Pear Dump Cake

Pear Dump Cake is one of those magical desserts that’s ridiculously easy to make but tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients—canned pears, cake mix, butter, and a few warm spices—I get a golden, bubbly dessert with sweet fruit on the bottom and a crisp, buttery topping on top. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for a no-fuss sweet treat any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe for how incredibly simple and satisfying it is. There’s no mixing, no fancy equipment, and no fuss. I just layer everything into the baking dish and let the oven do the rest. It’s great when I want to whip up something quickly for guests or use up pantry staples. Plus, the flavor of pears with cinnamon and golden cake is pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Canned pear halves or slices (in juice or syrup)

• Yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra flavor)

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground nutmeg (optional)

• Optional toppings: chopped walnuts or pecans, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Directions

1. I preheat the oven and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. I pour the canned pears (with their juice or syrup) into the baking dish and spread them out evenly.

3. I sprinkle cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg over the fruit for warmth.

4. I evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix on top of the pears—no mixing needed.

5. I drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface, making sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible.

6. If I’m using nuts, I scatter them over the top for crunch.

7. I bake the dump cake until the top is golden and bubbly, and the fruit is hot and juicy underneath—usually 40 to 45 minutes.

8. I let it cool for a few minutes before serving, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 to 10. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 40–45 minutes to bake. In under an hour, I have a warm and delicious dessert ready to enjoy.

Variations

Sometimes I mix in other fruits like apples or cranberries with the pears. When I want a richer flavor, I use spice cake mix instead of yellow. I’ve also made it with fresh sliced pears—just add a little sugar and lemon juice to help them soften. For a nuttier version, I add toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30–45 seconds. It also reheats well in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. The topping stays crispest when warmed in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?

Yes, I’ve used fresh pears peeled and sliced thin. I usually toss them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice before adding them to the pan.

What kind of cake mix works best?

I usually use yellow cake mix, but spice cake adds a great seasonal flavor. White cake mix also works if I want a more neutral base.

Do I stir the cake mix into the fruit?

No, I keep everything layered. I just sprinkle the dry cake mix right over the fruit and pour the butter over the top. That’s the beauty of a dump cake—no stirring required.

How do I know when it’s done?

I look for a golden, crisp top and bubbling fruit around the edges. A few dry spots are okay, but most of the cake mix should be baked through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I bake it ahead and warm it before serving. It’s also delicious cold or at room temperature with whipped cream or yogurt.

Conclusion

Pear Dump Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and comfort. I love how it comes together with pantry staples and minimal effort, yet delivers a warm, satisfying dessert every time. Whether I’m hosting, potlucking, or just craving something sweet, this easy treat always hits the spot.

Pear Dump Cake

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Pear Dump Cake is an easy, comforting dessert made with canned pears, cake mix, butter, and warm spices. It bakes into a golden, bubbly treat with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 (15 oz) cans pear halves or slices (in juice or syrup, undrained)
• 1 box yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Optional toppings: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour canned pears with their juice into the dish and spread evenly.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the pears.
4. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit—do not stir.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the entire surface, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
6. Top with chopped nuts, if using.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and fruit is bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

• Use fresh pears if preferred—peel, slice, and toss with sugar and lemon juice first.
• Spice cake mix gives a warmer, more seasonal flavor.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in microwave or oven for best texture.
• No stirring is needed—just layer and bake.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg