Ultimate Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe: Autumn in Every Bite

Autumn whispers comfort through this delightful pumpkin pecan cobbler that blends warmth and nostalgia in every delectable bite.

Crisp leaves dance outside while sweet aromas fill your kitchen with incredible promise.

Layers of rich, spiced pumpkin mingle perfectly with crunchy pecans and a golden-brown topping.

Seasonal ingredients create magic that feels both familiar and exciting.

Cozy moments emerge when you break through the crackly surface into soft, inviting depths.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through classic fall flavors.

Let this dessert become your new seasonal obsession.

What Makes Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler So Delicious

  • Elevate Comfort Dessert: A delightful twist on traditional cobblers, this pumpkin pecan version brings warmth and richness to your dessert table.
  • Super Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Seasonal Sensational Treat: Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, and cozy family dinners, this dessert captures the essence of fall with its pumpkin and spice profile.
  • No-Fuss Crowd Pleaser: The unique layering technique creates a magical self-saucing dessert that requires zero complicated techniques, guaranteeing delicious results every single time.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

Main Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, creamy base that provides rich autumn flavor and moisture to the cobbler.
  • Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that helps create the cobbler's tender texture.
  • Pecans: A crunchy topping that adds nutty flavor and delightful texture to the dessert.
Sweet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: These sweeteners provide depth of flavor and help caramelize the cobbler.
  • Milk: A liquid ingredient that contributes to the smooth consistency of the batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds warmth and complexity to the dessert.
Spice and Binding Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cobbler rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Spices that bring warmth and traditional fall flavor to the dessert.
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Boiling Water: A special liquid that creates a unique sauce-like bottom layer during baking.

How to Bake Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×9 inch baking dish and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Pumpkin Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Milk
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Stir the dry ingredients until they are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together, mixing just until they are incorporated.

Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Step 5: Prepare Cobbler Base

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Add Pecan Topping

Sprinkle chopped pecans generously over the batter, creating a delightful crunchy layer.

Step 7: Create Magic Layer

Carefully pour boiling water over the entire cobbler. This might seem strange, but it creates a delicious sauce during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cobbler to rest for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips for Crispy Topping and Moist Filling

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a more even batter distribution.
  • Check the cobbler's doneness by observing a golden-brown top and slightly crisp edges.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Enhance the dessert's flavor by toasting pecans lightly before adding them to the recipe.

Variations for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Cobbler: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Maple Walnut Alternative: Swap pecans with chopped walnuts and replace some granulated sugar with maple syrup for a rich, earthy flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Dessert: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugars, and reduce overall sweetener quantity for a diabetic-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cobbler

  • Cozy Autumn Dessert Centerpiece: Serve this warm cobbler as the star of your fall dinner table, garnished with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that melts beautifully over the nutty, spiced surface.
  • Brunch Delight Presentation: Create an elegant morning spread by plating individual portions on rustic ceramic plates, dusting with powdered sugar and adding a fresh mint sprig for a touch of color and freshness.
  • Thanksgiving Family Favorite: Offer this dessert as a comforting alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, letting guests serve themselves from a beautiful ceramic dish with a generous dollop of whipped cream on the side.
  • Holiday Gift Idea: Package individual servings in mason jars with a festive ribbon, making charming homemade gifts that capture the warmth of seasonal baking and show personal culinary love.

Best Storage Tips for Pumpkin Cobbler

  • Store leftover pumpkin pecan cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Keep the cobbler covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain its texture.
  • Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until warm and slightly steamy.
  • For best results, warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 325F for 15-20 minutes, which helps restore the crispy pecan topping and maintains the cobbler's original texture.

FAQs

  • What's the key to making the perfect pumpkin pecan cobbler?

The secret is to not overmix the batter and carefully pour boiling water over the top, which creates a unique self-saucing pudding-like texture.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

You can replace milk with almond milk, use half whole wheat flour, or swap pecans with walnuts without significantly changing the recipe’s outcome.

  • Is this dessert considered a cake or a pudding?

It’s technically a cobbler with a self-saucing mechanism, creating a pudding-like bottom layer and a cake-like top layer when baked.

  • How do I know when the cobbler is perfectly baked?

Look for a set top and use the toothpick test – when inserted into the center, it should come out clean, indicating the cobbler is ready.

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Ultimate Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Ultimate Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delectable pumpkin pecan cobbler marries autumnal warmth with Southern comfort. Caramel-soaked layers and nutty crumble create a dessert you’ll crave all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Sweeteners and Liquids:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Leavening:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish with a light grease coating.
  2. Create a silky mixture by blending pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg using a whisk.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated without overmixing.
  5. Transfer the batter into the greased baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  6. Generously scatter chopped pecans over the entire batter layer.
  7. Delicately pour boiling water across the entire surface, allowing it to settle naturally into the mixture.
  8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a set top and checking with a toothpick for clean insertion.
  9. Allow the cobbler to rest and slightly cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the textures settle and flavors meld.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
  • Opt for fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the most authentic flavor and best results.
  • When adding boiling water, pour slowly and evenly to create the signature cobbler sauce without disrupting the batter.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the recipe’s delicate structure.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 215
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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