Pecan Pie Cobbler – Sweet, Gooey, and Perfectly Nutty Dessert

Pecan Pie Cobbler is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the buttery crunch of pecans with a sweet, gooey filling, all baked into a golden cobbler crust. This easy, one-dish dessert delivers the classic flavors of pecan pie in a more casual, approachable format, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy weekend treats. With a tender, cake-like layer, a sweet brown sugar sauce, and crunchy pecans on top, each bite is a harmonious mix of textures and flavors. Ready in just one hour, this Pecan Pie Cobbler is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite.

Introduction

Pecan Pie Cobbler offers the best of both worlds: the nutty, caramel flavors of classic pecan pie combined with the comforting, sliceable texture of a cobbler. By layering a simple batter with butter, brown sugar, and pecans, then pouring boiling water over the top, the cobbler bakes into a luscious, gooey dessert with a crisp nut topping. Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or dessert lovers craving a rich, sweet treat, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make yet looks and tastes like a bakery-quality dessert. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy & One-Dish: Minimal prep and one baking dish required.
• Sweet & Nutty: Packed with buttery pecans and caramelized brown sugar.
• Gooey & Crunchy: Soft cobbler layers meet crunchy pecan topping.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Holiday-Ready: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or casual gatherings.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple layering technique with no complicated steps.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 8

Batter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – buttery base for the cobbler
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – forms the tender cake layer
• 1 cup granulated sugar – sweetness in the batter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – leavening for a light texture
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances flavors
• 3/4 cup whole milk – moisture for a soft batter

Pecan & Sauce Layer

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed – rich, caramel flavor
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans – nutty crunch
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water – creates the gooey sauce during baking

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon for mixing batter
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts for handling hot dish

Optional:

• Cooling rack to allow cobbler to rest

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter into a 9×13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. Stir in 3/4 cup whole milk until just combined and a smooth batter forms.
5. Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir; the butter stays beneath the batter.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup packed light brown sugar evenly over the batter, followed by 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans.
7. Carefully pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over the top of the pecan and sugar layer. Do not stir; the layers integrate during baking.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cake has risen through the liquid to create a cobbler crust.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest 10–15 minutes to let the sauce thicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Nut Substitutes: Walnuts or a mix of walnuts and pecans can replace pecans.
• Extra Sweetness: Drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Mini Cobblers: Divide ingredients into ramekins for personal-sized servings.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the cobbler and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Flavor Profile

Pecan Pie Cobbler delivers a buttery, sweet, and nutty flavor with contrasting textures. The cobbler batter bakes into a tender, slightly cake-like layer, while the brown sugar and boiling water create a sticky, caramel-like sauce. Chopped pecans provide a rich crunch on top, balancing the gooey base. The result is a decadent dessert that’s sweet, nutty, and satisfyingly indulgent with every bite.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian; contains gluten and dairy.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep in Advance: Mix the batter and layer in the baking dish; store in fridge for a few hours before adding brown sugar, pecans, and boiling water.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use dark brown sugar?
A: Yes, it will add a deeper molasses flavor.

Q: Can I make this without pecans?
A: Yes, it will still be a gooey, sweet cobbler; consider adding extra brown sugar for richness.

Q: How do I prevent the top from burning?
A: Cover lightly with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly.

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of milk?
A: Yes, it will create a richer, slightly creamier cobbler.

Cooking Timeline

Step	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour
Servings	8

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added indulgence.
• Garnish with whole pecans for presentation.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Pecan Cobbler: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking.
2. Bourbon-Infused: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the boiling water for a subtle boozy note.
3. Mini Cobblers: Use ramekins for single-serving portions.
4. Maple Twist: Substitute honey for part of the brown sugar for a maple flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Pecans: Provide a buttery, nutty crunch and classic pie flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel sweetness and interacts with boiling water to form a gooey sauce.
• Butter: Creates a rich, moist base that bakes into a tender cobbler layer.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Do not stir after layering; the cobbler naturally separates into layers during baking.
• Pour boiling water carefully over the pecans to avoid disturbing the top layer.
• Let the cobbler rest 10–15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.
• Use a ceramic or glass dish for even baking and easy monitoring of browning.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended; sauce may separate and texture may change.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to restore gooey texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	75 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	2 g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian; contains gluten and dairy; nut-containing dessert.

Expanded Conclusion

Pecan Pie Cobbler is a sweet, gooey, and nutty dessert that combines the flavors of classic pecan pie with the simplicity of a cobbler. With its buttery base, caramelized brown sugar sauce, and crunchy pecans, this one-dish dessert is easy to make, visually impressive, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve warm, enjoy the gooey texture, and watch as this Pecan Pie Cobbler becomes a new favorite dessert in your home.

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