Name: Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup + 3 tablespoons all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon cloves; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1 1/2 cups very hot water

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a warm, cozy dessert that truly captures the essence of autumn, the Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is exactly what you need. This delightful treat combines the rich, spiced pumpkin goodness with a crunchy pecan topping and a luscious, bubbling sauce that seeps through every bite. The contrast between the soft pumpkin batter and the sweet, nutty pecan layer makes this cobbler irresistibly comforting, perfect for gathering around with friends or family on a chilly evening.

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few wholesome ingredients, this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler comes together effortlessly. Each component plays a special role, from the warm spices that bring depth to the pumpkin to the pecans that add a satisfying crunch and texture.

1 cup + 3 tablespoons all purpose flour: This forms the soft, cakey base that holds the cobbler together.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cobbler rise and stay light and fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet pumpkin flavors.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter for a perfect pumpkin flavor without overwhelming it.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings that classic fall warmth to every bite.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle spice that rounds out the pumpkin’s earthiness.
1/2 teaspoon cloves: Adds a hint of exotic spice that complements the pecans beautifully.
1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives the cobbler its vibrant orange hue and velvety texture.
1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil: Adds richness and a delicate crumb to the cobbler.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla: Enhances the sweet and spicy flavors, making them pop.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: For the topping’s sweet crunch.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Deepens the flavor of the topping with its rich, molasses notes.
1/4 cup chopped pecans: The crunchy, nutty star on top that makes this cobbler uniquely delicious.
1 1/2 cups very hot water: Crucial for creating that bubbling syrupy sauce beneath the pecan topping.

How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it will be perfectly ready when you finish mixing — no waiting around and no dropped temps. A consistent oven temperature is key to getting that golden crust and tender pumpkin filling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend of warm spices perfectly complements the pumpkin’s natural flavor, while the baking powder gives the cobbler its lovely rise.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, stir the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla until smooth. When you pour this into the dry ingredients, you’ll get a thick, fragrant batter that smells like fall itself. Mix gently but thoroughly to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler

Pour your batter into an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides to contain the bubbling goodness. In another bowl, mix the topping sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans, then sprinkle this evenly over the batter. This layer adds texture and rich caramelized sweetness.

Step 5: Add the Hot Water and Bake

This might feel a bit strange, but pour the very hot water over everything without stirring. That’s going to create a luscious syrup beneath the pecan topping as it bakes. Place the dish on a baking sheet—just in case it bubbles over—then pop it in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the cobbler cool for 5-10 minutes. This waiting time allows the syrup to thicken a bit, making it easier to serve. Don’t be shy about adding more pecans or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to finish off the experience.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

Garnishes

For serving, you can simply sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top to amplify that nutty crunch. A scoop or two of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic choice that melts beautifully over the warm cobbler. You could also try a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon – it’s like autumn in a spoon.

Side Dishes

While the Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler can easily stand on its own as a showstopper dessert, it also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cider or coffee. For a holiday feast, consider serving it alongside roasted nuts or a fresh fruit salad to balance the rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler in beautiful individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce or a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. You can even layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and candied pecans for a stunning party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it just as delicious, if not better, on day two or three.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this delicious cobbler in advance, you can freeze it after baking and cooling completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler back to life, warm it gently in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as the texture can become a bit rubbery. Reheat it just enough to get that gooey syrup bubbling again.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually the most convenient option for this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin with no added spices or sweeteners for the best results.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, walnuts or almonds make great alternatives. Just chop them coarsely and adjust the quantity to your liking for a similar crunchy topping.

Is this cobbler gluten-free?

The original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cobbler suitable for gluten-free diets. Just keep in mind that texture might vary slightly.

What’s the best way to serve this dessert warm?

Serving Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler warm is ideal, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the hot cobbler and cold ice cream creates a perfect temperature harmony, making every bite delightful.

Can I prepare the dry ingredients in advance?

Definitely! You can mix all the dry ingredients together and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. This makes it super easy to whip up the cobbler quickly whenever a craving hits.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so wonderful about a warm slice of Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler that feels like a big cozy hug on a cool day. The combination of spices, pumpkin, and crunchy pecans creates a comforting and memorable dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to celebrate pumpkin season with every delicious spoonful.

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a delightful fall dessert featuring a spiced pumpkin batter topped with a sweet pecan sugar crust that bakes under a layer of hot water to create a moist and luscious cobbler. Perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream, it’s an easy-to-make comfort treat great for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cobbler evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir thoroughly to ensure spices are evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and vanilla extract until fully blended.
Create Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir just until combined to form a thick batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the cobbler tender.
Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the batter into a small 8-inch casserole dish with high sides, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare Topping: In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans together evenly, then sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the casserole dish.
Add Hot Water: Carefully pour 1 1/2 cups of very hot water evenly over the entire dish without stirring. This will create a nice sauce as it bakes.
Bake: Place the casserole dish onto a baking sheet (to catch any spills) and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the middle is set and the topping is bubbly and cooked through.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Top with extra pecans and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.

Notes

Use a baking sheet under the casserole dish to catch any overflow during baking.
Do not stir the water into the cobbler; pouring over the top creates a delicious sauce layer.
For a dairy-free option, use vegetable oil and a plant-based milk alternative.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for best results.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American