If you're craving a cozy, comforting dessert that celebrates the essence of fall, look no further than this Spiced Pear Cobbler. It's a perfect blend of juicy, spiced pears and a buttery biscuit topping, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
The star of this dish is, of course, the pears. Their natural sweetness and juiciness become even more pronounced when baked. You'll want them ripe but firm enough to hold their shape. Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together to sweeten the filling, with brown sugar adding a hint of molasses richness. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and spice, making the dish aromatic and cozy. To thicken the filling ever so slightly, a bit of all-purpose flour is mixed in. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
For the topping, all-purpose flour provides the base, while granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Cold unsalted butter is crucial for creating that flaky, tender texture we all love in a biscuit topping. Whole milk brings everything together, while baking powder gives it a nice lift. A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor.
This cobbler is best served warm, straight from the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is classic and delicious, but you could also try a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it ready to go once you've prepared your cobbler. Get your pears peeled, cored, and sliced. In a large bowl, combine them with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Give everything a good toss until the pears are well coated in this fragrant mixture.
Next, transfer the spiced pears into a greased 8-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Now, set that aside for a moment and let's focus on the biscuit topping. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter, and use a pastry blender or a fork to cut it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Pour in the milk, gently stirring until just combined — it's okay if it's a little lumpy. Now, take spoonfuls of this biscuit mixture and drop them over the pears in the baking dish, aiming to cover them as evenly as possible.
Pop your cobbler into the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the topping is golden brown and the pears are bubbly. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
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