Gluten-Free Easy Pear Cobbler Dump Cake
A wonderfully simple dessert that combines tender spiced pear chunks with Betty Crocker spice cake mix for an effortless cobbler-style treat. The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom complement the natural sweetness of Bartlett pears, while butter creates a golden, crispy topping. Perfect for fall gatherings, weeknight desserts, or when you want homemade flavor without the fuss. The dump cake method means minimal prep - just layer, pour, and bake in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm and even heat distribution.
Ingredients
- 3 lb Bartlett pears, cut into chunksAnjou or Bosc pears1:1substitutions
Choose firm pears that won't turn mushy
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- ¾ cup salted butter, divided
- 1 box Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Spice Cake Mixyellow cake mix plus spices1 box plus 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmegsubstitutions
Add spices to plain cake mix
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F
- 2
Add pears to a large mixing bowl and combine with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom
- 3
Ensure that all pears are coated
- 4
Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with nonstick baking spray
- 5
Add the pears to the skillet
- 6
Melt 1/2 cup of butter
- 7
Cut the remaining 1/4 cup butter into small chunks
- 8
Evenly pour cake mix on top of the pears
- 9
Pour melted butter on top of the cake mix
- 10
Add the chunks of butter on top
- 11
Bake for 40 minutes, until the top is browned and the pears are fork tender
- 12
Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving
Tips
Use a cast iron skillet for the best heat distribution and rustic presentation that goes from oven to table.
Don't overmix the spiced pears - just toss until evenly coated to maintain their texture during baking.
Let the dessert cool slightly before serving to allow the juices to thicken and prevent burns from hot fruit.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip greasing the skillet to avoid sticking and difficult cleanup.
Avoid cutting pears too small or they'll become mushy during the 40-minute bake time.
Don't distribute butter chunks evenly to prevent soggy spots in the topping.
Substitutions
Choose firm pears that won't turn mushy
Add spices to plain cake mix
FAQ
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
Yes, drain canned pears well and reduce baking time by 10-15 minutes since they're already tender. Use pears in juice rather than heavy syrup to control sweetness.
What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?
Use a 9x13 inch baking dish instead. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious. Grease well and check for doneness at 35 minutes.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture is best within 24 hours, but it remains tasty when reheated in the microwave.