I remember the first time I made this Pear Dump Cake dish. My youngest, bless her heart, decided that day was the perfect day to finger paint… the walls. Dinner was burned (again!), and I needed a win. That’s when I remembered my mom’s no-fuss Pear Dump Cake. It was a pantry raid away from pure, sugary bliss.

And let me tell you, even with a chaotic kitchen, this Pear Dump Cake was a hit! The warm, sweet pears with that golden, buttery topping… it’s pure comfort food. Now, it’s a requested dish for potlucks and a regular on our Sunday night dinner table. This Pear Dump Cake recipe is requested by everyone.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory-maker. So, if you’re ready for a dessert that’s practically foolproof and tastes like a hug, let’s get baking this easy pear dessert! You will fall in love with this Pear Dump Cake.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat. The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!

2 (15 ounce) cans of pears, in juice or light syrup, undrained. I always buy the ones in juice for my Pear Dump Cake; it makes it a little less sweet, which we prefer.
1 box (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix. Don’t get fancy here! Just a basic yellow cake mix works wonders for this pear dessert.

½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into pats. The colder the butter, the better for that crumbly topping we all crave in a canned pear cake.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This adds a warm spice that complements the pears beautifully in this Pear Dump Cake.
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts. My husband loves nuts in his, so I often add them to half the dish. It’s all about making everyone happy when making Pear Dump Cake!

Optional: 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Adds a little bit of warmth.

Sometimes, I even sneak in a little almond extract with my Pear Dump Cake for a bit of a twist. It depends on my mood, really! The best part about this easy pear dessert is how flexible it is. Making Pear Dump Cake is always a win.

And speaking of easy, don’t feel like you need to run out and buy anything special. Canned pears are the star here, and that’s what makes this whole Pear Dump Cake recipe so darn convenient! This easy pear dessert is so comforting. I actually learned that pears are filled with fiber, you can read about it here: All About Pears – History, Nutrition, Growing and Harvesting

How to Make – Step by Step

Ready to get started? Here’s the super simple process for making this amazing dessert. Trust me; even the most novice baker can pull this off!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Trust me, you don’t want this Pear Dump Cake sticking!
Pour the undrained canned pears into the prepared baking dish. Spread them evenly across the bottom. Don’t drain those pears! The juice is key to keeping this canned pear cake moist. I usually get this part done while the oven preheats.

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pears. Try to cover the pears completely. If you see clumps, just gently break them up with a fork. I find this part is easiest if you hold the cake mix bag high and let it fall like snow. This Pear Dump Cake recipe is so simple.
Sprinkle the cinnamon (and nutmeg if using) over the cake mix. This adds a warm, cozy flavor that makes this Pear Dump Cake irresistible. Sometimes, I’ll even add a dash of ginger for extra zing.
Evenly distribute the cold butter pats over the cake mix. This is where the magic happens! As the butter melts, it creates a golden, crumbly topping. Make sure the butter is cold for best results with this dump cake recipe.

If desired, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top. My husband loves pecans, so I often add them just to his side. This is a great way to customize this Pear Dump Cake.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pears are bubbly. Keep an eye on it! Ovens vary, and you want that topping to be perfectly golden. The aroma of this Pear Dump Cake baking is heavenly!
Let the Pear Dump Cake cool slightly before serving. This gives the pears a chance to settle and the topping to firm up a bit. Though, honestly, sometimes we dig in while it’s still warm!

Enjoy this delicious and easy pear dessert!

Remember, baking times can vary. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, just loosely tent some foil over the dish. This Pear Dump Cake is all about easy adjustments. You can even pair it with my Pecan Cobbler Dump Cake

Serving & Enjoying

Okay, so here’s the best part: serving this amazing Pear Dump Cake! My kids like it straight from the pan, warm and gooey. My husband? He insists on a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top of this canned pear cake.

I personally love a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on my Pear Dump Cake. It’s all about adding that little touch of fancy to this easy pear dessert. For a delicious twist, try serving it with a caramel drizzle. This easy pear dessert is great anytime.

This Pear Dump Cake is perfect for potlucks because it’s so easy to transport, and everyone always raves about it. And you know what? No one ever believes me when I say it’s a Pear Dump Cake!

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they’re fantastic the next day, warmed up with a cup of coffee. Seriously, this Pear Dump Cake is good any time of day. I got the idea to make Pear Dump Cake one day from an article I read about the health benefits of pears: The nutritional benefits of pears. Making this canned pear cake is a great idea.

Presentation-wise, I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top for a pretty touch, especially if I’m serving this Pear Dump Cake to guests. It just makes it look a little more special, even though it’s the easiest thing in the world to make. This Pear Dump Cake is always a hit.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about making the perfect Pear Dump Cake.

Can I use fresh pears instead of canned for this Pear Dump Cake?

You know, I’ve tried it! While you can use fresh pears, I find that canned pears work best in this Pear Dump Cake. They’re softer and hold their shape better. If you do use fresh, peel and slice them thinly and maybe add a little extra juice to the dish.

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this Pear Dump Cake recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve used white cake mix, spice cake mix, and even butter pecan cake mix. They all work well, but yellow cake mix is my go-to for that classic Pear Dump Cake flavor. Have fun experimenting with this canned pear cake!

My Pear Dump Cake is too dry. What did I do wrong?

Hmm, that usually means there wasn’t enough moisture. Make sure you’re not draining the canned pears. Also, ovens can vary, so check it a few minutes early. You can also add a splash of apple juice or extra melted butter next time you bake this pear dessert.

Can I add other fruits to this Pear Dump Cake?

Oh, definitely! I sometimes add a can of drained pineapple or some frozen berries to my Pear Dump Cake. It’s a great way to use up what you have on hand and create a new flavor combination in this Pear Dump Cake.

How do I store leftover Pear Dump Cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Although, in my house, it never lasts that long! Making this Pear Dump Cake is always a good idea.

Can I freeze this Pear Dump Cake?

You can! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The top of my Pear Dump Cake is browning too quickly. What should I do?

No problem! Just loosely tent a piece of foil over the top of the baking dish. This will protect the topping from burning while the pears finish cooking in this Pear Dump Cake.

Closing Thoughts

So, that’s my family’s beloved Pear Dump Cake recipe. It’s more than just an easy pear dessert; it’s a symbol of quick, comforting goodness in our busy lives. The simplicity of this Pear Dump Cake is its magic.

Here are a few of my personal pear dump cake tips:

Don’t skimp on the butter! Those pats of cold butter are what make the topping golden and crumbly.

Experiment with spices. A little nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom can add a unique twist to this Pear Dump Cake.
Serve it warm. Trust me, a warm slice of this canned pear cake is pure heaven.

We’ve tried a few variations, too. Sometimes, we add a streusel topping for extra crunch. Other times, we swap out the yellow cake mix for a chocolate one for a decadent Pear Dump Cake. My daughter loves it with a scoop of peanut butter ice cream!

I hope you give this Pear Dump Cake recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and so incredibly easy to make. This dump cake recipe is one you will use again and again. I also love this Cracker Barrel Pancakes Recipe, you should try it!

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! After all, the best recipes are the ones that are shared and adapted with love. The best part is how easy this canned pear cake is to make. Enjoy this easy pear dessert! Let me know how your Pear Dump Cake turns out. I can’t wait to hear your spin on this Pear Dump Cake!