Ginger Pear Cobbler

Fall in love with the cozy warmth of this Ginger Pear Cobbler, a perfect blend of juicy ripe pears and the gentle zing of fresh ginger. With a crumbly, buttery topping infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert is a comforting classic that’s easy to make yet impressively delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a quiet night in, this cobbler will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

Why It Works Every Time

The magic behind this Ginger Pear Cobbler lies in the balance of textures and flavors. The pears, peeled and sliced to tender perfection, soften during baking but still hold their shape, providing a juicy, luscious base. The fresh ginger adds a subtle spicy warmth that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit, while the combination of cinnamon and nutmeg deepens the flavor profile.

The topping is a game-changer — a mix of all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar, enriched with softened butter and a touch of cold water to bring it all together. This creates a tender, buttery crust with a slight crunch from the oats, contrasting beautifully with the soft fruit beneath. The cornstarch thickens the filling as it bakes, ensuring your cobbler isn’t runny but perfectly saucy. This recipe’s simplicity and tried-and-true ingredients make it foolproof, delivering consistent, delicious results every single time.

Ingredient List

• 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Prep & Cook Tools

• Mixing bowls – for combining the filling and topping separately
• Grater – to finely grate fresh ginger
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure precise ingredient amounts
• 9×9-inch baking dish – perfect size for this cobbler
• Knife and cutting board – to peel and slice the pears
• Spatula or wooden spoon – for mixing ingredients
• Oven mitts – always important for safety when handling hot dishes

Build Ginger Pear Cobbler Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Pear Filling

Begin by peeling and slicing your ripe pears. In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears with freshly grated ginger, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently toss everything together until the pears are evenly coated. This mixture will burst with flavor as it bakes, with the cornstarch ensuring a thick, luscious filling.

Step 2: Make the Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened unsalted butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough starts to come together. The oats add a delightful texture, while the brown sugar adds rich caramel notes.

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

Pour the pear filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumbly topping over the pears, covering as much of the filling as possible. Don’t worry if some fruit peeks through; this adds to the rustic charm of the cobbler.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown and crisp, while the filling bubbles gently around the edges. Once done, allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Ginger Pear Cobbler warm, ideally topped with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. The combination of warm fruit and cool cream is irresistible. For a fun twist, try pairing it with a fresh salad like the Pear And Gorgonzola Spinach Salad to balance your meal with some savory greens.

Dietary Customizations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter, to replace unsalted butter.
• Less Sugar: Reduce granulated and brown sugar by up to one-third or swap with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Spice Variation: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the filling for a different aromatic twist.

Don’t Do This

• Don’t skip the cornstarch; it’s essential for thickening the juicy pear filling and preventing it from becoming too watery.
• Avoid using underripe pears—they won’t soften properly and can leave your cobbler tasting sour and gritty.
• Don’t overmix the topping dough; you want it crumbly, not dense or doughy.
• Don’t open the oven door frequently while baking; this drops the temperature and can affect the texture.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Enjoy your Ginger Pear Cobbler fresh out of the oven for the best texture and flavor. To store leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes, until heated through.

If you want to freeze the cobbler, assemble it but don’t bake. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until bubbly and golden.

Your Top Questions

Can I use canned or frozen pears instead of fresh?

Fresh pears are ideal for this recipe because they maintain their texture and flavor after baking. Canned or frozen pears tend to be softer and can result in a mushier filling. If you must use them, drain excess liquid thoroughly and reduce or omit the cornstarch to avoid an overly thick filling.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger on hand?

You can substitute fresh ginger with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger powder, but keep in mind that fresh ginger provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Ground ginger is more concentrated, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the pears.

Can this cobbler be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and topping separately a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and assemble right before baking. This makes it easy to have a fresh, warm dessert ready with minimal effort.

How do I get the topping extra crispy?

For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle a tablespoon of granulated sugar on top of the topping before baking. You can also broil the cobbler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

• Pear And Gorgonzola Spinach Salad – A fresh, savory salad that pairs beautifully with fruit-based desserts.
• Perfect Soft And Chewy Gingersnap Cookies – For those who adore ginger, these cookies deliver a spicy-sweet treat.
• Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Roll Bake – A decadent twist on classic cobbler that’s perfect for brunch or dessert.

Make It Tonight

Feeling inspired? This Ginger Pear Cobbler is one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand, and with just a little prep, you’ll have a warm, fragrant dessert bubbling away in your oven in under an hour. Whether it’s a midweek treat or a weekend celebration, this cobbler brings comfort and joy to every bite. So grab your pears, grate that fresh ginger, and get baking—you won’t regret it!

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