Quick and Easy Pear Cobbler Recipe

This Easy Pear Cobbler Recipe is a decadent dessert that features a sweet and warmly spiced pear filling nestled beneath a layer of flaky biscuit dough. When served warm and topped with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, it creates a heavenly combination that’s bursting with fall flavors!

Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or hosting a party, this comforting and satisfying cobbler is sure to steal the show!

What is a Cobbler? 

People often confuse crisps, crumbles, and cobblers with one another. However, they are not the same things.

Cobblers in particular are a type of fruity dessert made with a layer of fruit like peaches or pears topped with a biscui topping. The dessert gets its appearance from the somewhat cobbled effect the biscuit dough creates. 

Some variations feature a layer of biscuit dough on both the top and bottom. Meanwhile, other recipes use cake batter or cookie dough.

That said, the fruity center always contains fresh fruit, sugar, and cornstarch. This helps create a thick consistency preventing the filling from spreading all over the place.

What are the Best Pears for Baking? 

The most popular pears for baking are Anjou pears and Bartlett pears. You could also use a combination of both! 

Just be careful not to mistake them for comice pears! They look similar but aren’t as good for baking because they don’t hold their shape as well.

Whatever variety you choose, it’s best to use pears that are in season and ripe, meaning they give just slightly when squeezed. 

What’s in a Homemade Pear Cobbler Recipe? 

It feels like everyone has a unique way of making cobbler recipes. For this quick pear cobbler, we used a handful of simple ingredients.

Cobbler Filling

• Fresh Pears – Use fresh, ripe pears, free from discoloration or bruises. 
• Sugar – Regular granulated sugar helps sweeten the filling.
• Flour – All-purpose flour helps thicken the filling. This makes it syrup-like and helps it hold its shape so it doesn’t run all over the place! 
• Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt add extra warmth and depth, creating a sweet and spicy flavor perfect for fall. 

Cobbler Topping

• Flour – All-purpose flour forms the base of the biscuit dough. If needed, feel free to substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour instead. 
• Sugar – Granulated sugar helps transform the dough from savory to sweet. 
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda – These are crucial leavening agents to help the dough rise and become fluffy and soft as it bakes. 
• Salt – Just a pinch enhances the rest of the ingredients. 
• Butter – Cold, unsalted butter is cut into the dough and melts as it bakes. As a result, the dough becomes light, flaky, and irresistibly rich taste. 
• Milk – We recommend using full-fat milk, but any kind you have on hand will work. 

What’s in a Homemade Pear Cobbler Recipe? 

It feels like everyone has their own unique way of making cobbler recipes. However, for this quick pear cobbler, we kept the ingredient list on the traditional side, using just a handful of simple ingredients. 

Cobbler Filling

• Pears – Use fresh, ripe pears, free from discoloration or bruises. 
• Sugar – Regular granulated sugar helps sweeten the filling.
• Flour – All-purpose flour helps thicken the filling, making it syrup-like and helping it hold its shape so it doesn’t run all over the place! 
• Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt add extra warmth and depth, creating a sweet and spicy flavor perfect for fall. 

Topping

• Flour – All-purpose flour forms the base of the biscuit dough. If needed, feel free to substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour instead. 
• Sugar – Granulated sugar helps transform the dough from savory to sweet. 
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda – These are crucial leavening agents to help the dough rise and become fluffy and soft as it bakes. 
• Salt – Just a pinch is used to enhance the rest of the ingredients. 
• Butter – Cold, unsalted butter is cut into the dough and melts as it bakes, creating a light, flaky texture and irresistibly rich taste. 
• Milk – We recommend using full-fat milk, but any kind you have on hand will work. 

Step-By-Step Guide to Make an Easy Peasy Pear Cobbler Recipe

With minimal prep time and a quick cook time, this cobbler recipe comes together with minimal steps. As a result, it’s ready in under an hour so you can whip it up any day of the week without any fuss!

1. Combine the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the butter. Add the butter to the bowl. Then, use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut it into the mixture. It will resemble coarse, sand-like crumbs.
3. Add the milk. Next, stir in the milk just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix! The dough should be a little lumpy.
4. Prepare the fruit filling. Peel and core the pears, and slice them into wedges. Then, arrange them in a single layer in a baking dish and sprinkle the flour, sugar, and spices on top. Gently toss to combine and coat the fruit. 
5. Layer. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler dough on top of the pear mixture, covering them as much as possible. 
6. Bake. Transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven, and bake just until the dough is golden brown and the pears are tender. 

Tip: Depending on the size of your dish, there is a chance the cobbler filling will bubble up over the sides. To prevent a mess, try placing a baking sheet under the dish to catch any overflowing cobbler! 

7. Cool. Remove the dish from the oven, and set it aside to cool slightly. Serve warm!

Flavor Variations

• Swap the fruit. Replace the pears with apples or blueberries. Or, use a combination of both. 
• Add nuts. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the pear filling. Or, sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the finished dish for added richness and crunch. 
• Switch up the spices. Replace or add the cinnamon and nutmeg in your spice pear cobbler with cloves, ginger, cardamom, or lemon zest. 

Serving Suggestions 

This pear cobbler recipe is scrumptious on its own. However, we think it’s even better topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream! You could also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or chopped nuts.

How to Store and Freeze

Store leftover pear cobbler covered at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and transfer it to the freezer for up to one month.  

To enjoy, allow leftovers to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, place it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit just until it warms through. Be careful not to let the top burn!

Common Questions About This Pear Cobbler Recipe

More Cobbler and Crisp Recipes

If you’re as big a fan of cobblers and crisps as we are, you’ll want to take a peek at these delicious desserts!

• Easy Strawberry Peach Cobbler Recipe
• Easy Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
• Slow Cooker Summer Berry Cobbler
• The Best Apple Crisp Recipe