This Autumn Spice Pear Cobbler is a warm treat bursting with sweet pears and cozy spices. It’s like a hug in a dish, making it perfect for chilly fall days!
Honestly, when the house fills with the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s hard to resist. I can’t wait to enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream on top—heavenly! 🍐🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Fresh, ripe pears are the star here. I recommend using Bartlett or Bosc pears for their sweetness and texture. If you can’t find these, try substituting with apples for a slightly different flavor.
Spices: The spice blend is essential for that cozy fall taste. If you don’t have ground allspice, you can use a pinch of cloves instead or just add more cinnamon!
Butter: Unsalted butter works best to control the saltiness in the topping. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil or a vegan butter could be great substitutes.
Milk: While I suggest regular milk, you can use almond milk or oat milk if you want a dairy-free option. Buttermilk is also fantastic if you have it on hand as it adds a nice tang.
How Do You Ensure the Pears Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the pears cooked just right is key to a delicious cobbler. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose ripe pears that are not overly soft, so they hold their shape during baking.
- Slice them evenly for consistent cooking. Aim for about 1/4-inch thick.
- Toss them with sugar and spices to macerate, which helps draw out their juices and enhances flavor.
By following these tips, your pears will turn tender and flavorful, providing a tasty base for the crunchy topping!
Autumn Spice Pear Cobbler Perfect For Fall
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 6-7 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cobbler takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 40-45 minutes to bake, totaling around 1 hour. It’s perfect for cozy fall gatherings or a comforting dessert after dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure your cobbler bakes evenly. While it’s heating, grease a 9-inch round baking dish or any similar-sized dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pear Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced pears with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt). Then, sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir gently to coat the pears evenly. Once combined, pour the pear mixture into the greased baking dish.
3. Make the Cobbler Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt for the topping. Next, add the cold butter pieces into the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, with some small pea-sized pieces remaining.
4. Combine and Sprinkle the Topping:
Pour the milk into the bowl with the crumb mixture and stir until just combined. The topping should be a bit moist but crumbly. Now, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pear filling in the baking dish. Don’t worry if a little of the filling is showing; that’s just fine!
5. Bake the Cobbler:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the topping turns a lovely golden brown and the pears start bubbling up at the sides.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set a little and makes it easier to serve. Divide your warm cobbler into bowls and top it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy the warm, spiced goodness of your Autumn Spice Pear Cobbler—it’s perfect for fall! 🍐🍂
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Cobbler?
Absolutely! While pears are the star here, feel free to mix in other fruits like apples or berries. Just remember that different fruits may require slight adjustments in sugar or cooking time based on their sweetness and moisture content.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or almond flour. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten from processing methods.
Can I Store Leftovers, and How Should I Reheat Them?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until warm.
What Should I Serve with the Cobbler?
I recommend serving it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cobbler before serving!