As the leaves change and the air becomes crisp, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, cozy dessert straight out of the oven. And today, I’m sharing with you a recipe that screams fall—Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler. This dessert is all about combining the creamy, spiced richness of pumpkin with a gooey, caramel-like sauce that forms beneath a layer of crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something sweet and comforting.
Oh, and here’s the best part: it practically makes itself! You mix the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and watch as it transforms into a luscious, self-saucing dessert that tastes like pure autumn magic. You’re going to want to make this over and over again—trust me.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
- Irresistible Texture: Creamy pumpkin base, a crunchy pecan topping, and a gooey caramel-like sauce underneath—this cobbler is a textural masterpiece!
- Incredible Flavor: With cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cloves, each bite of this cobbler delivers that perfect fall spice blend, enhanced by the rich, buttery pecans.
- Simple to Make: No fancy techniques or equipment required. This is a dump, mix, and bake kind of recipe!
- Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy family dinner, this cobbler is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create this dreamy cobbler:
For the Pumpkin Base:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Pecan Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Let’s get right into how you can create this mouth-watering dessert:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Make the Pumpkin Base:
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and spices. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Cobbler Topping:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until a thick batter forms. Carefully spread the batter over the pumpkin layer—it’s okay if it doesn’t cover everything perfectly.
4. Add the Pecan Sauce:
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the cobbler topping. Slowly pour the boiling water over the entire dish (do not stir!). The water will help create that magical sauce beneath the cobbler. Scatter the chopped pecans on top.
5. Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling underneath.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the cobbler cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it the perfect consistency for spooning over!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
This cobbler is a standout on its own, but a little something extra can take it to another level:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm cobbler is pure bliss!
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
- Caramel Drizzle: For extra indulgence, add a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
- Don’t skip the boiling water!: Pouring the boiling water over the batter might seem strange, but it’s what helps create the gooey sauce at the bottom.
- Pecan substitutes: If you’re not a fan of pecans or have an allergy, walnuts or almonds would work just as well.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cobbler, you can reduce the sugar in the pumpkin base and topping by about 1/4 cup each.
- Make it ahead: This cobbler tastes even better after it sits for a few hours, making it perfect for prepping in advance of a dinner or holiday gathering.
How to Store Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or you can warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze this cobbler, but keep in mind that the topping may lose some of its crispness after thawing. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Simply roast and puree fresh pumpkin and use the same amount as the canned pumpkin (15 oz). Just be sure to strain the puree to remove excess water, as fresh pumpkin can be a bit more watery than canned.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely. You can cut back the sugar in both the pumpkin base and the cobbler topping without losing too much sweetness. Try reducing each by about 1/4 cup to start.
Conclusion: Why Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is Your New Fall Favorite
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The spiced pumpkin base, crunchy pecans, and gooey caramel sauce are a match made in fall dessert heaven. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any autumn occasion, from cozy nights at home to big holiday feasts. With its unique self-saucing trick, it’ll impress everyone with its gooey goodness—and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite!
Want more fall dessert inspiration? Check out these other pumpkin-packed recipes:
- Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Maple Pumpkin Scones
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
I can’t wait to see your baking creations! Share your cobbler on Pinterest and tag me in your posts. And don’t forget to leave a review below—I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 6g
Enjoy this warm, comforting cobbler all season long!
