If you are looking for a dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie with the comforting warmth of a classic cobbler, this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is an absolute must-try. It effortlessly blends the gooey sweetness of pecan pie filling with a tender cake topping, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and irresistibly cozy. Perfect for gatherings or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss, this recipe brings the best of both worlds in one scrumptious dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and that classic pecan crunch we all love.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, divided): Provides a rich, creamy base and helps develop a golden crust while adding depth to the flavor.
- Dark corn syrup (1/2 cup): Gives the filling the luscious, sticky sweetness typical of pecan pie.
- Dark brown sugar (1 cup, divided): Adds caramelized sweetness with a hint of molasses that complements the pecans beautifully.
- Coarsely chopped pecans (2 cups, divided): The star ingredient that delivers crunch, nuttiness, and irresistible texture throughout the cobbler.
- Yellow or butter cake mix (15.25-ounce box): An easy shortcut that creates a fluffy, tender cake layer on top without any complicated baking.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Moistens the cake mix to form a soft, cake-like texture that contrasts perfectly with the gooey filling.
- Hot water (1/2 cup): Poured over the batter to help the cake cook up tender while promoting the bubbling pecan pie layer underneath.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Pecan Pie Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy serving later. Next, melt 1/2 cup of the butter in a medium bowl, then stir in the dark corn syrup, half of the brown sugar, and 1 cup of pecans. This mixture is the decadent base of your cobbler, so spread it evenly across the bottom of the baking dish to start layering those signature flavors.
Step 2: Mix and Drop the Cake Batter
In a separate bowl, melt the remaining 1/2 cup butter and combine it with the cake mix and milk. The batter will be thick and luscious—this is exactly what you want. Using a spoon, drop dollops of this batter evenly over the pecan pie filling. Don’t worry about covering everything perfectly; these dollops will bake into a tender, golden cake topping that contrasts beautifully with the nutty filling below.
Step 3: Add Topping and Water, Then Bake
Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and the rest of the chopped pecans generously over the top of the cake batter. Then, carefully pour the hot water around the batter—but be sure not to stir it in. This helps the cake cook through while maintaining a slightly jiggly, gooey pecan pie middle. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the cake is set and a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 4: Cool and Set the Filling
Once your cobbler comes out of the oven, let it cool to room temperature or just slightly warm for about 30 minutes. This resting period is key to allowing the pecan pie “goo” in the bottom to thicken and set, giving you that perfect blend of textures when you serve it.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
The warm, nutty flavors of this cobbler are complemented beautifully by simple garnishes. A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream is always a winner, melting perfectly over the warm cobbler. You can also sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar, add a drizzle of caramel sauce, or top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Though this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe shines as a standalone dessert, pairing it with hot coffee or a rich espresso creates a delightful balance. For holiday meals, serve it alongside lighter fruit salads or citrusy sorbets to cleanse the palate between sweet bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mason jars, topped with crunchy pecan halves. You could also layer the cobbler with a little extra whipped cream or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful twist that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, don’t worry—they keep nicely at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, storing the cobbler in the refrigerator will extend its freshness to about five days, making it a convenient treat to enjoy later.
Freezing
This cobbler also freezes well, which is perfect for making ahead of time or preserving extra batches. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container before freezing. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up your leftover cobbler, simply pop a serving in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Adding a scoop of ice cream after reheating will keep the dessert feeling fresh and decadent.
FAQs
Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup?
Yes, light corn syrup can be used if that’s what you have on hand, but the deep molasses flavor of dark corn syrup adds a richer taste that enhances the overall dessert.
Is it possible to make this cobbler gluten-free?
You can try substituting the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of similar texture, but results may vary slightly, especially in the cake’s rise and crumb texture.
Can I prepare this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe in smaller portions?
Absolutely. You can halve the recipe and use a smaller baking dish, just remember to adjust baking time accordingly and watch for doneness.
What if I don’t have a microwave to melt the butter?
You can melt your butter gently on the stovetop in a small saucepan or over a double boiler—it works just as well for this recipe.
Can this dessert be made vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient substitutions—like using vegan butter and a dairy-free cake mix—and ensuring the corn syrup is vegan-friendly, you can adapt this dessert to suit those dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe for a festive occasion or a cozy family treat, it’s guaranteed to delight with every bite. The ease of preparation combined with that incredible pecan pie flavor and tender cake topping makes it a standout dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert to add to your repertoire!
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Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this rich and delightful Pecan Pie Cobbler that combines the gooey sweetness of classic pecan pie with the comforting texture of a buttery cake topping. Perfect for fall gatherings or any special occasion, this dessert is easy to prepare and bakes into a golden, luscious treat that’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Pie Mixture
- 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 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 1 (15.25-ounce) yellow or butter cake mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and allow for even cooking.
- Make the Pecan Pie Base: Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the dark corn syrup, 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar, and 1 cup of chopped pecans until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cake Layer: In another medium bowl, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter. Add the yellow or butter cake mix along with 1/2 cup milk, stirring thoroughly to combine into a thick batter. Drop spoonfuls of this batter evenly over the pecan pie mixture in the baking dish.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup dark brown sugar and 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the batter. Carefully pour the 1/2 cup hot water around the batter without mixing it in. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cake topping is set and golden brown. The mixture underneath will be very liquidy and jiggle, but this is normal.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool to room temperature or slightly warm for about 30 minutes to allow the pecan pie filling to thicken properly. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Ensure not to mix the hot water into the batter; it helps create the gooey texture.
- Use a yellow or butter cake mix for optimal flavor and texture.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered to maintain freshness.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the dark brown sugar slightly.
