Pear Cobbler: the easy, mouthwatering recipe for a classic Southern dessert

There's nothing like a warm homemade pear cobbler fresh out of the oven, especially topped with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream. Packed with ripe, juicy, sweet slices of pear layered over cinnamon-spiced sweet cake-like batter, pear cobbler couldn't be simple to make.

All you need to do is whip up the batter, pour it into a casserole dish, then spoon the pears over the top and pop it into the oven. This is one recipe that any baker, whether a novice or master, can tackle and expect fantastic results. Pear cobbler is an ideal dessert to make in the autumn when pears are in season, however, it's delicious any time of year.

What is a Cobbler?

A cobbler is a delicious classic dessert made from fresh, canned, or frozen fruit laid over batter and baked. Some recipes opt for biscuits or dumplings instead of batter.

It's a popular dessert in the South, and in the UK, where the recipe originated. There are different regional variations and names for cobblers, but they're all wonderful.

What are the Best Pears For Cobbler?

Look for firm, ripe pears. They'll hold up the best when baking. Varieties like Anjou and Bosc tend to work best. You can also do a mix of firmer pears with dessert pears like Comice and Bartlett. Once you've selected the perfect pears, wash and slice them so they're about 1/8 to ¼-inch thick. You can either peel them or leave the peel on – both ways are delicious!

Pear Cobbler Ingredients

Pear cobbler is super easy to make and only calls for a few ingredients.

Most importantly, you'll need some firm, ripe pears.

To make the cobbler batter, you need flour, sugar, milk, baking powder, an egg, butter, and salt.

Cinnamon will add a wonderful hint of warming spice to your cobbler, and if you're a fan of baking spices, you can mix in some additional ones such as cloves, nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice.

How to Make Pear Cobbler

Pear cobbler is truly a wonderful dessert. It's tasty, comforting, and will put a smile on your face. The best part is how simple it is to make! To make the perfect easy pear cobbler, start by gently tossing the sliced pears with ½ cup of sugar. Set the pears to the side.

Next, put the butter in your baking dish and pop it into an oven set to 325F. Let the butter melt, then take the dish out of the oven. In a second bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and remaining sugar. In another bowl, beat eggs and milk. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, then pour the batter into the baking dish. Lay the pears on top of the batter. Don't stir the mixture!

Bake the cobbler for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the batter has browned and has a cake-like texture. Set the baking dish on a rack to cool. Enjoy hot or cold, with a scoop of ice cream or some whipped cream and fresh berries.

Tips for the Best Pear Cobbler

Use whole milk, skim milk, or non-dairy milk to make your pear cobbler.

If the cobbler is browning too quickly, cover the cobbler with foil and bake until the pears are tender.

For a richer, more complex flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar.

For a tasty spin on a Southern classic, add peaches to your pear cobbler.

In a rush or want a no-fuss pear cobbler? Use Bisquick instead of making the batter from scratch. Just be sure not to forget the sugar and cinnamon.

Pear Cobbler Variations

Add other types of fruit to your pear cobbler to make it even more delicious and eye-catching.

Berries like raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries are wonderful additions. Apples are also delicious, or you can add in some nuts for a bit of crunch.

You can add some lemon or orange zest to add a pop of brightness or mix in other warming baking spices like nutmeg and allspice to the batter. A little vanilla, orange, or almond extract would be fantastic, too.

How to Serve Pear Cobbler

Serve your homemade pear cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream and a few fresh berries.

How to Store Pear Cobbler

Cover and store your pear cobbler at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can You Freeze Pear Cobbler?

Definitely! Frozen pear cobbler will last about one month.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325F.

Wash and slice the pears about 1/8 to ¼-inch thick. You can leave the peel on.

Toss the pears with ½ cup of sugar in a large bowl.

Place the butter in the baking dish and put it in the oven.

Let the butter melt, then take the dish out of the oven.

In a second bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and remaining sugar to combine.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk.

Beat the milk mixture into the flour mixture.

Pour the batter into the baking dish.

Spread it evenly without stirring.

Gently ladle the pears on top of the batter.

Without stirring, bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the batter has browned.

Set the baking dish on a rack to cool. Serve with a scoop of ice cream and enjoy hot or cold.

Notes

Use a 9×13-inch casserole dish to make your cobbler.