a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds for crunch.
  • Seasonal Fruits: In the summer, swapping pears with thinly sliced apples or peaches can add a fresh seasonal vibe.

How to Make Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Spread the Cream Cheese

Start by spreading about 1 ½ tablespoons of that creamy honey-pecan cream cheese evenly over one side of each slice of your lightly toasted cinnamon-raisin bread. Toasting the bread just a bit helps prevent it from becoming soggy once you add the juicy pears—it’s a trick I discovered after a few too many soggy bites!

Step 2: Add the Chopped Pecans

Sprinkle the finely chopped pecans generously over the cream cheese on four of the slices. This little nutty crunch is what brings so much texture to the sandwich, making every bite interesting.

Step 3: Layer Pears, Sprouts and Honey

Next, layer the thinly sliced, patted-dry pears over the pecan-covered slices. Top the pears with a small handful of fresh alfalfa sprouts and drizzle about a teaspoon of honey over each. That sweet drizzle helps pull all the flavors together, but don’t go overboard—just a light touch will do!

Step 4: Assemble and Cut

Finally, place the remaining four bread slices on top, cream cheese side down, to form sandwiches. Press them gently so everything sticks together nicely. Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwiches into small squares or triangles. These little shapes are perfect finger food and look beautiful on a platter.

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Pro Tips for Making Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe

  • Perfect Pear Prep: Always pat your pear slices dry to avoid soggy bread and keep the sandwiches fresh.
  • Light Toasting is Key: Toast cinnamon-raisin bread lightly so the texture is firm but still soft enough to bite through easily.
  • Watch the Honey Drizzle: Adding honey last ensures it doesn’t soak the bread but still adds just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Cut with a Sharp Knife: Use a serrated or very sharp knife for clean cuts that keep your sandwich edges neat and prevent squishing.

How to Serve Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe

The image shows a stack of small, square sandwiches arranged on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. Each sandwich has three layers: the top and bottom layers are toasted raisin bread with a light brown, slightly crunchy texture with visible raisins, and the middle layer contains a creamy spread and fresh alfalfa sprouts with thin, green and white strands peeking out. The sandwiches appear soft inside with a crisp crust outside, stacked unevenly but neatly, highlighting the contrast between the bread's toasted golden brown color and the fresh light green sprouts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve these Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe treats, I like to add a sprig of fresh thyme or mint on the side. It adds a lovely herbal aroma and an eye-catching green pop that makes the platters look inviting. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the look for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of mixed berries. For a brunch setup, I often add a small cup of chilled cucumber lemonade or a pot of classic Earl Grey tea to complete the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try stacking these sandwiches on a tiered serving tray alongside other finger sandwiches or petite pastries. You can also thread a toothpick through each triangle, topped with a tiny pear slice or pecan, for an elegant hors d’oeuvre presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To avoid soggy bread, I prefer to add the sprouts fresh when serving leftovers rather than storing them assembled.

Freezing

Freezing these sandwiches isn’t ideal as the pears and bread texture don’t freeze well, so I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, make them fresh whenever possible to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Since these are best served fresh and cold or at room temperature, I don’t reheat them. However, you can leave them out for about 10–15 minutes to take the chill off before serving if you prefer.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the honey-pecan cream cheese myself?

    Absolutely! Simply mix softened cream cheese with a tablespoon of honey and a handful of finely chopped pecans. Stir until combined, and it’s ready to use. This homemade version tastes even fresher and lets you adjust sweetness to your liking.

  2. What is the best type of pear to use?

    Bartlett or Anjou pears are great choices because they’re firm yet juicy when ripe. Avoid overripe pears as they can make the sandwich soggy and harder to slice thinly.

  3. Can I substitute the sprouts for something else?

    Yes! If you’re not a fan of alfalfa sprouts, try using baby arugula or watercress for a peppery bite, or even thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.

  4. How do I prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy?

    Lightly toasting the bread and patting dry your pear slices well are key. Also, assemble the sandwiches just before serving, and if storing leftovers, add delicate ingredients like sprouts right before eating.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both simple and stunning—a combination that impresses without the fuss. It’s one of those recipes I find myself reaching for when I want to make something light but memorable. I know you’ll enjoy how quick it is to pull together and how everyone comments on the unexpectedly perfect flavor pairing. Seriously, give it a try and let me know if it doesn’t become your go-to elegant snack or party treat!

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Pear Tea Sandwiches Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Stacy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 small sandwiches 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Pear Tea Sandwiches are delicate, sweet, and savory treats perfect for afternoon tea or light gatherings. They feature a creamy honey-pecan cream cheese spread layered with crisp pear slices, crunchy pecans, fresh alfalfa sprouts, and a drizzle of honey on toasted cinnamon-raisin bread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Spread

  • 3/4 cup (6 ounces) honey-pecan cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons very finely chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Sandwich

  • 8 slices cinnamon-raisin bread, lightly toasted
  • 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced, patted dry
  • 1 cup alfalfa sprouts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Lightly toast the 8 slices of cinnamon-raisin bread to add a slight crunch and prevent sogginess once the fillings are added.
  2. Spread Cream Cheese: Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey-pecan cream cheese evenly over one side of each slice of toasted bread to ensure every bite has creamy sweetness.
  3. Add Pecans: Evenly distribute the finely chopped pecans over the cream cheese on 4 of the bread slices, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  4. Layer Pears and Sprouts: On top of the pecan-covered bread slices, layer thinly sliced, patted-dry ripe pears and sprinkle 1 cup of fresh alfalfa sprouts, incorporating freshness and subtle sweetness.
  5. Drizzle Honey and Assemble: Drizzle a little honey over the pears and sprouts to amplify the sweetness, then top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, cream cheese side down, to complete the sandwiches.
  6. Cut and Serve: Cut each sandwich into small squares or triangles suitable for tea-time servings. Serve as is or secure with toothpicks for easy handling.

Notes

  • The honey-pecan cream cheese can be prepared by blending softened cream cheese with honey and finely chopped pecans.
  • Ensure the pears are very ripe but firm to avoid soggy sandwiches.
  • Light toasting the bread prevents it from becoming soggy once the moist ingredients are added.
  • These sandwiches are best eaten fresh for optimal texture.
  • Alfalfa sprouts add a fresh, slightly nutty flavor but can be substituted with other sprouts if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich (small)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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