There’s no dessert quite like Pecan Pie Cobbler. Combining the best of both worlds—gooey, sweet pecan pie and the comforting warmth of cobbler—this dessert is perfect for the holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want to impress a crowd. Imagine the buttery, caramel-like filling of a traditional pecan pie, but with an extra layer of soft, cake-like cobbler on top. What could be better?
Cobbler has deep roots in Southern cuisine, where it’s often served piping hot and topped with ice cream or whipped cream. But when you fuse it with pecan pie, you get a rich, indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist. Trust me, once you make this cobbler, it’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 8-10 people
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Type of Meal: Dessert
- Meal Classification: Sweet, Baked Dessert
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Key Ingredients
- Pecans: 1 1/2 cups, chopped. The star of the dish! Pecans add a crunchy texture and a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet filling.
- Brown Sugar: 1 1/2 cups, packed. This provides the deep, caramelized sweetness that pecan pie is known for.
- Corn Syrup: 1/2 cup light corn syrup. It’s what gives the filling its signature sticky, gooey texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup. This helps thicken the cobbler and gives it that wonderful cake-like texture on top.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted. You can’t have a Southern dessert without a generous amount of butter. It makes the cobbler rich and adds to the flavor.
- Eggs: 3 large eggs, beaten. The eggs bind everything together, creating that classic custard-like filling we all love in pecan pie.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Vanilla enhances the flavors of the brown sugar and pecans, adding depth to the dish.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. This leavening agent helps the cobbler rise slightly, creating a beautiful contrast between the soft top and gooey filling.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Just enough to balance out the sweetness.
- Milk: 1 cup, whole milk preferred. Adds moisture and helps create that soft, fluffy cobbler topping.
Ingredient Insights
- Pecans: Be sure to use fresh pecans for the best flavor. Stale nuts can turn bitter and ruin the dish. If you’re feeling fancy, you can lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the cobbler for an even richer flavor.
- Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup is preferred for this recipe to keep the cobbler sweet without overpowering the pecans’ natural flavors. If you want to get adventurous, you could swap it for maple syrup, but note that the flavor will change slightly.
- Butter: Always use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the amount of added salt by half.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cobbler
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This step is essential for ensuring your cobbler doesn’t stick to the pan. - Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.Pro Tip: Want a deeper caramel flavor? Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. It’ll add a little extra richness. - Make the Topping:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk until just combined. Pour the batter over the pecan filling, making sure it covers the entire surface. The batter may seem thin, but don’t worry—it’ll puff up beautifully as it bakes. - Bake the Cobbler:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. The pecan filling should be bubbling around the edges, and the cobbler topping will be slightly firm to the touch.Tip: For extra crispness, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking. It’ll give the cobbler a nice crunch when you bite into it. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cobbler to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This cooling period helps the filling set slightly, so it doesn’t ooze everywhere when you slice into it. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cobbler
- Don’t Skimp on the Pecans:
This dish is all about the pecans, so make sure you use plenty! You can even add whole pecan halves on top for a pretty presentation. - Use a Clear Baking Dish:
A clear glass dish allows you to see when the cobbler is perfectly browned. If you’re using a metal dish, you may need to check it a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking. - Keep an Eye on the Bake Time:
Every oven is different. Start checking your cobbler at the 40-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overbake. The top should be golden, but the filling will remain gooey and delicious.
Variations of Pecan Pie Cobbler
Chocolate Pecan Pie Cobbler
For the chocolate lovers out there, you can add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling before baking. The chocolate melts into the pecan pie layer, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Bourbon Pecan Pie Cobbler
Want a little more Southern flair? Stir 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the pecan pie filling for a subtle kick of flavor. The bourbon pairs beautifully with the caramel and pecan notes, adding richness and depth.
Maple Pecan Pie Cobbler
Swap the corn syrup for pure maple syrup to give the cobbler a more natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor. This version is perfect for fall gatherings or holiday dinners.
Nutritional Information for Pecan Pie Cobbler
Let’s take a look at the nutritional profile per serving (based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
While this cobbler isn’t light on calories, it’s definitely worth every bite. For a slightly lighter version, you can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute, but don’t skimp on the pecans—they’re the heart of the dish!
What to Serve with Pecan Pie Cobbler
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the warm, gooey cobbler perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: For a lighter topping, a generous dollop of whipped cream is always a good idea. It adds a fluffy, airy texture that cuts through the richness of the pecan filling.
- Coffee or Tea: If you’re serving this as a dessert after dinner, a hot cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with the sweet and nutty flavors.
If you’re a fan of sweet Southern desserts, you might also enjoy our Triple Crust Peach Cobbler, a fruity favorite with buttery layers. Or, for something even richer, try our Caramelized Chicken Wings Recipe for a savory-sweet combination that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds!
Conclusion
In the grand world of desserts, Pecan Pie Cobbler stands tall as a delicious, indulgent option that marries the best parts of two classic dishes. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just satisfying a craving for something sweet and Southern. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a cobbler that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—or thirds!
Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate, bourbon, or even a dash of cinnamon for your own unique twist. And remember, desserts like these are all about enjoying life’s sweeter moments—and maybe sneaking a second slice when no one’s looking!