Pecan Pie Cobbler: The Perfect Southern-Inspired Dessert
Pecan Pie Cobbler combines everything you love about a classic pecan pie with the ease and indulgence of a warm cobbler. With gooey brown sugar filling, layers of soft pastry, and crunchy toasted pecans, this dessert is rich, buttery, and absolutely irresistible.
It’s baked in a casserole-style dish, making it ideal for family dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, or holiday potlucks. You don’t need a pie crust or special tools—just a few pantry ingredients and a love for southern-style sweets.
What Makes It Special?
Unlike traditional pecan pie, this cobbler features layers of filling and topping that create a thick, caramel-like sauce on the bottom with golden, slightly crisp pastry on top. Every bite delivers contrasting textures—chewy, soft, nutty, and buttery. Serve it warm and watch it disappear.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cobbler Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1½ cups light brown sugar- 1½ cups boiling water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
How to Make Pecan Pie Cobbler
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk until smooth, then fold in the melted butter. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the batter—don’t stir. Just let them sit on top for now.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, boiling water, and vanilla extract. Stir until sugar dissolves. Carefully pour this mixture over the pecans and batter in the dish. Again, do not stir. The layers will magically transform during baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling
Place the cobbler in the oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cobbler rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
This warm, sticky cobbler pairs perfectly with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream- Fresh whipped cream
- A drizzle of warm maple syrup
- A sprinkle of sea salt for contrast
It’s great for the holidays but equally delicious year-round. Serve it straight from the oven in a rustic dish or portion it into ramekins for an elegant twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the batter and filling separately and refrigerate until ready to bake (within 24 hours). If baked ahead, reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 430 |
Total Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 56g |
Sugar | 38g |
Protein | 4g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 180mg |
Tips for Success
- Use **fresh pecans** for best flavor and texture.- Don’t stir the layers! Let gravity and baking do the magic.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or bourbon to the batter for extra depth.
- For a firmer topping, bake an extra 5–10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
This recipe doesn’t use a crust—it’s a batter-based cobbler. But if you prefer a pastry-style topping, you can adapt it using pie crust on top.
Is this the same as pecan pie?
No. Pecan pie has a firmer filling and traditional pie crust. Pecan Pie Cobbler has a softer, spoonable texture and more syrupy filling.
Can I freeze pecan pie cobbler?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you're a fan of pecan pie, you'll fall in love with this pecan pie cobbler. It offers all the rich flavor of the original dessert in a more relaxed, shareable format. Plus, the caramelized bottom and crunchy top make each bite pure bliss.
Serve it at your next gathering and watch your guests beg for the recipe. Easy to make, impressive to serve, and unforgettable to eat—this cobbler is southern hospitality in a dish.