If you’re craving a dessert that delivers the gooey sweetness of pecan pie with the comforting warmth of a cobbler, this Pecan Pie Cobbler is the perfect treat. It’s an irresistible combination of buttery, nutty, and caramel-like flavors all layered into one luscious, spoonable dessert. Unlike traditional pecan pie, which requires precise baking to avoid runny filling, this cobbler is far more forgiving and easy to prepare. It captures everything you love about the Southern classic but with a more rustic, comforting twist.
What Makes Pecan Pie Cobbler Special
What sets this dessert apart is its texture and layers. You get a crisp, buttery topping, a rich, gooey pecan filling underneath, and a golden, caramelized crust around the edges. It’s warm, comforting, and deliciously indulgent — perfect for serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, a holiday gathering, or simply a cozy family dessert, Pecan Pie Cobbler is a showstopper that never disappoints.
Ingredients
For the cobbler base:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the topping:
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 ½ cups hot water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and prepare your pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your cobbler won’t stick and will develop that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the batter
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir in the milk and melted butter until the batter is smooth. You don’t need to overmix — just enough to blend all the ingredients evenly. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 3: Add the pecans
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the batter. The pecans will rise slightly during baking, creating a crunchy top layer that contrasts beautifully with the gooey filling underneath.
Step 4: Add the brown sugar and hot water mixture
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water until the sugar begins to dissolve. Carefully pour this mixture over the pecans and batter — do not stir. It may look unusual, but during baking, this liquid sinks to the bottom and transforms into a luscious, caramel-like sauce that defines the cobbler.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The cobbler will firm up slightly as it cools, but it should remain gooey in the center — that’s what makes it so delicious.
Step 6: Cool slightly and serve
Let the cobbler cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Spoon it into bowls and serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the caramel sauce, creating an unforgettable dessert experience.
Tips for Success
Use fresh pecans for the richest flavor — you can toast them lightly before adding for even more depth. Don’t skip the hot water step, as that’s what creates the thick caramel-like syrup. Serve it warm for the best texture and taste. You can also experiment with variations by adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or a few chocolate chips for a twist.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
The Pecan Pie Cobbler brings together the best elements of a traditional pie and a homestyle cobbler. You don’t need to roll out pie crusts or worry about filling consistency. The result is a warm, buttery, caramel-drenched dessert with a crunchy nut topping and a soft, cake-like base. It’s decadent enough for holidays yet easy enough for a weeknight indulgence. And because it’s baked in a casserole-style dish, it serves a crowd beautifully — making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your cobbler with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance its sweetness. A drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup makes it even more luxurious. For a Southern touch, enjoy it with a cup of coffee or sweet tea.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or store portions in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat the whole dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. It also freezes well for up to a month — just cool it completely before wrapping tightly.
Final Thoughts
The Pecan Pie Cobbler is pure comfort food — sweet, nutty, and wonderfully rich. Every bite brings a perfect balance of textures: a buttery crust, a gooey pecan filling, and a golden top that melts in your mouth. It’s a dessert that makes any meal feel special, the kind that brings everyone to the table for seconds. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner, it’s bound to become a family favorite. When you crave something cozy and indulgent, skip the pie crust and go for this cobbler — simple, satisfying, and impossible to resist.