If you love the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but crave something with a little more comfort and a luscious gooey texture, the Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. This dessert blends the best of both worlds—a flaky, tender cobbler base topped with that classic sticky-sweet pecan pie filling all bubbling up together to create an irresistible southern delight. It’s a perfect showstopper for holiday dinners, cozy family gatherings, or anytime you want to treat yourself with a warm hug in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you—this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together so beautifully. Each element is indispensable, adding its own magic to the taste, texture, and classic appearance of this dish.
- Light corn syrup: Provides that luscious, sticky sweetness and helps set the gooey center.
- Light brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle molasses touch.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Used twice for richness—the base and the pie filling.
- Large eggs: The binding agents that also build a soft, custardy structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances warmth and complexity of the filling.
- Salt: Balances sweetness to keep every bite interesting.
- Coarsely chopped pecans: The star ingredient lending crunch and classic pecan flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the tender cobbler batter base.
- Baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the batter for a light crumb.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Hot water: Poured on top to create the signature gooey sauce as it bakes.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Batter
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour half a cup of melted butter right into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish; this forms the buttery base that melds beautifully with the cobbler later. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth. This batter is deceptively simple but provides the perfect tender and light base layer. Pour it evenly over the melted butter in your dish, and remember, don’t stir — the magic happens as everything bakes.
Step 2: Mix the Pecan Pie Filling
In another bowl, combine your light corn syrup, packed light brown sugar, the remaining melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until it’s a smooth, glossy mixture, then fold in the coarsely chopped pecans. These pecans are essential for adding crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor that makes a Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe sing.
Step 3: Layer the Filling and Add Hot Water
Gently spoon the pecan pie filling over the batter in the baking dish. Again, resist the urge to stir it in. The layers should remain distinct because, during baking, they meld and transform into gooey perfection. Finally, carefully pour the hot water evenly over the entire dish. This might seem unusual, but it’s what creates the luscious sauce reminiscent of molten lava as the cobbler bakes.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your baking dish on the center rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center has set. The bubbling from the syrup and water mixture is a delicious sign your Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is coming together perfectly. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly—this step is crucial for that iconic gooey texture.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
This cobbler is fantastic all on its own, but take it to the next level by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the creamy coldness offsetting the warm, sweet richness of the dish—and a generous dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds a subtle spicy note that complements those buttery pecans beautifully.
Side Dishes
While the cobbler itself is quite rich, pairing it with fresh fruit slices like crisp apples or tart cranberries can be a wonderful contrast that lightens the experience. For an indulgent holiday meal, serve alongside your favorite warm beverages such as hot coffee or spiced cider, which cut through the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. You could even drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of decadence. For a casual gathering, serving straight from the baking dish with rustic wooden spoons keeps things fun and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pecan pie cobbler is a gift that keeps on giving. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens with time, although you may want to slightly reheat before serving to bring back its gooey goodness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dessert way ahead, it freezes surprisingly well. Wrap the whole cobbler tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you are ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it gently in the oven.
Reheating
To bring your Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe back to life, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust from getting soggy. A quick reheat not only revives the texture but freshens the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
FAQs
Can I substitute the corn syrup in this recipe?
Yes, you can use golden syrup or maple syrup as alternatives, though it might alter the final consistency and sweetness slightly. Corn syrup is preferred for that classic sticky texture in a Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe.
Do I have to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness of the dish, but if you only have salted butter, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Is it necessary to pour hot water over the batter?
Absolutely! This step creates the signature sauce that makes this cobbler truly unique and gooey. Trust the process—it’s the secret behind the magic.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I prevent the pecans from getting soggy?
Chopping pecans coarsely and stirring them into the filling mixture helps maintain their crunch. Also, do not mix the layers once assembled so the textures stay distinct throughout baking.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is downright enchanting—a warm, nutty, gooey masterpiece that feels like home in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a crowd-pleaser with personality, give this recipe a try. You might find it becomes your new favorite dessert that friends and family ask for year after year.
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Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Cobbler is a delightful Southern dessert that combines the gooey, rich flavors of classic pecan pie with the comforting texture of a cobbler. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients like corn syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans baked over a tender batter base. The dessert produces its own luscious sauce as it bakes, making each serving warm, sweet, and perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for the bottom of the dish)
For the Pecan Topping
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
Additional
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, evenly coating the surface.
- Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Slowly add the milk, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Pour this batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish, taking care not to stir or mix the layers.
- Prepare the Pecan Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, light brown sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Fold in the coarsely chopped pecans gently.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Spoon the pecan mixture gently over the batter layer in the baking dish without stirring, preserving the separation of layers for proper cobbler texture.
- Add Hot Water and Bake: Carefully pour the 1 1/2 cups of hot water evenly over the top of the pecan mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden, bubbling, and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the cobbler rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the delicious gooey sauce to thicken. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added decadence.
Notes
- This dessert naturally creates a rich, gooey sauce as it bakes, similar to a lava cake consistency.
- Allow the cobbler to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Best served warm and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
