Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that wraps all the cozy flavors of fall into one heavenly dish, the Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. This cobbler brings together the rich, velvety texture of pumpkin and the toasty crunch of pecans with a luscious sugary topping that bakes into a bubbling golden delight. It’s a straight-from-the-oven treat that’s perfect for sharing, whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet weekend indulgence. The warm spices and perfectly moist cobbler base work in such harmony that one bite will have you hooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe lies in its simple but incredibly purposeful ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from building that tender, flavorful batter to creating the irresistible pecan topping that defines the dish’s character.

• All-purpose flour (1 cup + 3 tablespoons): The foundation that gives the cobbler its tender crumb and structure.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Provides the lift and lightness necessary to keep the cobbler from being dense.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Sweetens both the batter and the topping, creating that perfect caramelized crust.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm spiciness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the aroma and flavor profile with its subtly sweet heat.
• Cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a slightly woody, warming note to the spice mix.
• Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that provides moisture, richness, and that irresistible fall flavor.
• Milk (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess to the batter, helping it hold together perfectly.
• Melted butter or vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Offers moisture and richness while contributing to a tender texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, fragrant finish.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moistness and a slight molasses undertone in the topping.
• Chopped pecans (1/4 cup): For that signature crunch and nutty sweetness that sets this cobbler apart.
• Very hot water (1 1/2 cups): Poured over the batter to create a moist, caramelized topping during baking.

How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect steady heat to cook your cobbler evenly, giving that rich, bubbling top and light center.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix these thoroughly to make sure the spices and leavening are evenly distributed for balanced flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter or vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and a luscious pumpkin depth to the batter.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until the batter comes together. It should be thick and even — careful not to overmix, as you want to keep your cobbler light and tender, not dense.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour the batter into an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. This gives you that classic cobbler shape with ample room for bubbling and rising.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle this mixture generously and evenly over the batter. This topping is where the magic happens — it will melt and crisp beautifully during baking.

Step 7: Add Hot Water

Carefully pour 1 1/2 cups of very hot water over the entire dish without stirring. This step creates the signature moist, caramelized cobbler topping by allowing the sugar and pecans to infuse a rich syrup as it bakes.

Step 8: Bake

Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the oven for about 40 minutes. The cobbler is done when the center is set and the topping is bubbly and golden brown. The smell alone is pure comfort!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cobbler cool for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken up slightly before serving. For an extra indulgent touch, add more chopped pecans or a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Garnishes

To really wow your guests, sprinkle toasted chopped pecans over the top for extra crunch and nutty aroma. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly into the warm cobbler, enhancing the spicy pumpkin flavors.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of robust coffee or a spiced chai latte, balancing sweetness with a touch of warmth. You might also enjoy it alongside a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette if serving as part of a fall dinner menu.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup. Or layer warm cobbler with whipped cream and crushed pecans in clear glasses for an elegant parfait-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more with time, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

This cobbler freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm up individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or reheat the whole cobbler in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Adding a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream after reheating makes it feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this cobbler?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What can I substitute for pecans if I have allergies?

You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, or even leave the nuts out entirely if needed. The cobbler will still be delicious, just missing that nutty crunch.

Is this cobbler gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend cup for cup to make it safe for gluten-free diets.

Can I make this cobbler in a larger pan?

Yes, but you may need to adjust baking time slightly. Using a larger pan will make the cobbler thinner and may require less baking time, so keep an eye on it towards the end.

How do the hot water and sugar topping create the cobbler’s texture?

The hot water poured over the sugar and pecans dissolves the sugars and creates a syrup as it bakes, giving the topping a wonderfully moist and slightly gooey texture contrasted by the crispy pecans. It’s what makes this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe truly special.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely comforting about sinking your spoon into a warm slice of this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe. It’s a celebration of the season’s best flavors wrapped in tender, sweet batter and crowned with crunchy pecans and caramelized topping. Whether for a festive holiday, a casual family dessert, or a treat just because, this recipe always delivers big smiles around the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own fall classic!

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