This old-fashioned pear cobbler is an effortlessly impressive dessert that’s simple to make for guests or a cozy family night. The cake-like batter bakes up tender while the salted butter creates crisp, savory edges. Fresh sliced pears and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top make the cobbler look and taste special.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for a classic finish. This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for last-minute baking when you want something homemade and comforting.
Pear cobbler is especially lovely in fall and winter when pears are at their best. Bartlett pears work beautifully here for a sweet, juicy bite, but Bosc or Anjou are good alternatives. While fresh pears are preferred for texture and flavor, well-drained canned pears can be used if needed.
This buttery cobbler uses a thin, cake-like batter poured over melted butter, then topped with sliced fruit—no peeling required. It’s a great way to use up extra fruit and a guaranteed hit at potlucks or gatherings.
Below you’ll find tips, ingredient notes, variations, and clear step-by-step instructions to help you bake a reliable, delicious pear cobbler every time.
Featured 5-star reviews:
Readers love this recipe. Here are a few five-star comments:
- “Really tasty cobbler. Just like my mom used to make! I like that it is not too sweet and has lots of pear slices. Added some cinnamon and it was amazing! Served it with homemade whipped cream as you recommended. Thanks!” – Laurie
- “Pear cobbler is one of my favorite desserts. I always make it when pears are in season and I really enjoyed this simple recipe. One of the best I’ve ever made!” – Josh
- “Sooo delicious!!! OMG. I couldn’t get enough of this cobbler. I even had a slice for breakfast the next day.” – Kara
This pear cobbler recipe is adapted from an easy nectarine cobbler and is typically baked in a cast iron skillet or a standard baking dish with sliced fruit and brown butter flavor optional.
For other pear ideas, try pear muffins or other simple baked treats that highlight the fruit’s juicy sweetness.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic and crowd-pleasing. A timeless cobbler with tender cake-like batter and baked fruit that everyone recognizes and enjoys.
- Delicious fruit bites. The pear slices hold up well in the oven and provide tender, juicy pockets of fruit throughout.
- Quick to assemble. Simple pantry ingredients and no peeling required make this fast to pull together.
- Old-fashioned and straightforward. A family-style recipe adapted from a traditional cobbler method—few ingredients, easy technique.
- Lightly sweet. This cobbler is not overly sugary, making it a refreshing dessert option.
Ingredients
- Salted butter
- Granulated (white) sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Milk (any variety)
- Pears, fresh or well-drained canned
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and measurements.
Substitutions
If you need to adjust for diet or preferences, consider these simple swaps:
- Dairy-free or vegan: Use a plant-based stick butter and non-dairy milk. Results should be similar, though not tested here.
- Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and test for texture; adjustments may be needed.
Variations
Simple ideas to vary the flavor:
- Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for warm, autumnal spice.
- Brown the butter before pouring it into the baking dish for a nutty, caramel-like depth of flavor.
- Serve with hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat, or top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert presentation.
If you try other substitutions or variations, note that baking times or texture may change.
How To Make Pear Cobbler
Step 1: Wash, core, and slice pears. Measure about 2 heaping cups of sliced fruit (2–3 pears).
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Add milk to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. The batter will be thin—this is expected.
Step 4: Let the batter rest a few minutes while you prepare the butter in the baking dish.
Step 5: Add butter to your baking dish (9″ pie, 9×9 square, 11×7 casserole, or 10″ skillet work well) and place it in the oven to melt.
Step 6: Remove the dish once the butter has melted. Pour the batter over the butter—do not stir.
Step 7: Arrange the pear slices on top of the batter—again, do not stir. The batter will rise around the fruit while baking.
Step 8: Bake at 350°F for 45–60 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and dark golden and the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool about 10 minutes before serving. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Choose firm, ripe pears so they retain shape during baking; overly soft fruit can break down too much.
- Recommended dishes: 9″ pie, 9×9″ square, 11×7″ rectangular, or a 10″ cast iron skillet for even baking.
- The batter should be thin. If it seems excessively runny, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour and whisk to adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about storing and baking pear cobbler:
You can store pear cobbler covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to five days.
Bake at 350°F for 45–60 minutes. Times vary by dish size and oven; look for dark, crispy edges and a golden top.
At room temperature it keeps 1–2 days; in the fridge it will stay fresh up to 5 days.
Equipment
You’ll need a baking dish of your choice (see the Expert Tips for size suggestions), a mixing bowl, whisk, and measuring tools for dry and liquid ingredients.
Storage
Room Temperature
Keep cooled, covered cobbler at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator Instructions
Store cooled, covered cobbler in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Try other simple desserts that pair well with seasonal fruit or follow the same basic cobbler method for different flavors.
Recipe
Easy Pear Cobbler Recipe
4.8 from 9 reviews
This old-fashioned pear cobbler is simple to make and presents beautifully. It’s made with butter, a tender cake-like batter, and juicy pears—perfect with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Author: Marley Braunlich
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45-60
- Total Time: 60-75
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Cobbler, Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 heaping cups sliced fresh pears (about 2–3 pears) or well-drained canned pears
- ⅓ cup salted butter
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup milk of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Wash, core, and slice pears. Measure 2 heaping cups and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk and whisk until smooth; the batter will be thin.
- Place butter in a baking dish and put it in the oven until melted. Remove the dish and pour batter over the melted butter—do not stir.
- Arrange pear slices on top of the batter—do not stir.
- Bake 45–60 minutes, until edges are crisp and dark golden and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
- Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
Notes
- See the blog post for more baking tips and optional variations.
- If using unsalted butter, add ¼ teaspoon salt to the batter.
- If using canned pears, be sure they are well drained.
- Use firm, ripe pears for best texture—avoid overly soft or mushy fruit.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
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