There’s something about pumpkin pecan cobbler that makes it feel like fall in every bite. The sweet pumpkin base, rich caramel-like sauce, and nutty crunch of pecans combine into a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive. I first made this for a family gathering when the leaves outside were just starting to turn golden, and the kitchen smelled like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. By the time it came out of the oven, everyone was ready with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes pumpkin pecan cobbler so irresistible is the texture and flavor contrast. The top layer bakes into a tender, spiced cake while a luscious pumpkin-caramel sauce forms underneath, thanks to a simple hot water trick. The pecans add a toasty crunch that keeps each bite interesting. It’s also surprisingly easy to make — no mixer required, and the batter comes together in minutes.
Plus, this dessert is versatile. Serve it warm from the oven for that gooey, comforting feel, or make it ahead and reheat for quick entertaining. Either way, it’s the kind of dish that earns you recipe requests every time you bring it out.
This is the kind of dessert that not only tastes like the season but also becomes a tradition. If you enjoy cozy autumn baking, my Pumpkin Bread is a must-try, and for a slightly sweeter twist, you might love the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars for another fall favorite.
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Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler – A Warm, Spiced Fall Delight
Pumpkin pecan cobbler with gooey caramel sauce, tender pumpkin cake, and crunchy pecans. A cozy fall dessert perfect with ice cream.
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
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
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups very hot water
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter or oil, and vanilla.
4. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients; stir until thick batter forms.
5. Spread batter into an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides.
6. In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans; sprinkle evenly over batter.
7. Pour hot water over the top without stirring.
8. Bake 40 minutes, or until center is set and sauce is bubbling at edges.
9. Cool 5–10 minutes before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Store covered in fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Ingredients & Preparation Tips for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Simple Ingredients with Big Flavor
The beauty of pumpkin pecan cobbler is how it transforms pantry staples into something extraordinary. For the base, you’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and vanilla add moisture and depth of flavor.
The topping is a mix of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans, which bakes into a caramelized, nutty layer. The final step — pouring hot water over the top before baking — creates a luscious sauce beneath the cake. If you love cobblers in all their variations, you might also enjoy my fruity Peach Cobbler Variations or my family-favorite Mixed Berry Cobbler for a bright and juicy twist.
Preparation Tips for the Best Results
Start by whisking your dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the spices. When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until incorporated — overmixing can make the cobbler dense. For the topping, make sure pecans are evenly spread to get that signature crunchy layer in every bite.
Use very hot water (but not boiling) for the pour-over step, and resist the urge to stir — this is key to forming that gooey caramel sauce underneath. Baking the cobbler in a deep, high-sided casserole dish helps prevent bubbling over. Place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Making the Pumpkin Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In a separate bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to create a thick, spiced batter. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
If you enjoy warm, seasonal desserts, you might also want to try my Classic Peach Cobbler for a summer favorite or the Fresh Peach Cobbler when peaches are in season.
Adding the Topping and Baking
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans, then sprinkle evenly over the batter. Carefully pour 1½ cups of very hot water over the top — without stirring — to allow the magic sauce to form during baking.
Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 40 minutes or until the middle is set and the edges are bubbling. Allow to cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This short cooling time lets the sauce thicken slightly while keeping the cobbler warm and gooey.
Serving & Storage Tips for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
How to Serve
Pumpkin pecan cobbler is best served warm so the spiced cake and caramel-like sauce are at their gooey best. Spoon generous portions into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast. A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans on top adds both texture and a richer nutty flavor.
If you love the comforting nature of a homemade cobbler, my Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler brings back classic Southern flavors, and my Pumpkin Streusel Bread offers another way to enjoy pumpkin in a soft, spiced bake.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place portions in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive the texture and warmth without drying out the sauce. For longer storage, freeze individual servings in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
This dessert is also perfect for making ahead during the busy holiday season — simply prepare and bake the cobbler the day before, then warm it up before guests arrive for a ready-to-serve treat that tastes freshly made.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Can I make pumpkin pecan cobbler ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it as directed, let it cool completely, then store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm it gently in the oven before serving to bring back its gooey texture.
What’s the secret to a gooey pumpkin pecan cobbler?
The key is pouring hot water over the sugar and pecan topping before baking. This step creates a rich, caramel-like sauce underneath the spiced pumpkin cake as it bakes.
Can I use canned pumpkin for pumpkin pecan cobbler?
Absolutely. Use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling to control the sweetness and spices in the dessert.
What can I serve with pumpkin pecan cobbler?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are all delicious options. For extra crunch, sprinkle more toasted pecans on top before serving.
Conclusion
Pumpkin pecan cobbler is the ultimate cozy dessert for fall — warm, spiced, and rich with caramel sauce and nutty crunch. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for a holiday table. With simple ingredients and a clever baking method, you can create a dessert that’s both rustic and indulgent. Whether served with ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoyed on its own, this cobbler is bound to become a seasonal tradition.
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