If you love warm, cozy desserts that fill the kitchen with the scent of autumn spices, then this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Combining the rich, velvety sweetness of pumpkin with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, this cobbler offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet delivers a deliciously comforting finish to any meal, especially when the weather turns crisp and cool.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of warmth and sweetness. Each component plays a vital role, from the fragrant spices that define the flavor to the pecans adding that irresistible crunch and depth.
- 1 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cobbler its tender, cakey texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cobbler rise to the perfect fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without being salty.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spices and pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice that screams fall.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Brings a subtle nutty undertone to the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves: Adds aromatic depth and complexity.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives the cobbler its moistness and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and creamy.
- 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil: Ensures a rich, tender crumb with just the right amount of fat.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, floral note.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Mixed on top to create a sweet, crackly crust.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds molasses richness to the topping.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans: Gives a crunchy, buttery contrast to the soft pumpkin batter.
- 1 1/2 cups very hot water: Poured over the cobbler to create its signature syrupy consistency.
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting the oven nice and hot ensures the cobbler cooks evenly and develops a golden, inviting top.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir these together well to distribute all those wonderful spices evenly throughout the flour. This mixture will be the flavorful foundation of your cobbler’s batter.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Batter
In a smaller bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir until you get a thick, uniform batter. Pour this mixture into an 8-inch casserole dish—this is where all the magic begins.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Spread this evenly over the pumpkin batter in the baking dish. This topping will caramelize as it bakes, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness to every bite.
Step 5: Add the Hot Water and Bake
Carefully pour 1 1/2 cups of very hot water over the entire dish without stirring. This may seem unusual, but it creates the cobbler’s signature syrupy layer beneath the nutty topping. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cobbler cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the syrup thicken slightly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve warm for the most comforting experience.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle more toasted pecans over the top just before serving. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates this cobbler to pure indulgence. Freshly grated nutmeg or a drizzle of maple syrup can also add an extra cozy touch.
Side Dishes
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea. If you’re serving it after dinner, a light green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent savory companions, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the cobbler in individual ramekins, allowing guests to enjoy their own personal desserts. Layer a few pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top, or even add a sprinkle of sea salt to contrast the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you probably will), cover the cobbler tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy a second helping without any guilt.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? This pumpkin pecan cobbler freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer portions into airtight containers before freezing. It will keep for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick holiday dessert anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your portion back into a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can change the texture. A warm cobbler is at its best with a soft, syrupy center and a crisp nut topping.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly here and is the easiest option to achieve that smooth, creamy texture without extra prep time.
What if I don’t have pecans? Can I substitute other nuts?
You can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts, depending on what you have on hand. Each nut will add its own unique crunch and flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Just use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and substitute melted butter with a neutral vegetable oil or dairy-free margarine. The cobbler will still be just as tasty.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them the day of baking for the best texture. Once combined, it’s best to bake promptly to ensure the cobbler rises properly.
Why do I pour hot water on top without stirring?
This technique creates a delicious syrup beneath the cobbler while the top bakes into a crisp, nutty crust. It may feel odd, but it’s key to the dish’s unique texture contrast that makes this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the heartwarming flavors and comforting texture of this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe. Whether you’re crafting it for a family gathering, a holiday dessert, or just because the seasons are changing, this dish is sure to become a treasured favorite. I can’t wait for you to dive in and savor every bite!
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Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a delightful autumn dessert featuring a spiced pumpkin batter topped with a crunchy pecan-sugar mixture that creates a warm, comforting treat perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.
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 the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature 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. Stir these together thoroughly and set the mixture aside.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients and Create Batter: In a smaller bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and stir gently until a thick batter forms. Transfer this batter into an 8-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans together until well combined. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the pumpkin batter in the casserole dish.
- Add Hot Water and Bake: Carefully pour the very hot water over the entire dish, covering the topping mixture without stirring it in. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the center of the cobbler is set and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes to set further. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional pecans and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use a sturdy 8-inch casserole dish to ensure even cooking and proper structure.
- Pouring hot water over the batter without stirring allows the topping to form a delightful sauce as the cobbler bakes.
- Pumpkin puree can be canned or homemade; just ensure it is unsweetened for best results.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with vegetable oil and use a plant-based milk alternative.
- For added texture and flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the topping.
