Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
There is something irresistibly cozy and delightful about a warm, spiced cobbler bubbling with rich pecans and smooth pumpkin flavors. This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler combines the hearty sweetness of pumpkin puree with the nutty crunch of pecans, all wrapped in a lightly sweetened, tender batter that soaks up a luscious syrupy topping. It’s the perfect dessert for crisp autumn evenings or any time you crave a comforting treat that feels both familiar and a little indulgent. Trust me, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box and a shining place on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler just right starts with simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the earthy pumpkin puree to the aromatic spices and crunchy pecans, every item has a role in creating those unforgettable layers of flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup + 3 tablespoons): The foundation for a tender, fluffy cobbler base that holds everything together perfectly.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps give the batter a light, airy lift so your cobbler isn’t dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Adds essential sweetness and helps create the gooey, caramel-like syrup that makes every bite heavenly.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle nutty spice that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a bold, aromatic note to elevate the autumnal spices.
- Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, lending moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin charm.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Keeps the batter smooth and tender for a delicate crumb.
- Melted butter or vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps create a golden crust on top.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses a sweet, fragrant finish that enhances every other flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds depth and a caramel-like sweetness to the pecan topping.
- Chopped pecans (1/4 cup): Brings a satisfyingly crunchy texture and a toasty nutty flavor.
- Very hot water (1 1/2 cups): Poured over the cobbler for that signature syrupy soak that keeps this dessert so luscious.
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and those beautiful autumn spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mixture will give your cobbler its tender structure and warm aromatic base.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or oil, if you prefer), and vanilla extract. This wet mix adds moisture, richness, and that quintessential pumpkin flavor that makes this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler so special.
Step 3: Make the Batter and Assemble
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until you have a thick, smooth batter. Then, spread this batter evenly into an 8-inch casserole dish with tall sides—this helps contain the bubbling syrupy goodness later on.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. This topping adds a delightful crunch and deep caramelized flavor once baked.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake Without Stirring
Evenly spread the pecan and sugar topping over the batter. Now comes an exciting step: pour 1 1/2 cups of very hot water gently over everything without stirring. This water interacts with the sugars and batter underneath to form a luscious, bubbling syrup as it bakes. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any overflow, then bake for about 40 minutes or until the center is set. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Garnishes
The Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler shines brightest when topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast beautifully with the warm cobbler. For added crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this cobbler with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte for a cozy pairing that enhances the warm spice notes. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, a simple bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream can round out the dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving individual portions of Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler in small ramekins or mason jars for a charming rustic touch. Drizzling a little melted caramel sauce over the top just before serving adds extra decadence that will delight any pumpkin lover.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a treat all on its own. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each bite even more comforting the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked cobbler to enjoy later! Wrap the cooled cobbler tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes until bubbly and warmed through. Adding a scoop of ice cream afterward is always a winner.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually preferred for consistency. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sugar.
What if I don’t have pecans—can I substitute another nut?
Certainly. Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes if you’re not a pecan fan, though pecans give a uniquely rich, buttery crunch that’s especially delicious in this cobbler.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Your cobbler will still be tender and delightful.
Why do I pour hot water over the batter without stirring?
This technique is key. The hot water interacts with the sugars and batter to create the signature syrupy liquid that bubbles up through the cobbler, resulting in moist, gooey pockets beneath the light crust.
Can I prepare this cobbler ahead of time and bake it later?
You can mix the batter and topping in advance and store it in the fridge for a day, but it’s best to wait to add the hot water and bake the cobbler right before serving to achieve that perfect syrupy texture.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the cozy magic of Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler ready to sweeten up any occasion. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug, mixing the best parts of pumpkin and pecans into a luscious, comforting dish. Give it a try soon, and you might just find it becoming your new favorite fall tradition!
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Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a cozy autumn dessert featuring a spiced pumpkin batter topped with a crunchy pecan sugar mixture and finished with a hot water pour-over for a delightfully gooey texture. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cobbler combines warm flavors with a tender crust and a nutty topping, served best with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Other
- 1 1/2 cups very hot water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir until all dry ingredients and spices are evenly mixed. Set this bowl aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently to form a thick batter, making sure there are no large lumps but do not overmix to keep the texture tender.
- Pour Batter into Dish: Transfer the batter into a small 8-inch casserole dish with high sides, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In another bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans until well combined.
- Add Topping: Evenly spread the sugar and pecan mixture over the surface of the batter in the casserole dish.
- Pour Hot Water: Carefully pour the very hot water over the topping and batter altogether, but do not stir. This step creates the signature cobbler texture as the water bubbles during baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish on 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 looks bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm topped with extra pecans and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides to prevent spilling during baking.
- Do not stir after pouring hot water; this is essential for the correct cobbler texture.
- If desired, substitute melted butter with vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
- Place the baking dish on a tray to catch any potential overflow in the oven.
- Ensure the water poured is very hot to help the topping dissolve properly and create the syrupy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: pumpkin pecan cobbler, pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, autumn recipe, pecan dessert, easy cobbler recipe
