There is something utterly magical about the sweet, nutty richness of pecan pie combined with the warm, tender crumb of a classic cobbler. This Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. Imagine a golden cake topping bubbling with caramelized pecans and brown sugar syrup beneath—a symphony of textures and flavors that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a cozy weekend treat, this dish promises smiles and seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are the heart and soul of the Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe, each playing a key role in building its unforgettable flavor, texture, and inviting color. From the buttery richness to the crunchy pecans, every element is essential.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (divided): Butter adds incredible richness and helps create the moist, tender cake topping that distinguishes this cobbler.
- 1/2 cup dark corn syrup: This ingredient lends that signature deep caramel flavor and gooey texture reminiscent of classic pecan pie filling.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (divided): Brown sugar’s molasses content gives a warm, toasty sweetness and moisture, perfectly complementing the nuts and cake.
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans (divided): Pecans provide that irresistible crunch and nutty depth essential to this dish’s charm.
- 1 (15.25-ounce) yellow or butter cake mix: An easy base that bakes up moist and fluffy, balancing the sticky, sweet pecan topping.
- 1/2 cup milk: Milk adds the necessary moisture for the cake batter to bake just right.
- 1/2 cup hot water: Pouring hot water around the batter helps create the gooey layer in the cobbler’s base without mixing everything together.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your cobbler will come out effortlessly, with no sticky surprises, and lays a smooth foundation for the delicious layers to come.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Base
In a medium bowl, melt half a cup of the butter in the microwave, then stir in the dark corn syrup, half of the brown sugar, and one cup of chopped pecans. This mixture is the gooey, caramelized layer at the bottom of your cobbler that’s packed with that classic pecan pie flavor. Pour it evenly into your prepared baking dish so it can start bubbling up as the cobbler bakes.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In another bowl, melt the remaining half cup of butter, then combine it with the cake mix and milk. The batter will be thick and rich, which is perfect for dropping dollops across your pecan pie base. Don’t worry about smoothing it out—the way it bakes unevenly is part of this cobbler’s charm.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Hot Water
Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and pecans on top of the dollops of cake batter. Then carefully pour hot water around the batter, not over it, so it doesn’t get mixed in. This step creates that signature syrupy goodness and encourages the batter to bake into golden, fluffy pockets.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your cobbler for 35 to 45 minutes, until the cake is set and golden brown. You might notice the pecan pie mixture at the bottom is still very liquidy and jiggly—that’s normal and exactly how it should be. Let your cobbler cool to room temperature or just slightly warm for about 30 minutes, so the pecan pie “goo” thickens and settles beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is virtually made for this cobbler. The contrast between the warm, sweet cobbler and the cold, smooth ice cream creates an amazing balance of textures and temperatures. For a festive touch, sprinkle a few toasted pecans on top or drizzle with a little extra caramel sauce.
Side Dishes
Pecan Pie Cobbler stands out beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of bourbon for adults. It’s a cozy dessert that feels right at home alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving the cobbler in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming, rustic presentation. Layer in whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right before serving to elevate the experience even more. It’s sure to impress your guests visually and on the palate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to five. The flavors actually deepen with time, making the cobbler even more delightful when reheated gently.
Freezing
This Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your cobbler gently in the oven at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through to maintain that lovely balance of gooey pecan pie filling and soft cake topping. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the texture a little less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! While a yellow or butter cake mix works best for the classic flavor and texture, using a white or even a spice cake mix can add a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the spice cake will add extra warm flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Is it necessary to use dark corn syrup?
Dark corn syrup contributes to the rich, molasses-like sweetness typical of pecan pie filling. If you don’t have it on hand, light corn syrup can be a substitute, but the color and depth of flavor might be a little lighter.
Why does the bottom layer stay liquidy after baking?
The syrupy pecan layer remains liquidy because it’s essentially a gooey caramel filling—the cake on top sets and firms up, while the bottom stays soft and luscious, which is exactly what makes this dessert so irresistible.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
You can assemble the cobbler a few hours ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge. Take it out and bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the dish better. It keeps the sweet- nutty flavors balanced without any unexpected saltiness.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is truly a joyful dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and that beloved balance of crispy, gooey, and tender to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how wonderfully simple ingredients transform into a show-stopping treat. Trust me, this one will become a favorite in your recipe collection just like it has in mine.
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Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pecan Pie Cobbler is a delightful and comforting dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie with the soft, cakey texture of a cobbler. This easy-to-make recipe layers a buttery pecan filling with a sweet cake topping, baked together until golden and bubbly. Perfect for gatherings and holidays, it offers the classic pecan pie taste with an effortless twist.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
For the Cake Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (15.25-ounce) yellow or butter cake mix
- 1/2 cup milk
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup hot water
- Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the pecan base: In a medium bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter in the microwave. Add the dark corn syrup, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, and 1 cup chopped pecans to the melted butter, stirring until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter: In another medium bowl, melt the remaining 1/2 cup butter. To this, add the cake mix and 1/2 cup milk, stirring to combine thoroughly. The batter will be thick in consistency.
- Assemble the cobbler: Drop spoonfuls or dollops of the cake batter evenly over the pecan pie mixture in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup dark brown sugar and remaining 1 cup pecans evenly over the cake batter.
- Add hot water: Carefully pour 1/2 cup hot water around the cake batter in the dish, avoiding mixing it in. This will create a gooey pecan pie liquid as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is set and golden brown on top. The pecan mixture at the bottom will remain liquidy and bubbly, which is expected.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cobbler to cool at room temperature or slightly warm for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps the pecan pie ‘goo’ to thicken. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- The hot water poured around the batter creates the characteristic gooey pecan pie layer at the bottom, so do not be alarmed by the liquidy appearance before baking.
- Using a yellow or butter cake mix complements the sweet and buttery pecan filling perfectly.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- If desired, you can toast the pecans lightly beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Allow the cobbler to cool sufficiently before serving to ensure the filling sets properly.
