3 c. 1/4" bread cubes made from firm white bread with crusts trimmed
4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) butter, melted
2 cans (16 oz.) sliced pears
2/3 c. plus 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8 inch square cake pan with butter. In large bowl, toss bread cubes with melted butter. Drain pears, reserving 1/2 cup of their juice.

In a medium bowl, mix pears, 2/3 cup of sugar and vanilla together until sugar dissolves. Scatter 1/3 of the bread on the bottom of the pan. Arrange half the pear mixture on top. Add another layer of bread, the remaining pears and a final layer of bread. Pour reserved juice over all. Cover tightly with foil. Bake 30 minutes.

Remove cover, sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until top is lightly browned. Serve warm, by itself or with optional topping. Serves 6-8.