If you’re searching for a cozy, soul-satisfying dessert that perfectly blends autumn flavors with a comforting texture, this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It combines the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves with the rich sweetness of pumpkin puree and crunchy pecans, all baked into a luscious cobbler with a golden, bubbly top and a gooey, pudding-like layer underneath. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a treat to wrap yourself in seasonal goodness, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to creating the delightful balance of flavors and textures in this cobbler. Each component plays an important role, ensuring the final dish is both fragrant and inviting.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the batter, providing structure and softness.
- Baking powder: Helps the cobbler rise for that light, fluffy crumb.
- Salt: A subtle highlight that enhances all the sweet and spicy notes.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter, balancing the spices perfectly.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves: Classic autumn spices that infuse warmth and depth.
- Pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange hue.
- Milk: Keeps the batter tender and moist.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and spices with a fragrant hint.
- Chopped pecans: Introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor throughout.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar for the topping: Creates a caramelized, sweet crust as it bakes.
- Hot water: Poured over the sugar topping to create the luscious, gooey pudding layer beneath the crust.
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start with preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. This ensures your cobbler will bake evenly and release effortlessly once ready, setting the stage for your beautiful dessert to come.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and the cozy spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Once they’re combined, add the pumpkin purée, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until smooth and uniform, then gently fold in the chopped pecans to bring a delightful crunch to every bite.
Step 3: Transfer and Top
Pour your spiced pumpkin pecan batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Next, mix the brown sugar and granulated sugar together, then sprinkle this sweet topping evenly over the batter. Finally, carefully pour hot water over the sugars without stirring, which creates a magical transformation during baking: a gooey, pudding-like layer beneath the cake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cobbler for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and bubbling with irresistible caramelization. The contrast between the crisp surface and the luscious, soft bottom layer is exactly what makes this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe such a treat.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow your dessert to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time lets everything set slightly and makes it easier to scoop out those perfect portions. The cobbler is wonderful to enjoy warm, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or a spoonful of whipped cream can take your serving to the next level. For extra creaminess, vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm cobbler, balancing the spice and sweetness with cool richness.
Side Dishes
This cobbler makes a fantastic dessert after hearty meals like roasted turkey or spiced pork. It’s also a lovely companion to a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making any afternoon feel vibrant and cozy with minimal fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also layer it in clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful contrast of layers, perfect for impressing guests or brightening family dessert time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your cobbler tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, offering you several chances to enjoy its comforting flavors without missing a beat.
Freezing
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap portions or the whole dish securely in freezer-safe wrap and containers, then freeze for up to 2 months. It’s an ideal way to have a festive dessert ready whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your cobbler in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly. Microwaving works too for a quick fix, but reheating in the oven helps retain that crispy, caramelized topping texture, making every bite as wonderful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée is perfect and ensures consistent moisture and flavor. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Are pecans necessary for the recipe?
Pecans add a lovely nutty crunch that complements the soft cobbler, but if you have allergies or preferences, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or omit nuts altogether.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, and double-check your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture will still be delicious and comforting.
What if I don’t have all the spices? Can I simplify?
You can simplify by using just cinnamon and nutmeg, the primary spices, for a still-flavorful cobbler. The additional spices deepen the complexity but aren’t absolutely required.
How do I know when the Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is fully baked?
Look for a top that is golden brown, bubbly, and caramelized around the edges. The filling beneath should jiggle slightly but be set, with no raw batter remaining. It’s okay if it looks a little gooey in parts—that’s part of its charm!
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of autumn in every bite. With its warm spices, tender pumpkin filling, crunchy nuts, and a luscious, caramelized topping, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. I can’t wait for you to try making it at home and sharing it with loved ones—it’s truly the kind of dessert that turns simple moments into cherished memories.
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Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a warm, gooey dessert perfect for fall gatherings. It combines a spiced pumpkin batter with a sweet pecan topping that bakes into a pudding-like base, delivering comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Serve it warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for a cozy, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until combined. Add the pumpkin purée, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold in the chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to the edges.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish. Carefully pour the hot water over the top without stirring, which will create the signature gooey layer during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cobbler should turn golden and bubbly on top, and the bottom will have a pudding-like consistency.
- Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Ensure the hot water is poured slowly over the topping without mixing to achieve the gooey pudding layer.
- Use fresh pumpkin purée for the best texture and flavor; canned pumpkin is also a suitable substitute.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin seeds.
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute milk with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently warmed before serving.
