Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

I still laugh when I think about how this recipe came to be. It was three years ago, right before Thanksgiving, and I was in full holiday panic mode. You know that feeling – when you’ve promised to bring dessert to your sister’s house, but you’re so tired of the same old pumpkin pie routine that you could scream?

I was standing in my kitchen at 10 PM the night before, staring at a can of pumpkin puree and a bag of pecans I’d picked up at the farmer’s market earlier that week. My brain was completely fried from work, and I honestly couldn’t face rolling out pie crust or dealing with all that fussy pastry business. But I still wanted something that felt special and festive.

That’s when I remembered my grandmother’s old peach cobbler recipe – you know, the kind where you just dump everything into a baking dish and let the oven do all the work. I thought, “What if I could make that same magic happen with pumpkin?” So I started experimenting, mixing the pumpkin with warm spices like I would for a pie, but then spooning it over a simple, buttery batter instead.

The pecans were my last-minute inspiration. I had them sitting right there, and something told me to chop them up and sprinkle them on top for some crunch. As it baked, my whole house smelled like cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted nuts – basically like fall decided to wrap itself around my kitchen.

When I pulled it out of the oven, with that golden, crispy top and the pumpkin bubbling up around the edges, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. At dinner the next day, my brother-in-law went back for thirds and asked if I could make it again for Christmas. My sister still texts me every October asking for the recipe.

COOK TIME	TOTLA TIME
45 minutes	50 minutes

What Is Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler?

This pumpkin pecan cobbler is a simple dessert that mixes spiced pumpkin batter with a crunchy pecan topping. You pour hot water over everything before baking, and the oven transforms it into a soft, cake-like base with a nutty layer on top. It’s a quick and easy way to bring pumpkin and pecans together without pie crust or complicated steps. Serve it warm straight from the dish with ice cream or whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or when you want a sweet treat that looks and tastes special.

Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

• All-purpose flour – forms the base of the batter

• Baking powder – helps the batter rise and stay light

• Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves – give the batter warm spice

• Salt – balances the sweetness

• Canned pumpkin – gives the cobbler its rich pumpkin flavor

• Granulated sugar and light brown sugar – sweeten the batter and the topping

• Unsalted butter (melted) – adds richness to the batter

• Milk – makes the batter smooth

• Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract – adds aroma and depth

• Pecan halves – the crunchy topping

• Additional cinnamon and pinch of salt – for seasoning the topping

• Boiling water – poured over the top to create the cobbler texture

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls – one for the batter and another for the pecan topping

• Whisk and spatula – for blending wet and dry ingredients smoothly

• Measuring cups and spoons – to keep ingredients accurate

• Pie dish or baking dish – where the cobbler bakes (around 9×13 inches works well)

• Knife and cutting board – for chopping pecans

• Kettle or saucepan – to boil the water for pouring over the topping

• Oven mitts – for safe handling when placing or removing the dish from the oven

• Cooling rack – to let the cobbler rest before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.

Do I have to use pecans?

Not at all. Pecans give a lovely crunch, but you can leave them out or swap with walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?

Yes. Bake it the day before, then reheat gently in the oven before serving. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier.

What can I serve with pumpkin pecan cobbler?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is classic. You could also drizzle caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence.

How should I store leftovers?

Cover the cobbler and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back the cozy texture.

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