Okay, gather ’round, friend! Let me tell you about my family’s absolute favorite – the pear dump cake. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a taste of home, and a recipe that even I can’t mess up (and believe me, I’ve had my share of kitchen fails!). I still remember the first time I made this pear dump cake. It was a weeknight, the kids were being, well, kids, and I needed something easy but comforting. I stumbled upon a similar recipe, tweaked it a bit (okay, maybe a lot!), and the rest is history. The aroma of cinnamon and pears filled the house, and even my picky eater was asking for seconds.

I’ve had some real baking disasters, believe me. Once, I completely forgot the sugar in a batch of cookies – they were basically flavorless crackers! But this pear dump cake? It’s foolproof. It’s become a go-to for potlucks, holidays, and those days when you just need a little something sweet. The best part? It’s so incredibly easy, even on the busiest weeknights. It’s perfect for those of us juggling work, kids, and everything in between.

Honestly, if I can make this amazing pear dump cake, anyone can! And I’m so excited to share it with you! You can even call it a simple pear dessert for those nights when you need something fast. Now, let’s get cooking! I promise this pear dump cake recipe will become a staple in your home, too. Don’t be intimidated; it’s seriously the easiest thing you’ll ever bake, and it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Pear Dump Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing pear dump cake:

2 (29 ounce) cans pear halves in heavy syrup, undrained
1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but I love the warmth it adds!)
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

Ingredient Notes

Okay, so a few things about the ingredients when making our amazing pear dump cake. I always use name-brand cake mix. I find it gives the pear dump cake a better texture. When it comes to the pears, you can use canned pears in juice if you prefer a less sweet dessert, but I find the syrup adds a nice touch of moisture and flavor. Using canned pears in heavy syrup ensures the cake remains moist and adds a delightful sweetness that complements the spices.

Shopping Tip: You can usually find the best deals on cake mix at your local grocery store. Keep an eye out for sales! Another little tip that my mother passed down to me when making her amazing pear dump cake is to make sure your butter is cold when you add it on top of the cake mix.

This helps create a wonderfully crumbly topping. For saving money, check out discount stores for nuts – they’re often much cheaper there. As for storing leftovers of these ingredients: an unopened can of pears can last for ages in the pantry, while the dry cake mix should also be stored in a cool, dry place for ultimate freshness. Oh! Also, make sure to cover your pear dump cake when storing.

How To Make Pear Dump Cake – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this pear dump cake. Trust me, it’s so easy, you’ll be laughing at how simple it is!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use butter for greasing, but cooking spray works just as well. Greasing the dish prevents the cake from sticking, ensuring easy removal and serving.
Pour the undrained cans of pear halves into the prepared baking dish. Spread the pears evenly across the bottom of the dish. Don’t worry about arranging them perfectly; this isn’t a beauty contest! The pear syrup adds moisture and flavor to the cake, so don’t drain it!
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the pears. This is where that wonderful pear and spice cake flavor comes from. Adjust the spices to your liking – a little extra cinnamon never hurts!
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the spiced pears. Try to cover all the pears with the cake mix. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; the melting butter will help it all come together. Ensure an even layer of cake mix for consistent baking.
Distribute the cold butter pats evenly over the dry cake mix. This is key for that delicious, crumbly topping. I learned the hard way with pear dump cake that if the butter is too soft, it will just melt into the cake and not create that nice texture. Cold butter creates a beautiful, crumbly topping as it melts during baking.
If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter. I usually add nuts because my family loves the crunch, but it’s totally optional. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pears are bubbling around the edges. In my kitchen, pear dump cake usually takes about 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary. Your pear dump cake should smell like warm pears and sweet spices, a true comfort food aroma.
Let the pear dump cake cool slightly before serving. This prevents you from burning your tongue (trust me, I’ve been there!). While the pear dump cake is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or maybe sneak in a quick chapter of my book – multitasking at its finest!

See? That wasn’t so bad, was it? Now you’re practically a pear dump cake expert! Remember, don’t worry if your pear dump cake isn’t picture-perfect. It’s all about the taste, and this one is guaranteed to be a winner. Now, for more tips on getting that golden crust, you can check out Pear Dump Cake – CenterCutCook for some help.

Serving Suggestions

Now for the best part – serving up this delicious pear dump cake!

The kids love our pear dump cake when I top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm, sweet cake and cold, creamy topping. Speaking of sides, this simple pear dessert also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It’s the perfect ending to a cozy meal.

I usually make pear dump cake for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a simple Sunday dessert. It’s always a hit, and people are always surprised at how easy it is to make. For presentation, I like to dust the top of the cooled pear dump cake with a little powdered sugar before serving. It adds a touch of elegance without any extra effort. If you have extra pear dump cake, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s also delicious cold, straight from the fridge! For seasonal variations, try adding a touch of ginger or cardamom to the spice mixture during the holidays.

My friends always ask for this pear dump cake recipe, and I’m always happy to share it. It’s one of those recipes that everyone loves and appreciates. I always find that this pear cake recipe is very customizable so do not be afraid to switch out some ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this pear dump cake.

Can I use fresh pears instead of canned pears?You absolutely can! Peel, core, and slice about 4-5 fresh pears. You might need to add a little extra sugar (about ¼ cup) to the pears, since they won’t have the added sweetness from the syrup. You know what I do when my pear dump cake is not sweet enough? I sometimes add a tablespoon or two of honey to the pears before baking.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?Definitely! I’ve made this with spice cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, and even chocolate cake mix. All were delicious! A butter pecan cake mix can really give the pear dump cake a very nutty profile!
Can I make this pear dump cake gluten-free?Yes, you can! Just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. I’ve tried it, and it works just as well.
What if my pear dump cake is too dry?This usually happens if you overbake it. Try reducing the baking time by a few minutes next time. You can also add a little more melted butter to the top of the cake before baking.
Can I add other fruits to this pear dump cake?Absolutely! Apples, cranberries, and even peaches would be delicious additions. Feel free to get creative! My friends always ask if they can add a little vanilla extract when they add other fruits to this pear dump cake.
How do I store leftover pear dump cake?Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s just as tasty cold as it is warm! When storing you can also wrap your pear dump cake with foil.
Can I freeze this pear dump cake?Yes, you can! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Remember, freezing your pear dump cake can cause some of the topping to become soggy!

This pear dump cake is truly a treasure. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! For more dump cake recipes, you can check out Pecan Cobbler Dump Cake!

My Final Thoughts

This pear dump cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory maker. It’s the taste of cozy evenings, family gatherings, and simple joys. I hope it becomes a cherished part of your family traditions, too. I love that this dump cake with canned pears is so easy to make!

Pear Dump Cake Pro Tips:

Don’t overbake it! A slightly gooey center is better than a dry, crumbly cake.
Use good quality butter! It makes a big difference in the flavor of the topping.
Experiment with different spices! A little ginger, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a unique twist.

We’ve tried a few variations over the years. My son loves it with a scoop of chocolate ice cream. My daughter prefers it with a drizzle of caramel sauce chocolate caramel dump cake. And my husband? He just wants a big slice, plain and simple! I once even tried making a pear and spice cake version and it was so good! For those of you who want to switch it up a bit, you can add a bit of spice and it really blends well with the pear flavor profile. To get a better grasp of making great pear cobblers, you can look at Easy Cake Mix Pear Cobbler – A Delicious Dump Cake – Margin ….

Don’t be afraid to make this pear dump cake your own. Add your favorite nuts, spices, or even a layer of cream cheese frosting (yum!). It’s all about creating something that your family will love.

I really hope you give this pear dump cake recipe a try. It’s a great way to use up some canned pears, and it’s just so incredibly easy and delicious. You can also check out Pear Cobbler Dump Cake Recipe & Instructions | Del Monte® for even more inspiration! Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet bite!

Chocolate Smores Cupcakes Recipe

Remember to get creative and put your own spin on this pear dump cake, and most importantly, have fun!

pear dump cake

Print Recipe

This Pear Dump Cake is the easiest dessert you’ll ever make! Simply dump the ingredients and bake for a comforting and delicious treat.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 (15 ounce) cans pear slices in syrup, undrained
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
¾ cup butter, melted
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour undrained pear slices into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pears.
Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
Sprinkle nuts, if using, over the top.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Notes

For an extra touch of flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix before baking.