This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for fall. It features a creamy pumpkin filling topped with a crunchy pecan layer—so good!
I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! 😋 It’s super easy to make, and everyone always asks for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or make your own from fresh pumpkins. Just bake or steam, then puree until smooth. If you’re out of pumpkin, butternut squash puree is a great substitute!
Granulated Sugar: The recipe calls for dividing the sugar, but for a twist, you could use brown sugar for the entire amount. It adds a deeper flavor and moistness. If you’re reducing sugar, consider using less or a sugar substitute like Stevia.
Pecans: Pecans are traditional for this recipe, offering great crunch. If you have nuts allergies, you could skip them, or substitute with walnuts. For a nut-free version, try rolling oats or crushed graham crackers for a similar texture.
Milk: If you need a dairy-free option, use almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk instead. They won’t change the flavor too much but will keep it creamy!
How Do You Ensure Your Cobbler is Perfectly Baked?
Baking the cobbler to perfection is key for the best texture. To know when it’s done, look for a golden brown top with a slightly firm edge and a soft center. Here are some tips:
- Preheat the oven properly to ensure even baking.
- Use a toothpick to check: Insert it in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
- Don’t overmix the batter when adding wet and dry ingredients; it should be just combined for a fluffy texture.
- Let it cool slightly before serving; this helps it set up a bit more.
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
For the Topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves, divided
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional:
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake, so the total time is around 1 hour. It’s the perfect dessert for cozy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a medium-sized baking dish, about 8×8 inches, and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix the Pumpkin Base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is nice and smooth. This will be the flavorful base of your cobbler!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, and the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar. This will add all the delicious flavor and structure to your dish.
4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, beat the egg and combine it with the milk and vanilla extract. This adds richness to your pumpkin base.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Now, pour the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture and gently fold them together until just combined. Then, stir in the egg mixture and melted butter until everything is well blended. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Assemble the Cobbler:
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a bit loose; it will set up beautifully!
7. Prepare the Pecan Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cornstarch, and ¾ cup of pecans. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. It will create a lovely, crunchy topping when baked!
8. Decorate with Pecans:
Take the remaining pecan halves and arrange them on top in a decorative way—it makes your cobbler look extra inviting!
9. Bake the Cobbler:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cobbler is set and turns a lovely golden brown on top. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the cobbler cool slightly before digging in. It’s delicious on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Enjoy your warm, spiced pumpkin pecan cobbler with its delightful crunchy topping. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin is a great choice. Just bake or steam your pumpkin until tender, then puree it until smooth. This can add a fresher flavor to your cobbler!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum or add a bit of it to help with texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I Add Other Nuts or Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer. You could also add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture!
