Welcome to what might just be the easiest and most comforting dessert you’ll ever make. This Pear Dump Cake recipe is the epitome of simplicity and deliciousness, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. If you’re looking for a go-to fall dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (when you only spent minutes), you’ve found it. It’s a perfect, bubbly, golden-brown treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The magic of a dump cake is right in its name: you simply dump the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. There’s no mixing bowl required, making cleanup an absolute breeze. This pear version is wonderfully sweet, buttery, and packed with the warm, cozy flavors of autumn.
Why This Pear Dump Cake Is a Must-Try
You are going to fall in love with this recipe, and here’s why. It’s incredibly beginner-friendly, making it a perfect choice for those new to baking. Plus, its simplicity makes it an ideal dessert for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights when you’re craving something sweet. The combination of sweet, juicy pears and a rich, buttery cake topping is simply irresistible.
- Incredibly Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this is a true “dump and bake” recipe.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need four simple pantry staples to create this impressive dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s rustic enough for a cozy family dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist with different spices or nuts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need four basic ingredients to create this mouthwatering dessert.
- Canned Pears: Two cans of sliced or diced pears in heavy syrup or juice work best. Do not drain them! The liquid is crucial for the cake’s moisture.
- Yellow Cake Mix: One box of classic yellow cake mix provides the perfect buttery, vanilla-flavored topping.
- Ground Cinnamon: A teaspoon of ground cinnamon adds a wonderful warmth that complements the pears perfectly. A dash of nutmeg is also a great addition.
- Unsalted Butter: You’ll need one cup of melted unsalted butter to drizzle over the top, creating that signature golden, crispy crust.
For a truly decadent treat, you can find inspiration in other classic desserts, like this old-fashioned apple crisp, which shares a similar comforting vibe.
How to Make Pear Dump Cake Step-by-Step
Ready for the easiest instructions ever? Here’s how to assemble your Pear Dump Cake in just a few simple steps.
- Preheat Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add the Pears: Pour both cans of pears, along with their juice or syrup, into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly to cover the bottom.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the pears.
- Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the top of the pears and cinnamon. Gently spread it out to create an even layer, but do not mix it in.
- Drizzle with Butter: Pour the melted butter as evenly as possible over the entire surface of the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the powder as you can.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The top should be a beautiful golden brown and the fruit filling should be bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly. It’s absolutely delicious served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
While this recipe is nearly foolproof, a few simple tips can guarantee a perfect result every time.
- Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to stir the ingredients together. The layers are what create the magic, with the fruit on the bottom and the cakey, cobbler-like topping above.
- Even Butter Distribution: For a perfectly golden and crispy top, ensure the melted butter covers as much of the dry cake mix as possible. Any dry spots might not bake correctly.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dump cake to cool for at least 15 minutes is essential. This helps the filling to set, making it much easier to serve.
If you enjoy simple fruit desserts, you might also love making your own slow cooker apple butter to enjoy with toast or scones.
Delicious Pear Dump Cake Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle a half-cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before drizzling with butter for a delightful crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
- Try a Different Cake Mix: While yellow cake mix is classic, you could also use a spice cake mix or even a white cake mix for a slightly different flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before baking.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, they are easy to store. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. You can also reheat the entire cake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For another easy and comforting meal, consider this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or old-fashioned oats over the dry cake mix before you drizzle the melted butter on top.
Yes, you can use fresh pears. Peel, core, and slice about 4-5 ripe pears. Since they don’t have syrup, you’ll want to add about 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water or apple juice to the bottom of the pan with the pears to ensure enough moisture.
The dump cake is done when the top is a deep golden brown and the fruit filling is actively bubbling around the edges of the pan. This typically takes between 45 and 55 minutes.
You can store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave.
A classic yellow cake mix is the most popular choice as its buttery flavor complements the pears beautifully. However, a spice cake mix or even a butter pecan cake mix would also be delicious alternatives.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this simple yet elegant dessert, you’re sure to love some of our other favorites that are perfect for any occasion.
Pear Dump Cake: The Easiest Fall Dessert Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour both cans of pears, along with their juice or syrup, into the prepared baking dish and spread them out evenly.
- Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the pears.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the top of the pears, creating an even layer. Do not mix.
- Pour the melted butter as evenly as possible over the entire surface of the dry cake mix.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly.
- Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations: Feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding the butter for extra texture.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
We hope you love this easy Pear Dump Cake recipe as much as we do. If you give it a try, please leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with your friends on Pinterest!
