Pear Dump Cake

Pear Dump Cake is the kind of dessert you turn to when you want something warm, cozy, and comforting—without a ton of effort. This classic “dump and bake” recipe uses simple pantry staples and transforms them into a bubbling, golden, spiced dessert that tastes like fall in every bite. The pears are soft and cinnamon-kissed, the cake is buttery with a crisp golden topping—and yes, it’s even better with vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless but Satisfying: You just dump, layer, and bake—no mixing bowls needed.
• Perfectly Spiced: The combo of cinnamon and brown sugar makes every bite warm and sweet.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or a simple weeknight treat.
• Budget-Friendly: Only five ingredients, and you probably already have most of them.
• Cozy and Comforting: Like a pear cobbler, but with even less fuss.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
Serves 8–10. You can easily double it for a party or halve it for a small household.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. No baking experience required. Just layer and bake.

Required Kitchen Tools

Make sure you have these on hand before you start:

• 9×13 Baking Dish – The standard size for dump cakes.
• Can Opener – If using canned pears.
• Spatula or Spoon – To spread the ingredients evenly.
• Knife (optional) – If slicing fresh pears.
• Oven Mitts – That baking dish will be hot!

Ingredients for Pear Dump Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cake to life (detailed amounts are in the recipe card below):

• Pears: Canned, fresh, or jarred all work—choose what you love.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Gives it that comforting, spiced aroma.
• Yellow Cake Mix: The dry kind—do not prepare it.
• Butter: Unsalted and sliced thinly for that golden, crisp topping.

Variations for Pear Dump Cake

You can keep it classic or have a little fun with the flavors. Here are some easy ways to make this your own:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for a crunchy finish.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Try a Different Cake Mix: Spice cake mix adds extra autumn flavor, while white or vanilla cake mix makes it lighter.
• Use Fresh Pears: Peel and slice 4–5 ripe pears. Toss with a tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of sugar before layering.
• Make It Caramel: Drizzle a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce over the pears before adding the cake mix.

How to Make Pear Dump Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Add the Pears

Pour the pears (with juice if using canned) into the dish. Spread them out evenly. If you’re using fresh pears, they should be juicy and soft; if not, you can add a splash of water or pear juice to keep things moist.

3. Sprinkle Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar across the top of the pears. Then dust with cinnamon. This adds warmth and depth right at the base of your cake.

4. Add the Cake Mix

Take the dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit and sugar layer. Don’t stir. Just make sure there are no big clumps.

5. Add the Butter

Slice the butter into thin pats and distribute them evenly over the cake mix. This melts in the oven and forms that golden, buttery topping.

6. Bake It

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The top should look golden and crisp, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. It’ll firm up a bit as it sits.

Serving Suggestions

Pear Dump Cake is super versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re going simple or dressing it up, here are a few tasty ways to enjoy it:

• Warm with Ice Cream: The classic. A scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the warm cake is pure comfort.
• Add Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy, and quick. Homemade or canned both work.
• Drizzle with Caramel: A light drizzle of caramel sauce can take this dessert from cozy to next-level indulgent.
• Sprinkle Toasted Nuts: Add some texture and toasty flavor with chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Make It Breakfast-ish: Got leftovers? Reheat a slice and pair it with Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup for a dessert-for-breakfast vibe.

Storing Pear Dump Cake

Whether you’re making it ahead or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep your dump cake delicious:

• Room Temperature: Let the cake cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store at room temp for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The topping may soften a little but still tastes great.
• Freezer: You can freeze portions in sealed containers or wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven.

To Reheat:
Pop a slice in the microwave for 30–40 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings and using canned pears in juice, yellow cake mix, and butter):

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	310
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	280mg
Total Carbohydrates	48g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	28g
Protein	2g

Note: Values will vary based on specific brands of cake mix and the type of pears used (fresh vs canned in syrup or juice).

Pear Dump Cake FAQs

Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?

Yes! Use 4–5 ripe, juicy pears. Peel, core, and slice them, then toss with a tablespoon of lemon juice and a couple tablespoons of sugar. Add a splash of water or juice if they seem dry.

Do I need to stir the layers together?

Nope. Dump cakes work best when you keep the layers separate. Just spread each one evenly and let the oven do the magic.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make it up to a day in advance. Cover and store at room temperature or in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

What if I don’t have yellow cake mix?

Try white cake mix, spice cake mix, or even vanilla cake mix. Each one gives a slightly different twist.

Can I add other fruits?

Definitely. Try mixing in apples, cranberries, or even raspberries with the pears for a little variety.

Conclusion

Pear Dump Cake is proof that easy doesn’t mean boring. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and barely any prep, you get a warm, spiced dessert that tastes like a cozy afternoon in a dish. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your back pocket for last-minute guests, holiday gatherings, or those nights when only something sweet will do.

Make it your own with mix-ins or toppings, and don’t forget a scoop of ice cream if you’ve got it. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor—this one’s a keeper.