Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert that beautifully blends the flavors of autumn. This dish is particularly popular in the fall and during holiday seasons, celebrated for its rich pumpkin flavor and crunchy pecan topping. It’s a perfect fusion of a traditional cobbler and the classic flavors of pumpkin pie, making it a unique and delightful treat.
The base of the cobbler is a pumpkin batter, which is rich and moist. This batter typically includes pureed pumpkin, which is the star ingredient. The pumpkin puree gives the cobbler a smooth texture and a deep, earthy flavor. It’s often combined with eggs, melted butter, and milk, creating a batter that’s rich but not overly heavy.
Sweetness and spice are key elements in this dish. The batter is sweetened with sugar, often a mix of brown sugar for its molasses-like depth and granulated sugar for sweetness. The quintessential pumpkin pie spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – are added, infusing the batter with warm, aromatic flavors that are synonymous with autumn.
In a twist that sets it apart from traditional cobblers, this dessert often includes a layer of chopped pecans. The pecans are sprinkled over the pumpkin batter, adding a delightful crunch and nuttiness that complements the soft texture beneath. Pecans not only add a textural contrast but also a buttery, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Another unique aspect of Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is the topping. Before baking, hot water is often poured over the batter and pecans. While this might seem unusual, it’s a crucial step that creates a self-saucing effect during baking. As the cobbler bakes, the water combines with the sugars in the batter to form a luscious, caramel-like sauce that sits at the bottom of the dish.
The cobbler is baked until the top is set and slightly crispy, contrasting beautifully with the soft, pudding-like pumpkin layer underneath. The pecans roast and become even more flavorful, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
Served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a dessert that offers a symphony of textures and flavors. The creamy pumpkin, the crunchy pecans, the rich sauce, and the cool cream create a delightful and comforting dessert experience. This dish is perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or simply as a cozy treat on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
For the Cobbler
- 1 cup + 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups very hot water
How To Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium sized bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and spices. Set aside.
- In a smaller bowl, stir pumpkin, milk, melted butter and vanilla together to combine. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix to create a thick batter. Pour into a small 8-inch casserole dish with high sides.
- In a separate bowl, stir sugar, brown sugar and pecans together. Spread over the top of the batter evenly. Pour hot water over the entire thing {WITHOUT STIRRING A THING!} and bake for 40 minutes or once the middle is set. {Be sure to place on a baking sheet incase it bubbles over.} Cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with more pecans and vanilla ice cream.
