Name: Autumn Spice Pear Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 medium pears, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Pinch of salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/4 cup milk; Sanding sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 medium pears, peeled and chopped into about 1/2-inch pieces

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/4 cup milk

Sanding sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: To prepare the filling, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pears, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and it becomes bubbly. Let it bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the filling to a 1-quart baking dish and set aside.

Step 5: For the topping, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

Step 6: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.

Step 7: Stir in about 3 tablespoons of milk to start forming the dough, then add the remaining milk gradually, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.

Step 8: Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the pear filling, spacing them evenly. Sprinkle with sanding sugar if desired for extra crunch and sparkle.

Step 9: Place the baking dish on a lined, rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 10: Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use ripe but firm pears to ensure the filling holds its shape and provides a nice texture.

Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of the filling before adding the topping for extra crunch.

For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of pears?

Yes, this recipe works well with apples, peaches, or a mix of fruits. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the fruit’s firmness.

Can I prepare this cobbler ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and topping separately, store them in the fridge overnight, then assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest texture.