Indulge in the cozy comfort of Pear Dump Cake, a quick and easy Summer Dessert that combines juicy pears with a buttery, crumbly cake topping. Ready in under an hour, this nostalgic treat is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home. Its warm, caramelized flavors and simple prep make it a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Pear Dump Cake
This Pear Dump Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s hard to resist. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Effortless Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it a breeze to create.
- Sweet Comfort: Juicy pears and a crisp topping evoke warm, nostalgic vibes.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners as a Summer Dessert.
- Flexible Ingredients: Use fresh or canned pears for year-round enjoyment.
- Irresistible Texture: A buttery, crumbly top contrasts with soft, caramelized fruit.
Explore more sweet ideas in our guide: Summer Sweets.
What Makes This Pear Dump Cake Special?
This Pear Dump Cake transforms humble ingredients into a comforting Summer Dessert with minimal effort. The juicy pears, whether fresh or canned, meld with a golden, buttery cake mix topping that’s both crisp and tender. Its simplicity—no mixing bowls or fancy tools required—makes it ideal for busy summer days, while the warm, caramelized flavors evoke memories of home. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quiet evenings, this dessert is a versatile crowd-pleaser that delivers big on taste.
Ingredients for Pear Dump Cake
To make this Pear Dump Cake (serves 8), gather these ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 4 cups fresh pears, peeled and sliced (or 2 cans, 15 oz each, drained)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or spice cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Ingredient Tips:
- Pears: Fresh, ripe pears add floral sweetness; canned pears work for convenience in this Pear Dump Cake.
- Cake Mix: Vanilla or spice cake mix complements pears; yellow cake mix is a lighter option.
- Butter: Cold, thinly sliced butter ensures a crumbly topping for this Summer Dessert.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth to the fruit layer.
- Nuts: Pecans or walnuts provide crunch; omit for a nut-free version.
How to Make Pear Dump Cake
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prepares the base for the Pear Dump Cake.
Layer Pears
Spread 4 cups fresh sliced pears or 2 cans drained pears evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 tsp cinnamon if desired for extra warmth.
Add Cake Mix
Pour 1 box of cake mix evenly over the pears, covering them completely. Avoid stirring to maintain the dump cake’s signature texture.
Top with Butter
Arrange ½ cup cold, thinly sliced butter evenly over the cake mix. This creates a golden, crumbly topping for the Summer Dessert.
Bake Cake
Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking at 30 minutes. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly, until the topping is golden and bubbly.
Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm for a cozy Pear Dump Cake experience.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: ~350 per serving (based on 8 servings)
Servings: 8
Macros per Serving: 50g carbs, 3g protein, 15g fat, 3g fiber
Tips for Perfect Pear Dump Cake
- Drain Canned Pears: Pat canned pears dry to prevent a soggy Pear Dump Cake.
- Use Ripe Pears: Fresh pears should be soft but not mushy for the best flavor.
- Slice Butter Thinly: Even butter slices ensure a crisp, golden Summer Dessert topping.
- Check Browning: Cover with foil if the top browns too fast to maintain texture.
- Cool Slightly: Wait 10-15 minutes before serving to let the cake set.
Creative Variations to Try
Customize this Pear Dump Cake with these ideas:
- Fruit Swap: Try apples or peaches for a different Summer Dessert twist.
- Spice It Up: Add cardamom or ginger for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle almonds or hazelnuts for extra texture.
- Sweet Drizzle: Top with caramel or chocolate sauce for indulgence.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix for dietary needs.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
This Pear Dump Cake is a cozy Summer Dessert perfect for summer potlucks, family gatherings, or quiet evenings. Serve warm in the baking dish for a rustic feel, or scoop into ramekins for individual portions. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a hot-cold contrast. Garnish with thin pear slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for elegance. Pair with iced tea or coffee for a refreshing summer vibe. For parties, present on a wooden board with tropical decor to enhance the Summer Dessert charm.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore texture.
- Best Fresh: Enjoy within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and crispness.
- Prep Ahead: Slice fresh pears or drain canned pears in advance for quick assembly.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing affects the topping’s texture and pear consistency.
FAQs About Pear Dump Cake
Can I use canned pears for Pear Dump Cake? Yes, drain them well to avoid a soggy base.
How long does this Summer Dessert last? It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use fresh peaches instead? Peaches or apples are great substitutes for Pear Dump Cake.
What pairs with this Summer Dessert? Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or coffee complement it.
Can I make Pear Dump Cake gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version.
Can I add nuts to Pear Dump Cake? Pecans or walnuts add crunch; sprinkle before baking.
More Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Conclusion
The Pear Dump Cake is a warm, comforting Summer Dessert that blends juicy pears with a buttery, golden topping. Its quick prep and cozy flavors make it perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or quiet nights at home. Bake this Pear Dump Cake, share your sweet creations on social media, and explore more summer treats at Food and Tips!
Pear Dump Cake: A Sweet Summer Treat
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 6-8 ripe pears or 2-3 cans of pears, drained
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix divided
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 fresh pear thinly sliced (for topping)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar deep baking tray, just like the one in the photo.
- Prepare the Pears:
- If using fresh pears: Peel, core, and slice them into medium chunks.
- If using canned pears: Drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
- For a mix: Combine fresh and canned pears for a variety of textures.
- Layer the Bottom: Sprinkle half of the dry cake mix evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form a delicious golden base as it bakes.
- Add the Pears: Arrange the pear slices evenly over the cake mix layer. Toss the pears with cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and vanilla extract to give them a warm, spiced flavor.
- Top with the Remaining Cake Mix: Sprinkle the remaining half of the cake mix evenly over the pears. Again, do not stir! This layered effect is what makes a dump cake so unique.
- Butter and Brown Sugar: Pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar on top for a caramel-like finish as it bakes.
- Pear Slices for Topping (Optional): For an elegant touch (and extra pear flavor), lay the thinly sliced pear pieces on top of the cake, just like the picture. These slices will bake into the cake, creating a visually appealing, golden-brown topping.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the pears are tender and bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to settle, making it easier to cut. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
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