Name: Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 1/2 cups hot water

Jump to Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a warm, comforting dessert, you’re going to adore this Pecan Pie Cobbler. It’s the perfect marriage of a cobbler’s fluffy, tender base and the rich, nutty sweetness of a pecan pie, all baked together in one glorious dish. This dessert serves up layers of buttery goodness, crunchy pecans, and a caramel-like sauce that bubbles up to the top, making it a crave-worthy treat that’s both familiar and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or indulging after a hectic day, the Pecan Pie Cobbler never fails to bring smiles and seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients — each one plays a vital role in creating the texture, flavor, and charm of this Pecan Pie Cobbler. From the melted butter that forms the luscious base to the toasted pecans adding that signature crunch, preparing this dessert is as straightforward as it is rewarding.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, buttery foundation that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The structure giver that creates a fluffy yet moist cobbler crust.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to develop a slightly crisp topping.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the batter a gentle rise, keeping the cobbler light.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
3/4 cup milk: Moistens the batter and contributes to a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, elevating the dessert’s aroma.
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans: The star ingredient providing crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor.
1 cup packed light brown sugar: Creates the gooey, caramelized layer typical of pecan pie.
1 1/2 cups hot water: Pours over the top to dissolve sugars and meld the flavors as the cobbler bakes.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cobbler

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This buttery layer is essential as it creates the caramelized crust when baking. Make sure the butter coats the entire base for that perfect finish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. This step ensures even distribution of leavening and sweetness, setting the stage for a consistent texture across every bite.

Step 3: Combine with Milk and Vanilla

Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir just until the batter forms a smooth, slightly lumpy consistency. Avoid overmixing to keep the cobbler tender and light—this little trick makes all the difference!

Step 4: Layer the Batter Over Butter

Carefully pour the batter directly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Remember, do not stir at this stage. Let the batter naturally settle, which helps it cook into a fluffy layer with crispy edges.

Step 5: Add Pecans and Brown Sugar

Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the batter, then follow with a generous layer of packed light brown sugar. These ingredients create the iconic nutty and caramel flavors that set this Pecan Pie Cobbler apart.

Step 6: Pour Hot Water Gently

Slowly and carefully drizzle the hot water over the entire surface. Do not mix—the water will dissolve the sugars and naturally work its way through the batter as the cobbler bakes, creating that gooey, syrupy bottom layer filled with pecan goodness.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden top and bubbling, set texture underneath. This visual cue means the magic has happened, and your cobbler is ready.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let the cobbler rest for 10-15 minutes. This pause helps the layers settle perfectly, allowing the buttery syrup to thicken slightly without losing its luscious texture.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cobbler

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is like the cherry on top of this Pecan Pie Cobbler experience. The melting ice cream mingles with the warm cobbler, creating a divine contrast of hot and cold. For an extra touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add depth and coziness.

Side Dishes

A robust cup of coffee or a smooth glass of spiced bourbon pairs exceptionally well with this cobbler. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the dessert’s rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic gathering, serve the Pecan Pie Cobbler straight from the baking dish with a large spoon for self-serving fun. If you’re feeling fancy, dish individual portions into ramekins and drizzle with warm caramel sauce or sprinkle with toasted pecans for added sparkle and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, cover your Pecan Pie Cobbler tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days and tastes just as wonderful when reheated gently.

Freezing

If you want to make this dessert in advance, you can freeze it after baking and cooling thoroughly. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover Pecan Pie Cobbler back to life, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or heat the entire dish uncovered in a preheated 325°F oven until warmed through. Adding a scoop of ice cream at serving is always a good idea!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans give this cobbler its classic flavor, walnuts, almonds, or even a mixed nut blend can add a delicious twist. Just be sure to chop them roughly to maintain texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will remain heavenly.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the Pecan Pie Cobbler right before baking to ensure the perfect rise and texture, but you can mix the dry ingredients in advance to save time.

Why do I need to pour hot water over the cobbler?

The hot water dissolves the brown sugar as it bakes, creating a sticky, caramel-like sauce at the bottom that makes this cobbler so uniquely delicious. Don’t skip this step!

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Warm them up slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a treat that feels freshly made every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your spoon into a warm, gooey Pecan Pie Cobbler. It’s that perfect blend of texture, flavor, and nostalgia wrapped into one heavenly dessert. I honestly can’t recommend it enough for your next gathering or cozy night in. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pecan Pie Cobbler is a delightful Southern-inspired dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie with a soft, cobbler-style cake base. This easy-to-make recipe layers a buttery cake batter with a sweet pecan and brown sugar topping that magically separates during baking to create a gooey bottom layer topped with a golden crust. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring it evenly coats the entire bottom.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually stir in the milk and vanilla extract to the dry mix, combining until the batter is smooth with a slightly lumpy texture—avoid overmixing.
Pour Batter Over Butter: Carefully pour the batter on top of the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir; let the batter settle naturally.
Add Pecans and Brown Sugar: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the batter, followed by an even layer of packed light brown sugar.
Pour Hot Water: Slowly and carefully pour hot water over the pecan and brown sugar layer, distributing it evenly without stirring.
Bake the Cobbler: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cobbler is bubbly and set.
Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the cobbler to rest for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period enables the layers to settle and the gooey bottom to form before serving.

Notes

Do not stir after layering; this allows the magical separation of layers during baking.
Use hot water for best results in achieving the gooey bottom layer.
Let the cobbler rest before serving to allow the syrupy bottom to firm up slightly.
This dessert is best enjoyed warm, optionally served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American