If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dessert that brings the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie into a delightfully soft and warm cobbler, then this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s the perfect marriage of a tender cake-like base with the gooey, buttery sweetness you love in pecan pie, topped with crunchy pecans that add that irresistible crunch. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weekend treat, this recipe promises a slice of happiness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a key role in balancing texture and flavor, from the tender cake batter to the rich, syrupy topping and crunchy pecans that finish it off beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the soft, cakey foundation that soaks up the luscious syrup.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cobbler a light, fluffy texture, ensuring it’s never dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness in the batter.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender, contributing to the cobbler’s soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Infuses richness and helps create a golden crust.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans: The star ingredient that delivers crunch and nutty goodness.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: For the signature caramel flavor in the syrupy topping.
- 1 1/2 cups hot water: Helps dissolve the brown sugar and creates the bubbling syrup beneath the crust.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional): Perfect finishing touches that add cool creaminess contrasting with the warm cobbler.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cobbler slides out effortlessly and browns evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This step creates the foundation for that tender, flavorful cobbler base that holds everything together.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract, followed by the melted butter, until the batter is smooth. This combination brings moisture, flavor, and richness to the dessert.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler Base
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly. Then sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top, which will toast beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Make and Add the Syrup
In a separate bowl, dissolve the packed brown sugar in hot water, stirring until it’s fully combined. Carefully pour this hot syrup over the batter and pecans without stirring. This layering is what creates the oh-so-luscious, gooey pecan pie syrup beneath the cake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the cobbler is golden-brown and bubbling around the edges. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like the coziest place on earth.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving so the syrup sets up just right. For an extra special touch, top warm slices with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — pure comfort in every mouthful.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice that enhances the warm, rich flavors and offers a creamy contrast. For a lighter touch, a spoonful of freshly whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a fragrant note and beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
This cobbler pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad for balance if you’re serving it as a finale to a big meal. A cup of strong coffee or a rich dessert wine makes an ideal companion to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve individual portions layered in clear glasses with alternating layers of cobbler and vanilla ice cream or mascarpone cream. This creates an elegant but simple dessert perfect for dinner parties or festive occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to enjoy later without losing texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cobbler once it has cooled completely. Cover it tightly with foil and place it in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm throughout, which helps maintain that crisp edge and gooey center. Microwave reheating is quicker but can sometimes soften the texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans give this cobbler its signature flavor, walnuts or chopped almonds can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a twist or have nut allergies within your group.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum to keep the texture similar. The flavor and moisture will still be delicious but keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best baked fresh, you can prepare the batter and pecans mixture a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Add the hot brown sugar syrup mixture just before baking for best results.
What if I prefer a less sweet dessert?
You can reduce the sugar in the batter by up to a quarter cup and use light brown sugar for a milder sweetness. The syrup layer is already quite sweet, so adjusting the batter helps balance the overall dish.
How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges where the syrup mixture is escaping. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is a treasure to have in your dessert repertoire. Its ease, warmth, and comforting flavor make it a guaranteed hit for any occasion. So go ahead, bake a batch and watch it disappear while everyone asks for seconds and that beloved family recipe is born right in your own kitchen.
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Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pecan Pie Cobbler is a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie, combining a moist, tender cobbler base with a rich, gooey pecan topping. This easy-to-make dessert features a buttery batter topped with crunchy pecans and a luscious brown sugar syrup, baked to golden perfection. Perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it’s a comforting treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Toppings & Additions
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined. This forms the base dry mix for the cobbler batter.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, then gradually add the melted butter, stirring until you achieve a smooth, cohesive batter without lumps.
- Assemble base and pecans: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans uniformly over the top of the batter to create a crunchy nut layer.
- Prepare brown sugar syrup: In a separate bowl, dissolve the packed brown sugar in the hot water by stirring thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and liquid sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pour syrup gently: Carefully pour the brown sugar mixture over the batter and pecans in the dish without mixing it in. This will allow the syrup to seep through during baking, creating a gooey topping.
- Bake the cobbler: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cobbler is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh pecans to maintain their crunch and flavor.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk if preferred, although whole milk adds more richness.
- Do not stir the brown sugar syrup into the batter; pouring it on top as instructed helps create distinct layers and a gooey texture.
- This cobbler is excellent when served warm, but leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using a different size or type of baking dish.
