Name: Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 1/2 cups hot water

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If you’re a true dessert enthusiast searching for a treat that delivers ooey-gooey comfort and Southern charm by the spoonful, you absolutely have to try Pecan Cobbler. This decadent bake layers buttery batter, toasty pecans, luscious caramelized sugar, and a hint of vanilla into one magical dish that’s as easy to throw together as it is impressive to serve. The result is a cobbler that’s gloriously rustic, impossibly rich, and perfect for both weeknight cravings and special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real magic of Pecan Cobbler lies in its handful of humble ingredients, each bringing its own personality to the dessert. From the crunch of pecans to the sweet brown sugar topping, every addition builds layers of flavor, texture, and pure comfort.

Chopped pecans: Bring a hearty crunch and signature nutty flavor; toast them first to make the taste pop even more.
All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the cobbler’s batter, holding everything together with perfect tenderness.
Baking powder: Gives lift and lightness to the batter, making sure it rises around the gooey center.
Salt: Adds balance and makes those sweet, buttery notes sing.
Granulated sugar: Keeps the batter sweet and helps with that irresistible golden top.
Whole milk: Makes the batter super luscious and moist—don’t swap for skim here!
Vanilla extract: Adds that deep, cozy aroma and cozy Southern flavor.
Unsalted butter, melted: Creates the rich, buttery base essential to any real cobbler—plus, it crisps the edges beautifully.
Light brown sugar, packed: Melts into a gooey caramel layer that’s pure magic under the crust.
Hot water: This unusual step is what transforms the sugar into a sumptuous sauce right in the oven.

How to Make Pecan Cobbler

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cobbler bakes evenly and forms the perfect golden crust. Pour the melted butter straight into a 9×13-inch baking dish, tilting it so it coats the entire bottom. This creates a gorgeous, buttery base and helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This dry mix becomes your cobbler’s tender, sweet foundation. Once combined, stir in the whole milk and vanilla extract until the batter is nice and smooth. You don’t need a mixer here—just a whisk or spoon and a gentle touch.

Step 3: Layer the Batter Over Butter

Pour the batter you’ve just mixed evenly over the melted butter in your baking dish. Resist the urge to stir! The magic of Pecan Cobbler is in the way the layers bake and mingle on their own, creating pockets of gooeyness and crispness throughout.

Step 4: Sprinkle on the Pecans and Brown Sugar

Now it’s time for star power. Sprinkle the chopped pecans generously over the batter, ensuring every bite bursts with toasty crunch. Next, layer the packed light brown sugar over the top. These toppings will create that signature caramel-laced, nutty cap as everything bakes together.

Step 5: Add Hot Water and Bake

Here’s the secret step: slowly drizzle the hot water evenly over the entire dish. Don’t stir! This will seem unusual, but the water combines with the sugar to create a thick, bubbling sauce underneath the baked batter. Carefully slide your pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is shiny and golden brown and the edges are bubbling with promise. Let your Pecan Cobbler cool for at least 10 minutes—trust me, it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth every second.

How to Serve Pecan Cobbler

Garnishes

A big scoop of vanilla ice cream is downright dreamy on warm Pecan Cobbler, but don’t stop there! Try a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, an extra sprinkle of toasted pecans, or even a dash of cinnamon or sea salt for a little flair. The contrast between hot cobbler and cool topping just makes every bite better.

Side Dishes

Pecan Cobbler is pretty much a dessert superstar on its own, but if you’re serving it at a gathering, you might pair it alongside fresh fruit (like juicy strawberries or sliced peaches) to balance out the sweet richness. For a sweet Southern spread, offer coffee or a tall glass of cold milk alongside each portion.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Pecan Cobbler the classic way, spooned warm into bowls, or elevate it for special occasions. Try baking individual servings in mini ramekins for adorable, personalized desserts. For a rustic touch, scoop it into Mason jars for picnics or potlucks—just don’t forget a generous heap of ice cream or whipped cream on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover your Pecan Cobbler tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. It tastes just as good (if not better) after the flavors have a chance to mingle, and you can always warm it back up for that fresh-from-the-oven comfort.

Freezing

Pecan Cobbler freezes surprisingly well. Once it’s completely cooled, spoon individual portions into freezer-safe containers, or wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When that cobbler craving strikes, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Pecan Cobbler back to its gooey best, reheat single servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop the whole dish in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Add your garnishes just before serving, and you’re in for dessert bliss all over again.

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will deepen the cobbler’s flavor even more, adding a slightly stronger molasses note. Use it in place of light brown sugar if you love extra caramel undertones.

What’s the best way to toast the pecans?

Toasting pecans is quick and really amplifies their flavor. Place the chopped pecans on a dry baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let them cool before adding to your cobbler.

Can I make Pecan Cobbler gluten-free?

Certainly! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (make sure it has xanthan gum if needed). The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously indulgent.

Why can’t I stir after layering the ingredients?

Resisting the urge to stir is the secret to Pecan Cobbler’s irresistible pockets of gooey sauce and crisp-tender crust. Letting the ingredients bake undisturbed allows each layer to develop its unique taste and texture.

Is it possible to cut the recipe in half?

Definitely! Halve all the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. The baking time might be slightly shorter, so check for a golden brown top and bubbling edges after about 30–35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Cobbler is one of those soul-satisfying desserts you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy night at home or sharing with friends around the table. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes the new star of your dessert lineup!

Pecan Cobbler Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, nutty goodness of this Pecan Cobbler, a classic Southern dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. A buttery, pecan-studded topping sits atop a gooey, caramel-like sauce, creating a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Cobbler:

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups hot water

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Prepare the Base: Pour melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Stir in milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
Layer the Ingredients: Pour the batter over the melted butter without stirring. Sprinkle chopped pecans and brown sugar on top.
Add Hot Water: Slowly pour hot water over the mixture without stirring.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.