Get ready to indulge in the ultimate fall dessert that perfectly captures the essence of cozy autumn evenings! This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler features a moist, spiced pumpkin cake-like base, topped with a sweet, nutty pecan crumble, and then magically infused with a layer of boiling water that creates a self-saucing wonder as it bakes. It’s a truly unique, incredibly flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any fall gathering or simply a comforting treat at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is pure magic in the kitchen! What I love most is the incredible transformation that happens during baking: the batter becomes a tender, spiced cake, while the sugar-pecan topping creates its own luscious, syrupy sauce beneath the crust. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with pumpkin puree screams fall, and the pecans add a delightful crunch that balances the tender cake. It’s incredibly easy to mix up, requires no special equipment, and the “no-stir boiling water” trick is simply genius, making it a surprisingly fuss-free dessert that feels wonderfully gourmet. It fills your home with the most inviting aromas and is perfect for serving warm with a scoop of ice cream!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler:
For the Cobbler:
- 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (granulated)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (ground)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (ground)
- 1/2 tsp cloves (ground)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar (granulated)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Swaps and Notes
- Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced.
- Spices (Cobbler): The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a classic pumpkin spice flavor. You can use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend (about 1.5-2 tsp) in place of the individual spices if preferred.
- Sugar (Cobbler): Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the cake base.
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk is fine for moisture.
- Butter (Cobbler): Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweet flavors.
- Sugars (Topping): The combination of granulated and packed brown sugar creates a richer, more caramel-like sauce as it bakes.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add a delightful nutty flavor and crunch. Walnuts can be substituted. Toasting the pecans briefly before chopping can enhance their flavor further.
- Boiling Water: This is the magical ingredient that creates the self-saucing effect. Ensure it’s truly boiling hot.
Directions
Let’s get this warm and comforting Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler baking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients (Cobbler): In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup + 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves. Whisk until all dry ingredients are well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients (Cobbler): In a separate bowl, combine the 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or spatula to form a thick batter. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour Batter into Dish: Pour the batter evenly into an 8-inch casserole dish (a square baking dish works well). Spread it out gently to create an even base.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: For the topping, in a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup chopped pecans. Stir until well combined.
- Sprinkle Topping: Sprinkle the sugar and pecan mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cobbler batter.
- Add Boiling Water (Crucial Step – Do NOT Stir!): Carefully pour the 1 1/2 cups of boiling water over the sugar and pecan mixture, covering the entire dish. Do NOT stir the water into the batter or topping. This is the magic that creates the self-saucing layer as it bakes.
- Bake with Overflow Catch: Place the casserole dish on top of a larger baking sheet. This is to catch any potential overflow from the boiling water as the cobbler bakes and bubbles. Bake the cobbler for 40 minutes, or until the middle is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the sauce) should come out clean.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cobbler cool for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix the cobbler batter just until combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and can lead to a tough cake-like texture.
- Precisely Add Boiling Water: Pour the boiling water carefully and evenly over the topping. Do NOT stir it in. The layers are meant to remain separate until baking transforms them.
- Baking Sheet for Overflow: Always place the casserole dish on a larger baking sheet to catch any potential overflow from the boiling water, preventing messes in your oven.
- Test for Doneness: The middle of the cake portion should be set, and a toothpick should come out clean. The sauce underneath will still be liquid.
- Serve Warm: This cobbler is best served warm, allowing the sauce to be wonderfully gooey.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a fantastic dessert on its own, but it’s even better with classic additions:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate pairing! The cold ice cream melts into the warm, spiced cobbler and sauce.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream lightens the richness.
- Caramel Sauce: An extra drizzle of caramel sauce can enhance the sweet notes.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage is a perfect accompaniment.
- For other comforting and spiced fall treats, you might also enjoy our Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake or These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This cobbler makes fantastic leftovers, and the sauce often thickens further upon cooling.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cobbler, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will become firmer.
- Reheating: To revive its warmth and gooey sauce, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover loosely with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warm and bubbly.
- Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the texture of the sauce might change slightly. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the warm, spiced, and comforting nature of this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic fall-themed and dessert recipes:
- For a delightful no-bake fall treat, check out This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat.
- If you’re a fan of bite-sized fall desserts, our These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form are a must-try!
- And for another classic comfort dessert, don’t miss our Apple Crisp!
- Finally, for a simple and delicious baked good that uses ripe fruit, check out This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas!
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly unique dessert to your table. It’s perfect for the fall season, holiday gatherings, or simply when you’re craving that perfect blend of warm spices, tender cake, and a sweet, gooey sauce. It’s a delightful experience that truly captures the essence of autumn.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite fall-spiced dessert? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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