Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is the ultimate fall dessert with cake on the top and hot caramel sauce on the bottom! This delightful treat combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, making it ideal for cozy family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The unique layering of cake and caramel ensures a deliciously rich experience that will impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this delicious dessert.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and pecans creates a flavor profile that’s comforting and indulgent.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just a weeknight dessert, this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler fits right in.
- Decadent Serving Options: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
- Impressive Presentation: The layered effect makes it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These essential tools will help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8-inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 8-inch casserole dish: This specific size ensures even cooking and proper layering for your cobbler.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to easily combine dry and wet ingredients without overflow.
- Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth batter by combining wet ingredients effectively.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is the ultimate fall dessert with cake on the top and hot caramel sauce on the bottom!
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Additional Ingredient
- 1 1/2 cups very hot water
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler bakes evenly from the start.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl:
1. Stir together the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Create Cake Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix until you have a thick batter.
1. Transfer this batter into an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides.
Step 5: Prepare Topping
In another bowl:
1. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans.
2. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of your batter.
Step 6: Add Hot Water
Carefully pour hot water over the entire dish without stirring any part of it. This will create that signature layered effect when baked.
Step 7: Bake
Place your casserole dish on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for about 40 minutes or until the middle is set.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving to let it firm up slightly. Serve warm with additional pecans or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert!
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it warm or cold, there are many serving options to enhance its flavors and textures.
A La Mode
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm cobbler perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a smooth touch to each bite.
Drizzled with Sauce
- Caramel Sauce: Adding caramel sauce creates a rich, sweet layer that enhances the overall taste.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can take this dessert to another level.
With Nuts
- Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle more chopped pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Walnuts: If you enjoy a different nutty flavor, walnuts provide a nice alternative.
On Its Own
- Warm or Cold: Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is delicious served warm straight from the oven or chilled for a refreshing treat.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
To achieve the best Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh pumpkin puree and quality spices for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Hot Water: Pouring hot water over the batter helps create the signature caramel layer on the bottom.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the center is set before taking it out of the oven; it should not jiggle.
- Let It Cool Slightly: Allowing it to cool for 5-10 minutes helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Pairing side dishes with Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cinnamon Rolls: Soft and sweet cinnamon rolls complement the warm spices in the cobbler.
- Apple Crisp: Another cozy dessert, apple crisp offers a different fruit flavor while maintaining that fall vibe.
- Pecan Pie: For those who love pecans, serving pecan pie alongside can create a nutty dessert duo.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich cobbler.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well with sweets and balances out flavors nicely.
- Pumpkin Soup: For a savory twist, pumpkin soup can serve as an excellent starter before enjoying your cobbler.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees before baking. An unheated oven can affect the texture of your cobbler.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precision. This ensures the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Skipping the hot water step: Pouring hot water over the batter without stirring is crucial. This creates that delicious caramel layer at the bottom.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your pumpkin puree and milk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients may not blend well, affecting the batter consistency.
- Overbaking the cobbler: Keep an eye on baking time. If overbaked, the cobbler can become dry instead of moist and gooey.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler in an airtight container.
- It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings for 30-45 seconds. Check to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler that might help you while making this delightful dessert.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well cooked and blended until smooth before adding it to your mix.
What can I serve with Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler?
This cobbler pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
How do I know when my cobbler is done?
The cobbler is ready when the middle is set, which usually takes about 40 minutes of baking time. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a cozy dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat at home. Its warm flavors and delightful textures will surely satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Feel free to customize it with extra spices or toppings like chocolate chips or caramel sauce for an added twist!

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately eight people 1x
Description
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a must-try fall dessert that beautifully combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices with a rich, gooey caramel layer. This delightful treat features a cake-like top and hot caramel sauce underneath, creating a unique and indulgent experience perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations. Easy to prepare, this dessert will impress guests with its impressive presentation and warm, inviting aroma. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an unforgettable finish to your meal.
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 extract
- Topping: 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Topping: 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Additional: 1 1/2 cups very hot water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until you have a thick batter. Transfer the batter into an 8-inch casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the topping ingredients—granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans—and spread evenly over the batter.
- Carefully pour hot water over the entire dish without stirring.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg