Pear Dump Cake – Simple, Sweet Dessert with a Crumbly Topping

This Easy Pear Dump Cake with Crumbly Topping is a simple, quick, and delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of pears with a buttery, crumbly topping. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal preparation. With its warm, fruity filling and golden, crumbly topping, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday celebrations.

A “dump cake” is the ultimate no-fuss dessert where you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and bake — no mixing required! This pear version is a refreshing twist on the classic apple dump cake, and it’s sure to become a new favorite.

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Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need

For the Pear Filling:

• Canned Pears: Using canned pears is an easy shortcut, but you can also use fresh pears if you prefer. Just make sure to slice them evenly.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the pear filling.

• Lemon Juice: Adds a bit of tang to balance out the sweetness.

• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the pears.

For the Crumbly Topping:

• Yellow Cake Mix: This forms the base of the crumbly topping and gives it a light, cake-like texture.

• Butter: Adds richness to the topping and helps it become crispy and golden.

• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness to the crumb topping.

• Nuts (Optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans are optional but make a great addition for extra crunch and flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pear Dump Cake with Crumbly Topping

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Pear Filling

1. If you are using canned pears, drain and slice the pears, and pour them into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using fresh pears, peel, core, and slice them before adding them to the dish.

2. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pears in the baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Crumbly Topping

1. In a separate bowl, mix the 1 box yellow cake mix with 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional: add 1/2 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch).

2. Pour the cake mix mixture evenly over the pears, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

3. Dot the topping with butter: Cut 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter into small cubes and scatter the pieces over the cake mix. This helps create the buttery, crumbly topping as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

2. You may see some of the pear juices bubbling up around the edges of the dish, which is perfectly fine!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Allow the pear dump cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Tips for Perfect Pear Dump Cake:

• Use Ripe Pears: If using fresh pears, make sure they’re ripe but still firm. You don’t want them too soft, as they’ll turn mushy during baking.

• Evenly Distribute the Cake Mix: Try to spread the dry cake mix evenly over the pears so the topping cooks uniformly.

• Check for Doneness: The top should be golden brown and crisp. If it’s still not browned after 50 minutes, try increasing the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Variations:

• Spiced Pear Dump Cake: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger to the cake mix for extra flavor.

• Cinnamon Roll Topping: Use cinnamon roll dough (store-bought or homemade) in place of the cake mix for a fun twist and a cinnamon bun-inspired flavor.

• Coconut: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical touch that pairs well with the pears.

Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.

• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Use a non-dairy whipped topping if you’re serving it with whipped cream.

• Sugar-Free: If you’re looking for a lower-sugar version, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit in place of granulated sugar and brown sugar.

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Serving Ideas & Best Occasions

When to Serve:

• Weeknight Dessert: This is an easy and quick dessert that’s perfect for a weeknight treat.

• Holiday Gatherings: Serve this cake for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall or winter celebration.

• Potlucks: A great dessert to bring to potlucks, BBQs, or family reunions.

What to Serve With It:

• Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey pear filling and crumbly topping.

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and balance to the richness of the dump cake.

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 250–300 per serving

• Fat: 12–15g (from butter and nuts, if used)

• Carbs: 35–40g (from sugar and cake mix)

• Protein: 2–3g (from cake mix and nuts)

• Fiber: 2–3g (from pears and nuts)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen pears?

Yes! If you’re using frozen pears, thaw and drain them before using them in the recipe to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.

3. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! You can freeze the pear dump cake (without the whipped cream or ice cream) for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

4. Can I use other fruits instead of pears?

Yes! You can use apples, peaches, or cherries for a different variation. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness depending on the fruit you choose.

5. Is there a way to make this cake healthier?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit, swap the butter for coconut oil, and use a whole wheat cake mix to make it a bit healthier.

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