If you’re on the hunt for a soul-satisfying fall dessert that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, you absolutely have to try this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe. Imagine a pillowy layer of pumpkin-spiced cake giving way to a gooey, brown sugar sauce bubbling underneath, all studded with toasty pecans for crunch. Every bite wraps up the warmth of pumpkin, the caramel depth of pecans, and those nostalgic spices you crave as soon as sweater weather rolls in. Whether you serve it bubbling hot straight from the oven or sneak spoonfuls as midnight comfort food, this dessert always delivers pure autumn bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every dreamy dessert starts with the right ingredients, and the Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is no exception. Each hands-on component not only brings out signature fall flavors but also contributes to that perfect, saucy texture and beautiful golden finish!
- All-purpose flour: The essential foundation for cobbler’s soft, biscuit-like topping.
- Baking powder: Adds lift, ensuring the cake bakes up fluffy and not dense.
- Salt: A tiny amount sharpens and balances the sweetness in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Both for the batter and the magic self-saucing topping.
- Cinnamon: Warmth and spice make the pumpkin flavor sing.
- Nutmeg: Aromatic and slightly sweet, it complements the earthy pumpkin.
- Cloves: A dash gives deep, holiday-allure to the cobbler.
- Pumpkin purée: The star ingredient for that classic orange color and plush texture.
- Milk: Brings the batter together and creates a tender crumb.
- Melted butter: Infuses richness and lusciousness into every forkful.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a soft, fragrant finish to the dessert.
- Chopped pecans: Toasty, nutty crunch that complements the soft, saucy base.
- Brown sugar: Melts into the sauce, deepening flavor and sweetness.
- More granulated sugar: For topping, mingles with brown sugar to caramelize just right.
- Hot water: The unique ingredient that transforms the topping into molten, brown sugar sauce beneath the cake.
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Set yourself up for cobbler success by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but ensures that the cobbler bakes up beautifully golden on the edges with that irresistible bubbly sauce underneath.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This dry mixture forms the base of your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe and evenly distributes all those warming spices so every bite tastes like fall.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin purée, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The combination of these four turns the dry mixture into a plush, velvety batter with plenty of autumn flavor and richness.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together and Add Pecans
Gently add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until combined—overmixing can make your cobbler dense, so keep it light and airy. Once the batter’s ready, fold in the chopped pecans, adding some toasty bite to the dreamy, soft cake.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Sugar Topping
Spread the pumpkin batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. In another small bowl, mix the brown sugar and additional granulated sugar. Generously sprinkle this sweet blend over the batter—don’t stir it in, as this layer forms the caramel sauce beneath the cobbler.
Step 6: Pour Hot Water and Bake
Now for the magic: gently pour the hot water over the entire dish. Resist the urge to stir! Pop it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe bakes up with a golden, cake-like topping and a molten brown sugar sauce below, thanks to this clever step.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once the cobbler is bubbly and set in the center, take it out and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and thickens up slightly—plus, it means you won’t burn your tongue on molten sugar (trust me, it’s tempting!).
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Garnishes
Nothing completes this cobbler like a final flourish. Try a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts right into the warm sauce, or add a dollop of whipped cream dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon. For even more crunch and flavor, toss a scatter of toasted chopped pecans on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe is fantastic on its own, but you can certainly round out a fall meal by serving it alongside apple compote, caramelized pears, or even a crisp autumn fruit salad. If you want to go all out, pair it with a mug of hot mulled cider or spiced chai.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your dessert by baking in mini ramekins for individual servings, or layer warm cobbler into pretty glass jars for a rustic parfait look. For a holiday flair, drizzle caramel sauce over the top, or serve the cobbler family-style in a cast iron skillet to create cozy, farmhouse vibes at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The cobbler will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the sauce may thicken a bit but will still be delicious scooped and rewarmed.
Freezing
You can freeze Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating if you want to loosen up the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Absolutely! Just roast or steam fresh pumpkin until tender, then purée until very smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture—this helps ensure your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe bakes up perfectly every time.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
For maximum flavor, scatter chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. You’ll know they’re done when they’re fragrant and slightly darkened—keep an eye on them as nuts can burn quickly.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can cut back the sugar just a bit if you prefer a less sweet dessert, but keep in mind, the topping creates the saucy layer that makes this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe so decadent! Reducing sugar too much may affect the sauce consistency.
Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and use melted coconut oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter. The cobbler will still come out delicious, with much the same texture and spiced pumpkin flavor.
Can I assemble the cobbler in advance?
You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and store them, but wait to combine and assemble with the sugar topping and water just before baking. This ensures the batter stays fresh and the magic self-saucing action happens right in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much to love about this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe—from its simple prep to the way it perfumes your kitchen with cinnamon and brown sugar. If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and a little different from the usual pumpkin pie, give this recipe a try. Trust me, you’ll want to make room for it every fall!
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Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler. A perfect blend of pumpkin and pecans topped with a luscious sauce, this dessert is a seasonal favorite that will surely please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
-
Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients to dry, fold in pecans, and spread in dish.
- Mix sugars for topping, sprinkle over batter; pour hot water over.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This cobbler creates its own rich sauce beneath the cake-like topping.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg