Dive into the heart of comfort food with this deliciously rustic Golden-Baked Pear Cobbler recipe. Originating in the early colonist days of America, where ingredients were scarce and creativity abundant, cobblers have stood the test of time as a beloved dessert rich in history and flavor. Pears, often overshadowed by their apple counterpart, take center stage in this recipe, delivering a unique twist on a classic favorite. Click here to see all of our awesome pear recipes.
What sets this cobbler apart is its golden, buttery biscuit topping that bakes to perfection, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet pear filling beneath. The succulent pears are lovingly tossed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and enveloped in a luscious caramel-like syrup that forms while baking. Each bite promises a burst of warm, spiced fruit, juxtaposed against the crunch and richness of the biscuit topping. It’s a dance of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
Serve this comforting dessert piping hot, right out of the oven, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. The cold ice cream harmonizes with the warm pear filling and creates a blissful symphony of flavors. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the experience further. Be it a cozy winter evening, a family gathering, or just a regular night in, this Golden-Baked Pear Cobbler is the perfect dessert delight to end your day on a sweet note.
Main Ingredients
- 6-8 pears (peeled, cored and sliced)
- 1 cup butter (unsalted, for biscuit topping)
- 2 cups flour (for biscuit topping)
- 1.5 cups sugar (for biscuit topping and pear filling)
- 1 cup milk (for biscuit topping)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for biscuit topping)
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for pear filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (for pear filling)
Optional Toppings
- to taste vanilla ice cream (optional)
- to taste whipped cream (optional)
- to taste caramel sauce (optional)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Tip: Always preheat your oven for best results.
- Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin pieces. Set them aside.
Tip: Using ripe pears will provide a sweeter and more flavorful cobbler.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Stir in the milk until the mixture forms a smooth batter.
Tip: Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a light and fluffy biscuit topping.
Cooking Instructions
- In a deep cast-iron skillet or baking dish, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
Tip: A cast-iron skillet will distribute heat more evenly, resulting in a perfectly baked cobbler.
- Add the sliced pears, remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the skillet. Stir until the pears are evenly coated with the butter and spices.
Tip: Cooking the pears in butter and sugar will help them release their natural juices and caramelize, enhancing their flavor.
- Pour the prepared batter over the pear mixture in the skillet. Do not stir.
Tip: Pouring the batter over the pears, rather than stirring it in, will allow it to bake into a lovely biscuit topping.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown and the pears are tender.
Tip: The cobbler is done when a toothpick inserted into the biscuit topping comes out clean.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Tip: Allowing the cobbler to cool slightly will make it easier to serve and will intensify its flavor.
- Serve the cobbler warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, and/or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tip: The cold ice cream, fluffy whipped cream, and sweet caramel sauce contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced pear cobbler.
Recipe Notes
This recipe is a fantastic way to showcase the sweet, juicy flavor of pears in a comforting dessert. Although it’s best served hot, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.