Description

This Autumn Spice Pear Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for the fall season. Sweet, tender pears are cooked with spices and sugar to create a luscious filling, topped with a spiced, buttery biscuit-like topping baked until golden brown. The combination of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg brings out the rich seasonal flavors, making it an inviting treat to enjoy on a cool autumn day.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

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

Topping

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)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cobbler.
Make the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the chopped pears, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Continue cooking while stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Transfer this pear filling into a 1-quart baking dish and set aside.
Make the topping: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Add the 1/4 cup cold cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers, mix until the butter pieces resemble peas.
Add milk to topping dough: Pour about 3 tablespoons of milk into the flour and butter mixture and stir. Gradually add the remaining milk, mixing just enough to bring the dough together without overworking it.
Assemble the cobbler: Drop the topping dough by tablespoonfuls over the pear filling, distributing evenly. Optionally, sprinkle sanding sugar on top for extra sparkle and crunch.
Prepare for baking: Place the baking dish on a lined, rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills during baking.
Bake: Bake the cobbler in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Serve: Let the cobbler cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture; Bartlett or Bosc pears work well.
Make sure the butter for the topping is cold to achieve a flaky texture.
For extra flavor, serve the cobbler with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
You can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative if desired.
To prevent spills, always place the baking dish on a lined baking sheet when baking cobblers or crisps.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: pear cobbler, autumn dessert, spiced pear cobbler, fall recipes, baked fruit dessert