If you’re searching for a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe. It’s that perfect cozy blend of spiced pumpkin goodness layered beneath a crunchy, buttery pecan topping, all coming together in one luscious, baked cobbler. This recipe strikes a beautiful balance between the natural sweetness of pumpkin and the satisfying crunch of pecans, making it an absolute showstopper at holiday tables or any family gathering. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is delightfully simple, but each component plays a crucial role in crafting those rich textures and warm flavors we all crave. From the aromatic spices to the luscious pumpkin puree and crunchy pecans, every ingredient works in harmony to bring this dish to life.
- 1 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cobbler its tender structure and crumbly texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the batter rise perfectly, creating a light yet moist interior.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness that complements the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the batter with that quintessential autumn warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Provides a gentle, nutty spice that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves: Brings a subtle, aromatic hint that elevates the spices beautifully.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient – rich, creamy, and full of natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist while balancing flavors.
- 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with fragrant notes.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (topping): Provides crispness when baked over the batter.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (topping): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (topping): Brings crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups very hot water: Creates a steaming effect that cooks the batter beneath the topping to perfection.
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot and steady oven ensures your cobbler will cook evenly, creating a perfectly baked dessert with a golden crust and a moist center.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing these dry components well is important because it spreads the spices and leavening agents evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This wet mixture brings moisture and warmth to the cobbler and helps develop that iconic pumpkin flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly to create a thick batter with no lumps. This is the foundation of your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe—rich, spiced, and hearty.
Step 5: Spread Batter and Prepare Topping
Transfer the batter into an 8-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Then, in another bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans to form the topping. Scatter this evenly over the batter—it’s the sweet and crunchy layer that will make each bite irresistible.
Step 6: Add Hot Water
Carefully pour the very hot water over the entire dish without stirring. This might sound unusual, but the hot water produces steam during baking that cooks the cobbler in a unique way, resulting in a tender, custard-like pumpkin base beneath the crunchy pecan topping.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’re looking for the center to set gently while the top bubbles and turns golden brown. This slow transformation fills your kitchen with the most welcoming aroma.
Step 8: Cool and Get Ready to Enjoy
Once baked, allow your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps the layers fully set so every spoonful holds together beautifully, making it ready to serve and savor.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the cozy feel of this cobbler by garnishing with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon can add a lovely finishing touch that’s both pretty and tasty.
Side Dishes
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe pairs wonderfully with comforting sides like a warm cup of spiced chai or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced yogurt. For brunch, consider serving it alongside a lightly dressed mixed green salad to balance sweetness with fresh, crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the casserole dish? Try baking individual portions in ramekins for elegant, personalized servings perfect for dinner parties or holiday celebrations. You can also serve it layered in clear glasses with whipped cream for an eye-catching dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cover it well to keep those crunchy pecan bits from getting soggy and enjoy the flavors even more deeply infused the next day!
Freezing
If you want to save your cobbler for later, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your cobbler back to life, warm it in a 325°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore crispness to the pecan topping better than microwave reheating, which can sometimes soften the textures.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe?
Absolutely! Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this cobbler dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use vegetable oil instead of butter to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing moisture or richness.
How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
The cobbler is ready when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the topping is golden and bubbling. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
Can I add other nuts instead of pecans?
Definitely! Walnuts or almonds also pair nicely with the pumpkin and spices, though pecans offer a classic sweetness and texture that’s especially iconic in this cobbler.
What’s the best way to serve this cobbler for a crowd?
Bake it in a large casserole dish for easy serving, and consider keeping extra bowls of toppings like whipped cream and nuts nearby so everyone can customize their own slice.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is one of those desserts that just feels like home with every bite. It’s simple, comforting, and downright irresistible—perfect for creating those happy moments around the table with people you love. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a favorite you’ll reach for year after year!
Print
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and autumn spices with a sweet pecan topping and a unique hot water baking method that creates a moist, tender cobbler perfect for fall gatherings.
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
Additional
- 1 1/2 cups very hot water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cobbler.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter or vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until a thick batter forms. Transfer this batter into an 8-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Evenly sprinkle this topping mixture over the batter in the casserole dish.
- Add Hot Water: Carefully pour 1 1/2 cups of very hot water over the entire dish without stirring. This unique step helps create the cobbler’s moist texture and the pudding-like layer beneath the crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegetable oil instead of butter.
- The hot water pouring technique is essential for achieving the signature cobbler texture with a moist pudding layer beneath the crust.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and warmed before serving.
