Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

If you’re a fan of warm, cozy desserts that capture the spirit of autumn, you need to try Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler. This decadent dish combines the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin pie with the gooey, nutty goodness of traditional pecan cobbler — all baked together into one irresistible treat. With a soft cake-like top and a thick, caramel-like sauce underneath, this cobbler is a showstopper for Thanksgiving, fall potlucks, or any chilly night when comfort food calls.

No pie crust needed. No complicated steps. Just mix, pour, and bake your way to a dessert that smells like fall and tastes like heaven.

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Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

🍂 Cozy fall flavors: pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted pecans
🍰 Self-saucing dessert: gooey caramel sauce forms as it bakes
🔥 Perfect warm from the oven with a scoop of ice cream
🧁 No mixer required: easy to make, easy to serve
🎃 Great for holidays like Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving

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What Is Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler?

Think of it like a warm pumpkin cake that bakes with its own sauce. As the cobbler cooks, the batter rises to the top while the sugar, butter, and water sink and create a rich brown sugar caramel underneath. Add toasted pecans, and you’ve got texture, flavor, and pure fall comfort all in one pan.

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Ingredients

This recipe serves 6–8 people and is best enjoyed warm.

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cloves
• ¼ tsp ginger (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups very hot water

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Optional Add-Ons:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
• A sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty combo
• Add a splash of maple syrup to the batter for extra fall flavor

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How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish
• Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until fragrant

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Step 2: Mix the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and spices
2. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract
3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined — don’t overmix

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Step 3: Spread in the Pan

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top
• Sprinkle the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and granulated sugar evenly over the batter

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Step 4: Add Hot Water

• Carefully pour 1½ cups hot water over the top without stirring — this is the magic that creates the sauce layer

Don’t worry! The water will sink to the bottom and turn into gooey caramel as the cobbler bakes.

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Step 5: Bake

• Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and set
• The cobbler should jiggle slightly and look moist underneath (that’s the sauce!)
• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving

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Serving Suggestions

This cobbler is best served warm with:

🍦 A scoop of vanilla ice cream
☕ A mug of chai latte, coffee, or hot apple cider
🍁 A dollop of maple whipped cream

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Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

✅ Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
✅ Don’t stir in the water — it needs to stay on top for the sauce to form
✅ Toast the pecans for deeper flavor and crunch
✅ Let it rest 10 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens slightly
✅ Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days

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Variations

🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Cobbler – Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter
🌰 Maple Walnut Cobbler – Swap pecans for walnuts and add maple extract
🥥 Coconut-Pecan Twist – Mix in 2 tbsp shredded coconut with the batter
🧁 Mini Cobblers – Divide into ramekins for individual servings
🍌 Pumpkin Banana Cobbler – Stir in ½ mashed banana for added sweetness and moisture

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Make Ahead & Storage

🕒 Make Ahead:

• Mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before baking
• Or fully bake and reheat before serving

🥶 Freezing:

• Not ideal, as the sauce can become watery. Best enjoyed fresh.

♨️ Reheating:

• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–60 seconds
• Or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until hot

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Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 54g
• Sugar: 38g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g

Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — substitute plant-based butter and almond or oat milk.

What kind of pumpkin should I use?

Use 100% canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix. You can also use homemade puree, but be sure to drain excess liquid.

Can I make it in a larger pan?

Yes, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to 45–50 minutes.

Is this similar to pumpkin pie?

It has the same spices and pumpkin flavor but with a cakier texture and gooey sauce instead of a crust.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Combines the best parts of pumpkin pie and pecan cobbler
✅ Creates its own caramel sauce while baking — no extra steps
✅ One bowl, no mixer, minimal mess
✅ Rustic, cozy, and pure fall magic in a pan
✅ Great for serving a crowd or making ahead

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Final Thoughts: A New Thanksgiving Favorite

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is one of those desserts you’ll crave the moment the leaves start to turn. It’s rich, warm, and has that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Whether you’re looking to mix up your Thanksgiving dessert table or just want a new fall baking tradition, this cobbler hits all the right notes.

Serve it warm, scoop up some of that gooey sauce, top with ice cream, and enjoy a spoonful of fall in every bite.

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