Pear Dump Cake is a warm, buttery dessert made with sliced pears, cinnamon, yellow cake mix, and melted butter. It is simple, sweet, and perfect for fall baking, weeknight desserts, or casual gatherings.
Story
Pear Dump Cake became one of my favorite quick desserts because it gives you a homemade flavor without a long prep list. When ripe pears soften under a golden cake mix topping, the result feels cozy, rustic, and deeply satisfying. This Pear Dump Cake works especially well when you want Easy baking with pantry ingredients. Plus, the cinnamon syrup forms naturally while the pears rest with sugar. Because of that, Pear Dump Cake tastes rich without extra effort. Serve Pear Dump Cake warm, and it quickly turns into the kind of cozy treats people ask for again.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced pears, peeled and cored, about 6 medium pears
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 box yellow cake mix, 15.25 ounces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk, optional
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then peel, core, and slice the pears evenly so they bake at the same pace. Next, add the pears to a large bowl with sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently, then let the mixture rest for 10 minutes. During this time, the pears release juice and create a light syrup, which gives this pear dessert its soft, saucy base.
Cooking Instructions
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the pear mixture evenly across the bottom. After that, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit without stirring. Pour melted butter across the top, covering as much mix as possible. Then drizzle milk over dry spots, if needed. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping turns golden and the pears bubble around the edges.
Tips for Perfect Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not stir the cake mix into the pears, since the layered method creates the classic dump cake texture. Also, avoid thick pear slices because they may stay firm. Meanwhile, do not leave large dry patches of cake mix uncovered. For best results, spread the butter slowly and use milk only where the topping looks powdery.
Pro Tips for Better Flavor
Use Bartlett pears for juicy sweetness or Bosc pears for a slightly firmer bite. For more warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. You can also sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or oats over the cake mix before baking. Because this is a cake mix recipe, small add-ins give it a more homemade texture.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving so the filling thickens slightly. Then dust it with powdered sugar, or serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It also tastes great with caramel sauce for a richer finish.
How to Store Leftovers
Cover leftovers tightly and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, until warm.
Conclusion
This Pear Dump Cake brings together tender fruit, cinnamon syrup, and a buttery golden topping with very little prep. Try it when you need a simple dessert that tastes warm, nostalgic, and homemade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pears for Pear Dump Cake?
Yes, you can use canned pears. Drain them well first, then reduce the sugar slightly because canned pears often taste sweeter than fresh pears.
Can I make Pear Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it ahead and reheat it before serving. However, the topping tastes crispiest on the day you bake it.
What cake mix works best?
Yellow cake mix works best because it adds a buttery vanilla flavor. However, white cake mix or spice cake mix also works well.
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Pear Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A warm Pear Dump Cake made with sliced pears, cinnamon, yellow cake mix, and melted butter for an easy cozy dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced pears, peeled and cored
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 box yellow cake mix, 15.25 ounces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk, optional
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Toss sliced pears with sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Let the pears sit for 10 minutes to create a light syrup.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the pear mixture evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pears without stirring.
- Pour melted butter over the cake mix.
- Drizzle milk over any dry areas, if desired.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh Bartlett or Bosc pears for best flavor and texture.
- Add nutmeg or ginger for a spiced twist.
- Sprinkle oats or chopped nuts over the cake mix for extra texture.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 39
- Sodium: 360
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 61
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 31