Name: Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1 1/2 cups very hot water

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of autumn, look no further than this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe. With the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blending seamlessly with rich pumpkin puree and crunchy pecans, this dessert is a harmonious celebration of texture and taste. The magic happens as a golden cake-like topping bakes above a bubbling hot caramel sauce created by brown sugar and water, making every spoonful a delightful experience. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or just indulging a sweet tooth, this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl shows a thick orange paste in the center, surrounded by a ring of light beige flour around the edges. The orange paste looks moist and chunky, while the flour appears dry and powdery. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and simple background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely essential. Each element plays a crucial role: the spices provide warmth and depth, the pumpkin adds a moist, earthy touch, and the pecans bring a satisfying crunch that can’t be beat.

1 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The base for your tender cake topping, it holds everything together beautifully.
2 teaspoons baking powder: This ingredient helps create that light and fluffy texture above the cobbler’s sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the sweet and spicy flavors.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter gently without overpowering the pumpkin.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds classic autumn warmth and fragrance to the cobbler.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Provides a subtle nutty spice that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon cloves: A little goes a long way to deepen the spice profile.
1/2 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient delivering moistness, rich color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to the batter for a tender crumb.
1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil: Brings richness and helps the cobbler’s topping brown beautifully.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely sweet aroma to round out the flavors.
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Creates a crispy, sweet layer on top.
1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping): Adds depth and caramel notes essential to the hot sauce underneath.
1/4 cup chopped pecans: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
1 1/2 cups very hot water: Poured over the topping to cook and create the luscious, bubbling sauce beneath.

How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combining these dry ingredients thoroughly means every bite will have a balanced burst of spice and sweetness.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, stir the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract. This mixture’s creamy texture is what transforms the dry flour blend into a luscious batter with that signature pumpkin taste we all love.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry to Create Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently mix until you have a thick, cohesive batter. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything is well blended. Pour this into an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides—this shape is key to containing all the bubbling goodness.

Step 4: Add the Pecans and Sugars Topping

Take a separate bowl and stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Evenly spread this mixture over the batter in your casserole dish. This crunchy-sweet layer is going to be the crown jewel of your cobbler.

Step 5: Pour Hot Water and Bake

Carefully pour 1 1/2 cups of very hot water over the entire dish without stirring. This step is crucial because the water interacts with the sugars to form a divine hot caramel sauce under the cake topping while it bakes. Place the cobbler on a baking sheet to catch any bubbles that might overflow and bake for about 40 minutes or until the center is set.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Allow your cobbler to cool for 5 to 10 minutes once it comes out of the oven. This resting time lets the sauce thicken slightly while the flavors meld together, preparing it for the most scrumptious first bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

There are two white round dishes, each holding a dessert with three layers. The bottom layer is a golden-brown crumbly base with some nuts visible, mainly pecans. The middle layer is a thick, sticky, amber-colored sauce that soaks into the crumb base. The top layer is a smooth, round scoop of white vanilla ice cream that slightly melts over the warm dessert below. Next to the visible dish in front, there is a silver spoon placed inside it. The dishes are placed on a dark surface with a soft blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a truly indulgent dessert, top your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler with extra chopped pecans and a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm cobbler and cold ice cream is simply irresistible and adds a luscious creaminess to every bite.

Side Dishes

This cobbler pairs beautifully with a simple cup of hot coffee or spiced tea, especially on crisp fall afternoons. You can also serve it alongside whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the dessert experience even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with toasted pecans for a fancy touch. Or layer the cobbler over a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream in a clear glass to showcase the contrasting textures and colors—a feast for both eyes and palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe later, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat cobbler servings in a microwave-safe dish or warm it gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. To revive the crisp topping, a quick oven reheat is best, making it taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin can work but needs to be cooked and pureed until smooth before using. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and provides consistent moisture and flavor, which helps this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe come out perfectly every time.

What type of pecans work best for the topping?

Raw, shelled pecans chopped roughly are ideal. They toast and caramelize beautifully during baking, adding essential crunch and flavor.

Can I substitute the milk for a non-dairy alternative?

Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free option will work just fine and won’t compromise the taste or texture of the cobbler.

Is it necessary to pour hot water over the cobbler before baking?

Yes, pouring hot water over the sugars and batter without stirring is what creates the irresistible caramel sauce beneath the cake topping, making this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe so special.

How can I make this cobbler gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, making sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to achieve the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe embodies everything wonderful about fall desserts: warmth, spice, and a little bit of indulgence. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that’s so much greater than the sum of their parts. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite you reach for every season. So grab your baking dish, and let’s bring a bit of cozy fall magic to your table!