If you love the sweet, gooey magic of pecan pie but crave the ease of a one-pan dessert with a pillowy, buttery crust, you are truly going to fall for Pecan Pie Cobbler. Imagine a bubbling, caramel-scented base loaded with toasty pecans, covered by a golden, fluffy layer that soaks up every drop of that decadent syrup. This is the cobbler for holidays, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners — the kind of crowd-pleaser that gets scraped up to the last drop. Whether you serve it straight from the dish with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream or present it with whipped cream and a smile, trust me, this Pecan Pie Cobbler is unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Pecan Pie Cobbler are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each one plays a part in creating that irresistible flavor and texture. Every item here works together to form a dessert that’s both nostalgic and distinctly special.
- Light corn syrup: Gives the cobbler its classic, luscious sweetness and creates that gooey pie layer you crave.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings a rich, molasses depth that makes every bite feel comfortingly homemade.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds indulgent richness and helps the layers stay tender and flavorful.
- Vanilla extract: Just a dash for a warm, bakery-like aroma in every bite.
- Large eggs (lightly beaten): Bind the filling and keep it perfectly set yet soft.
- Chopped pecans: The stars of the show, providing crunch and nutty richness in every forkful.
- All-purpose flour: Lays down the structure for the fluffy cake-like top.
- Baking powder: Ensures your cobbler puffs up with that irresistible golden dome.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
- Whole milk: Helps the batter stay moist and tender, like the best cobbler tops should be.
- Unsalted butter (melted, for baking dish): Creates a buttery, crispy edge and prevents sticking.
- Boiling water: An unusual but crucial twist — it melts into the filling as it bakes, creating a rich, saucy finish.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cobbler
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt half a cup of unsalted butter and pour it straight into your 9×13-inch baking dish, tilting the dish to coat every inch of the bottom. This buttery base is the secret to a crisp, golden crust that’s just begging to be scooped up.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the whole milk. Keep whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free — this will bake up into a cloud-like topping sitting right above all that pecan pie goodness.
Step 3: Pour the Batter
Once your batter is smooth, gently pour it over the melted butter in the baking dish. And here’s the trick: do not stir! Resist the urge. The buttery bottom meets the batter just as it is, and that’s what creates the cobbler’s unique layers.
Step 4: Mix up the Pecan Pie Filling
Grab a new bowl and stir together the corn syrup, brown sugar, the rest of your melted butter, vanilla extract, and the lightly beaten eggs. Now’s the time to fold in those gorgeous chopped pecans. What you have now is pure pecan pie filling, ready for its cobbler moment.
Step 5: Layer the Pecan Mixture
Carefully spoon that sticky, nutty pecan mixture right over the batter in the baking dish. Again, don’t stir! Trust the process — gravity works its magic in the oven, pulling the sweet filling through the cake batter as it all bakes together.
Step 6: The Boiling Water Magic
For the final step before baking, gently pour the boiling water across the surface of the unbaked cobbler. It will look a little odd, but this method creates the gooey, pudding-like layer that sets Pecan Pie Cobbler apart from every other dessert.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the center feels set when you jiggle the pan. Let your Pecan Pie Cobbler rest for at least 15 minutes so all the layers can settle into a perfect, scoopable dessert.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cobbler
Garnishes
Dishing up Pecan Pie Cobbler is half the fun! Classic vanilla ice cream is a must — each scoop melts into rivers of cream over the warm, nutty filling. A big spoonful of freshly whipped cream or even a sprinkle of cinnamon makes it even more inviting. For an extra flourish, shower the top with a few more toasted pecans before serving.
Side Dishes
While Pecan Pie Cobbler is truly the star, if you’re building a dessert table or holiday spread, think about pairing it with lighter, tart options like fresh raspberries, sliced pears, or a crisp apple salad. Their freshness balances the sweet, buttery richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, spoon the Pecan Pie Cobbler into small mason jars or ramekins for individual servings. Or, if you’re aiming for a rustic look, leave it bubbling away in the baking dish and serve family-style at the center of the table. If serving for a celebration, try dusting a little powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if) you have leftovers, allow your cobbler to cool completely before covering the dish tightly with foil or transferring slices to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days and tastes even more delicious as the flavors meld.
Freezing
Pecan Pie Cobbler freezes beautifully. Cut it into portions, wrap each piece well with plastic wrap and foil, and tuck them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months and make the perfect answer to sudden dessert cravings.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or place the whole dish (covered with foil) in a 300°F oven until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Serve warm to enjoy that gooey, just-baked texture!
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will yield a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor and a slightly darker color. It’s a wonderful twist if you love a richer-tasting pecan pie cobbler.
Can I make this cobbler without eggs for a dietary preference?
You can try using an egg substitute or flax eggs, though the texture may be a bit different. The eggs do help set the pecan layer, but with a little trial, you can find a version that works for you.
What if I only have salted butter?
If you’re working with salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe or skip it altogether. Your Pecan Pie Cobbler will still be wonderfully rich and delicious.
Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
Sure! Whole pecans make for a pretty presentation and add extra crunch. Chopped pecans do mix through the batter more evenly, but feel free to use what you prefer or have on hand.
Can I prepare Pecan Pie Cobbler in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the components a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Just add the boiling water right before baking, then pop it into the oven so it’s warm and perfect when guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something truly special about bringing a bubbling, golden Pecan Pie Cobbler to the table and watching it disappear in minutes. I hope this recipe becomes a go-to in your kitchen like it has in mine. Go ahead — gather your pecans and treat everyone to a taste of pure Southern comfort!
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Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful fusion of pecan pie and cobbler with this easy-to-make Pecan Pie Cobbler. A gooey pecan pie-like base topped with a fluffy cake-like layer, this dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
For Baking Dish:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare baking dish: Pour 1/2 cup melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, coating the bottom evenly.
- Make batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and milk until smooth. Pour over the melted butter in the baking dish without stirring.
- Prepare pecan mixture: In another bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Stir in chopped pecans. Spoon evenly over the batter without stirring.
- Add boiling water: Gently pour boiling water over the dish.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and set. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- The cobbler has a gooey pecan pie-like base and a fluffy cake-like topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
