There’s something irresistibly cozy about a warm dessert that’s both nutty and sweet, and this Pecan Cobbler Recipe hits all those notes beautifully. Whether you’re after a simple weeknight treat or a show-stopping dish for a holiday gathering, this recipe delivers a tender, buttery batter layered beneath gooey pecans and a luscious brown sugar drizzle.
I absolutely love this Pecan Cobbler Recipe because it’s one of those desserts that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to put together — no fussing over pie crust or complicated steps. Plus, the magic happens right in a single pan, which means less cleanup for you and more time to enjoy that comforting aroma filling your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless One-Pan Delight: You’ll enjoy a rich, layered dessert that comes together in one baking dish without extra mess.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The buttery batter combined with toasted pecans and brown sugar creates a satisfying texture and depth.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: From casual dinners to holiday celebrations, it’s a crowd-pleaser your friends and family will rave about.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples come together in a deceptively simple recipe that tastes anything but basic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together to create a cobbler that’s rich and comforting, with that signature gooey pecan topping—just the way I like it. When shopping, I always aim for fresh, high-quality pecans since they really make the flavor pop.
- Butter: Using real butter adds richness and helps that crispy, buttery base form.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, providing structure without heaviness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning the crust.
- Baking powder: This is key for a light, fluffy batter texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance flavors and enhance sweetness.
- Milk: I prefer whole milk for creaminess, but any milk works fine.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma that ties everything together.
- Chopped pecans: The star of the show—roasted or raw will do, but I toast them lightly for extra flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Packed, it gives a deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- Boiling water: This is poured on top to create that magical cobbler sauce underneath.
- Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle adds subtle warmth and spice without overpowering.
- Vanilla ice cream (optional): A scoop on top is the ultimate indulgence.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on the season or mood by tweaking the nuts and spices—you can really make this Pecan Cobbler Recipe your own. Feel free to experiment by adding unique ingredients or making it allergy-friendly.
- Nut Swap: One time, I used a mix of pecans and walnuts for a deeper nutty flavor that my family adored.
- Spice Boost: Adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon gave the cobbler a cozy fall vibe that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- Gluten-Free: Substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend worked surprisingly well, keeping the texture tender and satisfying.
- Extra Fruit: Sometimes I toss in fresh or frozen chopped apples or pears under the pecans for a fruity twist.
How to Make Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter in Your Baking Dish
First things first, slice your butter into pieces and place it evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pop it into the oven while it preheats to 350°F. This way, the butter melts right in the dish, creating that buttery base layer crucial for a perfect cobbler. Be careful removing the hot pan—you’ll want to catch that melted butter before you add the batter!
Step 2: Whip Up the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract just until everything comes together. The batter will be slightly lumpy – that’s totally normal and exactly what you want. Resist the urge to overmix here; it keeps the cobbler light and tender.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers – No Stirring Needed
Pour the batter over the melted butter in your baking dish and gently spread it out evenly – but don’t stir! Then sprinkle the chopped pecans all over the top, followed by the packed brown sugar. The trickiest bit is carefully drizzling boiling water over the top—do it slowly and evenly to create that signature cobbler sauce. Finally, sprinkle some ground cinnamon across the surface for a hint of warmth.
Step 4: Bake Until Almost Set
Bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the cobbler batter to be nearly set—it should still have a tiny jiggle but not be runny. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This little rest helps the flavors meld and makes scooping it out a breeze!
Pro Tips for Making Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Use Room Temp Butter for Even Melting: Slicing the butter thin helps it melt uniformly without burning.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: A few lumps mean a tender texture; overmixing makes it tough.
- Pour Water Slowly: Adding boiling water gradually lets the sugar dissolve nicely to create that signature cobbler sauce.
- Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out the cobbler.
How to Serve Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my warm pecan cobbler with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream — it melts just perfectly into the gooey layers. If you want a little extra, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top adds some welcome crunch and decadence.
Side Dishes
This pecan cobbler is rich enough to be the star on its own, but if you’re serving it at a dinner party, pairing it with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies is lovely. For brunch, try it alongside a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in ramekins topped with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of pecan pieces—makes it feel extra special! You can also layer the cobbler with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream in clear glasses to showcase the gooey layers, which always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep the cobbler in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating it gently keeps the edges crisp and retains that gooey center—just be sure to cover loosely to avoid drying out during warming.
Freezing
This Pecan Cobbler Recipe freezes quite well. After baking and cooling, I slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to 2 months, perfect for a last-minute treat.
Reheating
When reheating, I pop individual slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. Microwaving works too, but you might lose some of the crispness that makes this cobbler so special.
FAQs
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Can I make this Pecan Cobbler Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and assemble the dish up to a day in advance; just cover and refrigerate before baking. Alternatively, bake it ahead and gently reheat before serving for convenience.
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What kind of pecans should I use?
I recommend fresh, raw pecans that you toast lightly yourself for the best flavor and crunch. Store-bought toasted pecans work, too, but watch the quantity to avoid overpowering the batter.
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Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, non-dairy milks like almond, oat, or soy milk work well in this recipe. Just make sure they’re unsweetened to avoid altering the sweetness balance.
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Why do I need to pour boiling water on top of the batter?
Pouring boiling water activates the brown sugar to create a caramel-like sauce beneath the cobbler that seeps into the batter, giving it that signature gooey texture and rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Cobbler Recipe has become such a treasured part of my dessert rotation because it’s simple, comforting, and instantly crowd-pleasing. Every time I make it, the intoxicating smell and sweet, nutty taste remind me of cozy family moments that I want to pass on to you. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s easier than pie but every bit as delicious, with that perfect homey vibe that makes everyone come back for seconds.
PrintPecan Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Pecan Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert featuring a tender buttery cake base topped with crunchy pecans and a gooey brown sugar sauce. The combination of the sweet, nutty pecan topping with a hint of cinnamon and the moist cake is perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Cobbler Batter
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- Ground cinnamon (to sprinkle)
Optional for Serving
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Melt Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the butter into pieces and place them in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Put the dish in the oven while it preheats so the butter melts evenly. Once the butter has melted completely, carefully remove the pan from the oven.
- Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract and stir gently just until combined. The batter may appear a bit lumpy; do not overmix.
- Assemble Cobbler: Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Gently spread it to an even layer, but do not stir, allowing the butter to stay beneath the batter. Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans over the batter, then cover everything with the packed brown sugar. Slowly and evenly drizzle the boiling water over the entire surface. Do not stir. Finally, lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon on top to add aroma and flavor.
- Bake: Place the assembled cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cobbler is done when the batter is mostly set in the center but still moist and gooey underneath the pecan topping.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes to allow the cobbler to set slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience.
Notes
- Do not stir after adding the boiling water; the layering effect is essential for the classic cobbler texture.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if desired.
- Make sure to use boiling water for the topping to create the signature gooey sauce.
- The baking dish size is important; do not use a dish smaller than 9×13 inches to ensure even cooking.
- This dessert is best served warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg