There’s something about the cool, crisp air of fall that makes baking feel extra cozy, and this Spiced Pear Cobbler is the perfect way to embrace the season. The tender pears, bathed in warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, create a rich filling that bubbles up beautifully beneath a golden, buttery crust.
Every bite is a balance of sweet, soft fruit and that satisfying, crisp topping, exactly what I crave when the leaves start turning.
I love making this cobbler when pears are in their peak season, and the house fills with the smell of cinnamon and baked fruit. The real star here is the spices—they transform the humble pear into something luxurious and comforting.
Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying it cold the next day, this dish is pure fall in a bowl.
I’d love to hear how you make it your own, whether you add a splash of bourbon or a handful of toasted nuts.
What is the Spiced Pear Cobbler Recipe?
Spiced Pear Cobbler is a warm dessert made with sweet, spiced pears and a soft, biscuit-like topping. The pears are mixed with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and then baked under a golden crust until bubbly and fragrant. It’s a comforting, fruity treat, often served with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Spiced Pear Cobbler Recipe
Ingredients
Pear Filling:
- 4 Pears about 4 cups, chopped
- 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger
- 3 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 4 Tbsp Butter sliced
Biscuit Topping:
- 1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 2 1/4 Tsp Baking Powder
- 3/8 Tsp Baking Soda
- 4 Tbsp Butter cubed
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
Optional Topping:
- 1 Tsp Raw Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F, ensuring the rack is in the center.
- Prepare the Pears: Peel, core, and slice the pears. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pears, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cornstarch. Mix until the pears are well-coated.
- Assemble the Filling: Pour the pear mixture into the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly distribute the sliced butter on top of the pears.
- Make the Biscuit Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add in the cold, cubed butter, crumbling it into the flour mixture until the butter forms pebble-sized pieces.
- Combine the Buttermilk: Slowly stir in the buttermilk, mixing until the dough comes together. The batter should be thick and sticky.
- Top the Pears: Spoon the biscuit mixture over the fruit filling, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle raw sugar on top of the cobbler for extra crunch and a sparkling finish.
- Bake: Place the cobbler in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with salted caramel ice cream for an indulgent treat.
![This image shows a slice of warm spiced pear cobbler on a plate, garnished with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream, ready to be enjoyed.]](https://cdn.thefreshmancook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Serving-Spiced-Pear-Cobbler.webp)
Notes
- You can make the biscuit topping in a food processor by pulsing the butter until it reaches pebble size, then adding buttermilk. However, mixing by hand is recommended to avoid extra cleanup.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 335 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 57g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 25g |
What Type of Pears Should I Use?
Firm pears like Bosc or Anjou are ideal for cobbler since they hold up well during baking and have a naturally sweet flavor that complements the spices.
Can I Use Canned Pears Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pears if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the cobbler.
What Spices Work Best for This Recipe?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are commonly used spices that pair well with the sweetness of pears. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and the topping separately, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, you can bake it and reheat it before serving.
How Do I Know When the Cobbler Is Done?
The cobbler is done when the topping is golden brown and the pear filling is bubbling around the edges. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Can I Use a Different Fruit Instead of Pears?
Yes, this recipe works with other fruits like apples, peaches, or berries. You can also mix fruits for a unique twist.