Name: Pear Cobbler
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Topping:; 1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks; 1 cup milk; For the Filling:; 4 large pears, peeled, cored, and sliced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

A cozy and classic fall dessert, this Pear Cobbler features tender, cinnamon-spiced pears baked under a soft, golden cobbler topping. Made with basic pantry ingredients, it’s warm, comforting, and ready in under an hour—perfect for chilly nights or holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients – Made from scratch using everyday pantry and fridge staples.
Warm and spiced – The pears are gently flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg for that classic fall flavor.
No-fuss topping – The cobbler dough comes together quickly and bakes into a buttery, fluffy crust.
Versatile – Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoy it plain—it’s delicious either way.
Great for gatherings – Feeds a small group and is easy to double for a crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Topping:

1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
1 cup milk

For the Filling:

4 large pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish or similar.
Make the topping
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two knives until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the milk just until combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy—avoid overmixing.
Prepare the filling
In the baking dish, layer the sliced pears evenly.
Sprinkle with the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to coat the fruit.
Assemble
Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler batter over the pear filling. Spread slightly if needed, but it’s okay if some filling peeks through.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are soft and bubbling.
Cool and serve
Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. Serve warm on its own or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per serving: 310 kcal

Variations

Add nuts: Stir ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the pear filling for a bit of crunch.
Use different fruit: Replace some of the pears with apples or plums for a mixed-fruit cobbler.
Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.
Add a citrus twist: A teaspoon of lemon zest in the filling brightens up the flavors.
Brown sugar topping: Swap white sugar for brown sugar in the topping for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Let the cobbler cool completely, then cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?

Yes, but drain them well and reduce the sugar in the filling to avoid excess moisture and sweetness.

Do I need to peel the pears?

Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic feel.

Can I make the topping ahead of time?

You can prepare the dry mixture and store it in the fridge, but wait to add the milk until just before baking.

What type of pears work best?

Firm varieties like Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou are ideal as they hold their shape during baking.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work well for both the filling and topping.

Why is my cobbler topping doughy?

Make sure to bake it long enough—if it’s browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes as needed.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze after baking and cooling completely. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

What can I serve with pear cobbler?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar complement it beautifully.

How do I know when it’s done?

The cobbler is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the topping comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Pear Cobbler is everything a cozy dessert should be—warm, soft, lightly spiced, and full of fruit flavor. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering or just craving a simple treat, this easy recipe brings comfort and satisfaction to every bite. Serve it warm and watch it disappear.

Jessica