There’s something truly magical about sharing a bubbling, buttery Pecan Cobbler with the people you love. This Southern classic wraps together crunchy pecans, a soft cake topping, and a gooey caramel sauce underneath—all in one pan! Pecan Cobbler is a dream come true for anyone who adores cozy desserts with plenty of texture and a warm, nutty sweetness. Whether you need a showstopping treat for a holiday gathering or just crave a comforting dessert for a weeknight, this recipe always delivers pure joy in every scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Pecan Cobbler plays a crucial role, working together for that perfect balance of crunch, fluff, and rich sauce. These pantry staples transform into something far greater than the sum of their parts, so don’t skip or substitute for the freshest, most authentic flavor!
- Chopped pecans: Fresh pecans provide a sweet, nutty crunch and the signature flavor essential to classic Pecan Cobbler.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for the cake layer, giving structure and tenderness as it bakes.
- Baking powder: Lifts the cobbler topping, so it’s light and fluffy with every bite.
- Salt: Just a bit enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps form the tender, golden top.
- Milk: Ensures the batter is smooth and moist, melding all dry ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aroma and an extra layer of warmth to the dessert.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the cake layer and boosts the cobbler’s flavor and texture.
- Packed light brown sugar: Gives a deep molasses sweetness that helps form the irresistible caramel sauce underneath.
- Hot water: This surprising ingredient is the secret to that gooey, self-saucing layer at the bottom of the Pecan Cobbler.
How to Make Pecan Cobbler
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Pecans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then generously grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Scatter those fresh chopped pecans over the bottom in a nice, even layer. This ensures every scoop is bursting with nutty crunch, and toasting the pecans while the cobbler bakes brings out all their rich, fragrant oils.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Then, pour in the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir everything gently until it’s just combined—overmixing will make the topping dense, rather than soft and light.
Step 3: Layer the Batter over the Pecans
Carefully pour your batter over the pecans in the dish. Don’t stir! Allow the batter to sit on top, so it bakes into a beautiful cakelike topping with the pecans snuggled below. This is part of the Pecan Cobbler magic—layers will sort themselves out in the oven.
Step 4: Add the Brown Sugar and Hot Water
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the batter—this step creates that signature gooey caramel sauce underneath. Next, it feels a bit wild, but gently pour 1½ cups hot water all over the mixture. Again, don’t mix! The water and brown sugar will sink and bubble into an incredible sauce as the dish bakes.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop the whole dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You want the cobbler golden and set on top, with bubbles peeking through the edges. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for at least 10 minutes. This pause thickens the sauce and allows the flavors to settle, making each warm scoop ultra luscious.
How to Serve Pecan Cobbler
Garnishes
Pecan Cobbler absolutely sings when you add a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the contrast between hot cobbler and melting cold cream is pure bliss. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans also makes for an inviting finish that highlights all the nutty, buttery notes.
Side Dishes
If you’d like some balance, serve this cobbler alongside a fresh, tangy fruit salad or sliced strawberries. Even a simple mug of coffee or Earl Grey tea is the perfect match, cutting through the richness with a touch of bitterness and warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try making individual Pecan Cobbler servings in ramekins—guests love personal portions! If you’re feeling adventurous, layer the cobbler in mason jars with ice cream for a southern sundae, or drizzle with a bit of warm caramel or bourbon sauce for extra decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pecan Cobbler keeps beautifully! Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. The gooey layers stay delicious, and a quick reheat revives all those textures.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cobbler for longer, portion leftover Pecan Cobbler into tightly sealed containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—or just zap single servings directly from frozen if you’re in a hurry.
Reheating
For best results, reheat cobbler in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. If you’re just warming up a bowlful, a quick spin in the microwave (about 30-60 seconds) will bring it right back to that gooey, comforting state. Be sure to add your ice cream or whipped cream just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
Absolutely! Whole pecans will give the cobbler more bite and a rustic look, though chopped ones ensure you get nutty goodness in each spoonful. Pick your preference, or mix the two for the best of both worlds.
Is it normal for Pecan Cobbler to be a little runny underneath?
Yes, that’s the best part! Pecan Cobbler is supposed to have a thick, caramel-style sauce under the cake layer—just be sure to let it cool for at least 10 minutes, so the sauce thickens slightly and you can scoop it easily.
Can I make Pecan Cobbler gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any deliciousness.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar?
Dark brown sugar can be swapped in for a deeper, more molasses-forward flavor. In a pinch, you can mix white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses to create a quick homemade substitute.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Of course! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Keep an eye on the bake time; it might take a little longer. The joy of Pecan Cobbler is sharing—so go ahead and feed a happy crowd!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the anticipation of digging into a warm, bubbling Pecan Cobbler with friends or family. It’s a dessert that always brings smiles, comfort, and that unmistakable Southern charm to the table. If you’ve never tried making it before, now is the perfect time—and once you do, you’ll keep this recipe close for years to come!
Print
Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent goodness of this classic Southern dessert with a gooey pecan filling and a buttery cobbler topping. Perfect for any occasion, this pecan cobbler is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Pecan Filling:
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Sauce:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1½ cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the pecan layer: Spread chopped pecans in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix the cobbler topping: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Add milk, vanilla, and melted butter; mix.
- Layer and bake: Pour the batter over pecans; sprinkle brown sugar on top. Pour hot water over without stirring. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- You can use walnuts as a substitute.
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