Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

There’s nothing that quite embodies the essence of fall like a warm, spiced dessert. And if you’re looking for a dish that combines all the best flavors of the season, this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is just what you need. Imagine a layer of soft, spiced pumpkin filling topped with crunchy pecans and a golden, buttery crust. Every spoonful is a cozy hug of fall flavors—cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin, and pecan all come together in one glorious dessert.

Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal, a weekend dinner party, or just treating yourself after a long day, this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler will be an absolute hit. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that gives you the feel of a decadent pie without the extra work of rolling out crusts. With just a few basic pantry ingredients, this comforting cobbler can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy fall evenings or last-minute get-togethers.

The beauty of this cobbler is that it’s not only incredibly delicious but also versatile. You can serve it straight out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and it’s equally delightful the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together even more. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, which is always a bonus when planning holiday meals or dinner parties.

Ready to embrace the flavors of fall? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

1. Rich and Warm Flavors: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans makes this dessert a fall flavor explosion.
2. Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a fall dinner party, or a cozy night in, this dessert is ideal for sharing and impressing your guests.
3. Easy to Make: With minimal prep and no complicated steps, this is a dessert anyone can make—no need to fuss with pie dough or fancy techniques.
4. Customizable: Add more or less spice, use different nuts, or experiment with toppings—this cobbler is flexible enough to adapt to your preferences.
5. Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, gooey pumpkin filling with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping makes this cobbler the ultimate in fall comfort food.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45-50 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Serving Size: About 1/10th of the cobbler

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Carbs: 52g
• Fat: 21g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g

(Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Base:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk (or any milk of your choice)

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 cup hot water

For Garnish:

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Extra pecans, for sprinkling
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling

1. Combine the Ingredients:

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, and vanilla extract. Stir in the milk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The result should be a creamy, spiced pumpkin base that smells like fall in a bowl!

2. Spread the Pumpkin Mixture:

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. This is the base of your cobbler, providing a sweet and spiced foundation for the pecan topping to sit on.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Add the Butter and Pecans:

Pour the melted butter into the flour mixture and stir until combined. Next, fold in the chopped pecans. The mixture should resemble a crumbly dough, with the pecans evenly coated in the buttery flour.

3. Layer the Pecan Topping:

Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the pumpkin base. It doesn’t need to completely cover the pumpkin—this is a cobbler, so some of the pumpkin layer can peek through the topping.

Step 4: Add the Brown Sugar Layer and Water

1. Brown Sugar Topping:

Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the entire dish. This will create a caramel-like sauce as the cobbler bakes, infusing the dessert with a rich sweetness that complements the pumpkin and pecans.

2. Pour the Hot Water:

Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the entire dish, making sure to cover the sugar and pecan topping. The hot water will help create the gooey, self-saucing effect that makes cobbler so irresistible.

Step 5: Bake the Cobbler

Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the pumpkin layer is bubbling around the edges. The center should still be slightly soft and gooey, but the topping should be firm to the touch.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let the cobbler cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch of fall flavor, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans and a dusting of ground cinnamon on top.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

• With Ice Cream: The contrast of warm cobbler and cold, creamy ice cream is simply unbeatable. Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, but cinnamon or butter pecan ice cream would be equally delicious.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy cloud of whipped cream adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the rich flavors of the cobbler.
• Sprinkle of Pecans: For extra crunch, add a handful of freshly chopped, toasted pecans on top right before serving.
• Dust of Cinnamon: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top enhances the warm spices in the cobbler.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overbake: The key to a perfect cobbler is baking until the top is golden and crispy while keeping the pumpkin layer soft and gooey. Keep an eye on the cobbler during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbaking.
2. Serve Warm: Cobblers are best served warm to enjoy that gooey filling and crispy topping. If you’re serving it later, simply reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
3. Customize the Spices: If you love warm spices, feel free to add more cinnamon or nutmeg. You can even try adding a pinch of cardamom or cloves for extra depth of flavor.
4. Use Fresh Pumpkin: If you want to go the extra mile, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Simply roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth.
5. Make Ahead: This cobbler can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Recipe Variations

1. Apple Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler:

For a fruity twist, add a layer of thinly sliced apples to the pumpkin mixture. The apples will add a slight tartness and extra texture that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and pecans.

2. Maple Pecan Cobbler:

Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup in both the pumpkin filling and the topping for a rich, caramel-like sweetness. This variation will add even more fall flavor to the dish.

3. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler:

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the topping hold together.

4. Vegan Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler:

For a vegan version of this cobbler, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use almond milk or oat milk in place of dairy milk. The result will be just as delicious, with a subtle coconut flavor from the oil.

5. Spiced Bourbon Pecan Cobbler:

Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the pumpkin mixture for a rich, boozy twist. The bourbon adds depth and enhances the warm spices, making this a great option for adult holiday gatherings.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before enjoying.

Freezing the Cobbler:

This cobbler freezes well, making it a great make-ahead dessert. To freeze, let the cobbler cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Reheating Tips:

For the crispiest topping, reheat leftover cobbler in the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and bake the cobbler for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and the topping is crispy again.

Special Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish: A large, shallow dish works best for even baking.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls for the pumpkin filling and the pecan topping.
• Whisk and spatula: A whisk for the pumpkin mixture and a spatula for spreading everything evenly in the dish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure a perfectly balanced cobbler.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! If you have fresh pumpkin on hand, simply roast it until soft, scoop out the flesh, and puree it in a blender or food processor. Fresh pumpkin has a slightly lighter, more delicate flavor, but it works wonderfully in this recipe.

2. Can I make this cobbler in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cobbler up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cobbler, refrigerate it, and reheat it when ready to serve.

3. Can I use different nuts?

While pecans are traditional and delicious in this cobbler, you can also use walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds for a different texture and flavor.

4. What’s the best way to reheat this cobbler?

To reheat, place the cobbler in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will keep the topping crispy and the filling warm and gooey.

5. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

You can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol in place of the granulated and brown sugars. Keep in mind that sugar substitutes may alter the texture slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is everything you could want in a fall dessert—rich, comforting, and bursting with the warm flavors of the season. The combination of soft, spiced pumpkin filling and crunchy pecan topping makes every bite a celebration of fall. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy family dessert, or just because you’re craving something sweet and seasonal, this cobbler is bound to become a favorite.

With its ease of preparation, make-ahead potential, and endless variations, this cobbler is a versatile addition to your fall recipe collection. So grab your spoon, scoop up some warm pumpkin goodness, and let the flavors of autumn fill your kitchen. Happy baking!

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