Description

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a warm and comforting dessert that perfectly blends the spiced flavors of pumpkin with the rich, nutty crunch of pecans. With its soft, cake-like cobbler base and a caramel-like sauce that forms underneath as it bakes, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Topped with toasted pecans and brown sugar, it’s the perfect fall treat, ideal for family gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any autumn celebration. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Layer:

1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour or an equivalent amount of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder aluminum-free recommended
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar either light or dark
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup pecans chopped
1 1/2 cups hot water
Optional: Vanilla ice cream heavy cream, or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish lightly (alternatively, a deep 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan can be used).
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift and combine the all-purpose flour, pastry flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Once combined, set this mixture aside.
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, cooled melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until integrated.
Gradually add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredient mixture. Stir until just combined, ensuring not to overmix. The resulting batter should be thick. Transfer the batter to the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Place this dish onto a rimmed baking sheet to prevent any overspill during baking.
For the topping preparation, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Incorporate the chopped pecans into this sugar mixture. Evenly distribute this topping over the batter in the casserole dish.
Carefully pour the hot water over the topping. It’s essential not to mix or stir once the water has been added.
Place the casserole dish (on the baking sheet) into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the center has set.
After removing from the oven, allow the cobbler to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, or whipped cream.

Notes

Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling: Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that may throw off the balance of the recipe.
Self-Saucing Magic: Pouring boiling water over the batter before baking may seem odd, but this step is crucial. As it bakes, the water helps form a gooey, rich caramel-like sauce under the cobbler, making it extra moist and flavorful.
Make Ahead: The cobbler can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a great option for holiday meal prep.
Pecans: To keep the pecans crunchy, consider adding them halfway through the baking process, especially if you prefer them to stay crisp rather than soft.
Serving Tip: Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is best served warm. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a perfect contrast between the hot dessert and the cold, creamy topping.
Customization Options: For those who prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar by 25-50%. You can also try adding a dash of maple syrup to the batter for an extra touch of autumnal sweetness.
Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the entire cobbler in the oven at 350°F to retain its texture.