If you love the rich, gooey sweetness of classic pecan pie but want something easier and even more comforting, this Pecan Pie Cobbler delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Think of it as pecan pie transformed into a warm cobbler — gooey brown sugar sauce, crunchy pecans, and a tender, cake-like top that forms as it bakes. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in, and best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No pie crust needed: Everything bakes right in a single dish
Easy pantry ingredients: Most items you likely already have
Warm and gooey: Caramel-like sauce forms under a soft cobbler topping
Crowd pleaser: Great for holidays or casual dessert night
Ingredients
Cobbler Base
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecan Pie Filling
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 ½ cups boiling water
Optional Serving Add-Ons
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Caramel sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven while it preheats so the butter can melt evenly.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until just combined — be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler
Remove the baking dish from the oven once the butter has melted. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter but do not stir; the batter will float up as it bakes.
Step 4: Add Pecans and Sugar
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the batter. Then sprinkle the packed brown sugar over the pecans.
Step 5: Pour Hot Water
Carefully pour the boiling water over the pecans, sugar, and batter. Again, do not stir — this creates the signature gooey bottom layer as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling appears set and bubbling at the edges.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the cobbler cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for maximum indulgence.
Expert Tips
Don’t stir the layers: The magic of pecan cobbler is that the batter rises to the top while the pecans and sugar sink and create sauce on the bottom.
Use boiling water: This helps dissolve the brown sugar and forms that rich, gooey sauce layer.
Try toasting the pecans first for even deeper flavor before sprinkling them over the batter.
If you want a slightly richer dessert, swap half the milk for buttermilk.
Variations to Try
Southern Style: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warm spice notes.
Chocolate Pecan: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the pecans before baking.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the warm cobbler just before serving.
Bourbon Infusion: Add a splash of bourbon to the pecan topping for a classic southern twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve a warm slice or scoop of this cobbler with:
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
A drizzle of caramel sauce
Chopped pecans on top for extra crunch
This dessert pairs beautifully with coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Storage
Store leftover cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm before serving.
Final Thoughts
Pecan Pie Cobbler is the best of both worlds — the rich filling of pecan pie and the simplicity of a cobbler. With simple steps, minimal prep, and maximum delight, this dessert is sure to become a favorite you make again and again.