Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert: Pecan Cobbler! With its irresistibly gooey brown sugar sauce, toasty pecan topping, and tender, buttery base, this classic Southern sweet is everything you crave in comfort food. It’s outrageously easy, impossible to resist straight from the oven, and guaranteed to earn raves at any gathering. Whether you’re indulging on a cozy Sunday or planning the finale for a holiday meal, Pecan Cobbler makes a bold, beautiful statement every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pecan Cobbler comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and a few kitchen basics, each one playing a crucial part in the magic. From the nutty crunch of pecans to the fragrant touch of vanilla, these simple ingredients combine for the ultimate ooey-gooey treat.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Rich, melted butter forms the base and gives the cobbler its signature flavor and golden edges.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): This is what binds everything together into a tender, cake-like layer.
- Baking Powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cobbler batter rise, adding a perfect lightness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance all the sweetness and enhance depth of flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and ensures the dessert is just the right amount of indulgence.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and tenderness to the cobbler base—whole or 2% both work well.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Chopped Pecans (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient, toasted and rich for that essential crunch and nuttiness.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Melts into a gooey sauce beneath the cobbler, making each bite lusciously sweet and caramelly.
- Boiling Water (1 1/2 cups): This surprising addition creates the self-saucing effect that makes Pecan Cobbler so unique.
How to Make Pecan Cobbler
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour that gorgeous, melted butter directly into a 9×13-inch baking dish—no need to grease! This will help form an irresistible crust and give the cobbler its decadent, buttery taste.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is nice and smooth. You want it lump-free and creamy, almost like pancake batter. This becomes the pillowy, golden layer that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Step 3: Layer the Batter Over Butter
Carefully pour your batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Here’s the fun part—do not stir! Just let the batter gently rest atop the butter. This layering is what creates the signature cobbler effect with a distinct, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Pecans and Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the entire surface of the batter. Then, follow with a generous, even layer of light brown sugar. The pecans will toast up as the cobbler bakes, while the brown sugar forms that gooey, buttery caramel sauce beneath.
Step 5: Pour the Boiling Water
Carefully and slowly pour the boiling water over the entire mixture in the dish. It’ll look a bit wild—and that’s exactly right! Don’t stir or worry, as this will create the baked cobbler’s luscious sauce hidden under its golden top.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Set your baking dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and set, and the edges are seriously bubbling. Once done, be patient and let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes (if you can resist!) so the sauce thickens to that spoonable perfection.
How to Serve Pecan Cobbler
Garnishes
Pecan Cobbler is best served warm and generously topped! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds cool, dreamy contrast to the warm, nutty cobbler. For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle a few whole toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon across the top—pure bliss.
Side Dishes
While Pecan Cobbler is undoubtedly the star of dessert, it pairs beautifully with fresh berries, stewed fruits, or even a simple fruit salad. If you’re serving it after a rich Southern meal, a strong cup of coffee or an equally decadent glass of milk is the ultimate match.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving Pecan Cobbler in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or try topping each serving with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence. For gatherings, you can pre-slice and serve warm in napkin-lined baskets for easy, hand-held treats, or tuck a square inside a mason jar with ice cream for a fun picnic dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pecan Cobbler (a rare occurrence!), simply cover the cooled dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, maintaining its gooey texture and nutty crunch.
Freezing
Pecan Cobbler can also be frozen for longer storage. Let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish in airtight layers of plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
Reheating
To reheat, place your Pecan Cobbler in a 300°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbling again. If you’re pressed for time, a quick zap in the microwave works for individual servings. Add a touch more ice cream or whipped cream after reheating for the perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in Pecan Cobbler?
While pecans provide the classic taste and texture, you can substitute with walnuts or even a mixture of your favorite nuts. The recipe’s gooey caramel sauce works beautifully with almost any nut—though true Pecan Cobbler aficionados would say pecans make it unforgettable!
Is it supposed to look “saucy” on the bottom?
Absolutely! The bubbling sauce at the bottom is the best part of Pecan Cobbler. As it bakes, the brown sugar and water create a self-saucing layer that thickens as it cools—making every spoonful rich and decadent.
Can I make this cobbler gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts for the regular flour. Just double-check that your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you’ll have a cobbler everyone can enjoy.
Should I toast the pecans first?
It’s not necessary, since they’ll toast as the cobbler bakes, but if you love extra toasty, flavorful pecans, feel free to give them a very quick toast in a dry skillet before adding to your Pecan Cobbler—they’ll add a more intense nuttiness!
Can I make Pecan Cobbler ahead for a party?
Definitely! Pecan Cobbler actually tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. Simply reheat gently before serving, and add ice cream or whipped cream for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made Pecan Cobbler yet, now’s the time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of Southern comfort. It’s warm, welcoming, and supremely satisfying—a dessert destined to become a family favorite from the very first bite. Happy baking!
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Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of this Pecan Cobbler, a classic Southern dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. With a buttery, nutty base topped with a sweet, caramelized sauce, this easy cobbler recipe is perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the cobbler:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
For the topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter—do not stir.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped pecans, then the brown sugar over the batter. Carefully pour the boiling water over the mixture—do not stir.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and set, and the cobbler bubbles around the edges. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- This cobbler creates its own gooey brown sugar sauce on the bottom as it bakes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic Southern dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
