I’ve stirred, drizzled, and baked this Cake Mix Pear Cobbler so many times my kitchen smells like a fruit orchard every afternoon. With its bubbling golden edges and tender pear slices, this dessert brings that nutty toasted scent of butter straight to your spoon. During my third trial, I noticed that reserving the pear syrup added a glossy glaze that made each bite sing. Whether you’re short on time or craving a simple, homestyle treat, this variation of Cake Mix Pear Cobbler is a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Pear Cobbler
- Under 10 minutes of hands-on prep—ideal for busy evenings.
- Minimal pantry staples deliver a layered texture: silky fruit meets crisp topping.
- Bakes into a warm, fragrant steam that fills your kitchen with cozy vibes.
- A twist on classic American cobbler highlighting canned pears’ subtle sweetness.
A Little Background
On my very first run-through, I just tossed drained pears into the pan—and ended up with uneven syrup pools. Since then I’ve taken the time to arrange slices in neat rows, which helped juices distribute more evenly. That small prep tweak made all the difference in flavor and texture.
Key Ingredients for Cake Mix Pear Cobbler
- Canned Pears (2 × 15 oz): Drained with juice reserved; fresh pears can be used if peeled and sliced thinly.
- Yellow Cake Mix (18.25 oz): Provides the crumbly topping; gluten-free mixes work too.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Balances tartness; swap for brown sugar for a caramel note.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): Adds warm spice; cardamom is a fun alternative.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Encourages browning; clarified butter keeps topping crisper.
How to Make Cake Mix Pear Cobbler
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13″ baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Arrange drained pear slices evenly across the dish, creating a single layer of fruit.
- In a small bowl, stir sugar and cinnamon until well combined, then sprinkle over the pears for a glossy, spiced layer.
- Evenly dust the dry cake mix over the spiced pears—resist the urge to stir.
- Drizzle melted butter and reserved pear juice over the cake mix, ensuring the topping is moistened into a sandy texture.
- Bake 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and you see gentle bubbling at the edges. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Technique tweak: drizzle butter slowly to avoid soggy spots—my fourth bake nailed the balance.
- If the topping browns too fast, tent with foil after 30 minutes and continue baking.
- Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or swap pears for peaches in summer for a seasonal spin.
- To halve the recipe, use an 8×8″ pan and bake 35 minutes; double in a 13×9″ with 55 minutes bake time.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Cover leftovers tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. When wrapped well, my fourth batch stayed moist for three days without drying out. For longer storage, freeze individual squares in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat at 325°F until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted almonds adds crunch, and a drizzle of caramel sauce brings out the pear’s sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh pears in this Cake Mix Pear Cobbler? Yes—peel and slice 4–5 firm pears, toss in 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and proceed as directed.
- How long does Cake Mix Pear Cobbler last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, it stays good for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze Cake Mix Pear Cobbler? Absolutely—let it cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- What cake mix is best for pear cobbler? A yellow or white mix works beautifully; spice cake mix adds an extra cinnamon kick.
- How do I reheat Cake Mix Pear Cobbler? Warm at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds.
- Can I make Cake Mix Pear Cobbler ahead of time? Yes—assemble in the pan, cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cake Mix Pear Cobbler has become my go-to for spontaneous gatherings and quiet weeknight desserts. I love it warm, served with a swirl of caramel and a scoop of ice cream. Give it a whirl, and don’t forget to share your tweaks and photos—I can’t wait to see how you make it your own!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Apple Pie Recipe – shares the fruit-forward warmth and simple prep of our cobbler
- Gooseberry Pie Recipe – another seasonal fruit dessert with bubbling juices and golden crust
- Peach Pie Cruffins – combines flaky layers with sweet filling, echoing the cobbler’s texture contrast
- No-Bake Peach Cheesecake Jars – a no-bake, fruit-based treat that highlights juicy peach flavors
Cake Mix Pear Cobbler
Ingredients
- 2 15 oz can canned pears drained, juice reserved
- 1 18.25 oz box yellow cake mix
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange the drained pear slices in a single layer in the dish.
- Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon evenly over the pears.
- Evenly dust the cake mix over the spiced pears without stirring.
- Drizzle melted butter and reserved pear juice over the cake mix until it resembles sandy crumbs.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden and you see gentle bubbling around the edges.
- Let the cobbler rest 10 minutes before serving.