There is something magical about the smell of toasted pecans on a crisp autumn evening. You deserve a dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day. This Pecan Pie Cobbler delivers all the flavors you love without the stress of a pie crust.
It is the perfect treat for your next family gathering or a quiet Sunday night. You will love how the bottom turns into a gooey caramel sauce. It is simple, sweet, and wonderfully crunchy.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a total game-changer for busy holiday hosting. You do not have to roll out any messy dough or chill crusts. It creates its own rich caramel sauce right in the oven while it bakes.
It is much easier than a traditional pie but tastes just as indulgent. Your guests will be impressed by the beautiful golden crust. This Pecan Pie Cobbler is truly a beginner-friendly masterpiece that serves a crowd easily.
Simple Method
You just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the hard work. The magic happens when you pour boiling water over the top. It might look strange at first, but do not stir the layers. Reassure yourself that it will bake into perfection. Even if you have never baked a cobbler, you can do this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already sitting in your pantry right now.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the melted butter into a 9×13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk until just combined and a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir the batter into the butter.
- Sprinkle the packed light brown sugar evenly over the batter layer, followed by the chopped pecans.
- Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the pecan and sugar layer. Do not stir; the layers will integrate during the baking process.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cake has risen through the liquid to create a cobbler crust.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this cobbler while it is still warm and bubbly from the oven. A big scoop of vanilla ice cream is almost mandatory here. The cold cream melts into the warm caramel sauce perfectly. You can also add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a lighter touch.
Set the table, light a candle, and share this with your favorite people. It is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly night. Your family will keep coming back for seconds.
Storage & Reheating
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This Pecan Pie Cobbler actually stays quite moist and delicious. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds. For the best texture, use a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This helps the top stay lightly crisp while the sauce warms up.
Recipe Tips
- Do not stir the layers or you will lose the distinct cake and sauce layers.
- Use a glass baking dish so you can see when the sauce is bubbling.
- Ensure your water is truly boiling to help the sugar dissolve properly.
- Swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer a slightly different earthy flavor.
- For Thanksgiving, double the batch and use two separate pans to feed a crowd.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the flour mixture for extra warmth.
- Let the cobbler rest for the full 15 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Stir a half cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a rich twist.
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper, more intense molasses flavor.
- In summer, swap pecans for fresh peaches for a fruity variation.
- Add a splash of bourbon to the boiling water for an adult holiday treat.
Common Questions
Why do I use boiling water?
The boiling water reacts with the sugar and butter to create a self-saucing bottom. It sinks through the batter and creates that gooey caramel layer we all love. It is a classic Southern baking technique.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but you can bake it a few hours early. Just give it a quick warm-up in the oven before your guests arrive. The sauce will stay thick and delicious.
Will kids like this recipe?
Absolutely, it is very kid-approved and sweet! Most children love the cake-like topping and the crunchy nuts. It is like a warm cookie in a bowl.
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings and brings a little sweetness to your table. Give it a try and let every buttery bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Pecan Pie Cobbler
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all -purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the melted butter into a 9x13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk until just combined and a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir the batter into the butter.
- Sprinkle the packed light brown sugar evenly over the batter layer, followed by the chopped pecans.
- Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the pecan and sugar layer. Do not stir; the layers will integrate during the baking process.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cake has risen through the liquid to create a cobbler crust.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.
