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This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is the ultimate cozy fall dessert — soft, spiced cake on top and a naturally formed caramel sauce bubbling underneath. Every spoonful delivers warm pumpkin flavor, crunchy pecans, and the perfect amount of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or craving something indulgent on a cool evening, this effortless cobbler always steals the show.

Ingredients

For the Cobbler

• 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp cloves
• ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• 1½ cups very hot water

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, stir the pumpkin purée, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla until smooth.
4. Create the Batter
   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a thick, smooth batter forms.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish
   Spread the batter into an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides.
6. Add Topping
   In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pecans. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
7. Pour Hot Water Over Top — Do Not Stir
   Slowly drizzle the hot water across the entire dish. This creates the caramel sauce as it bakes.
8. Bake
   Place the dish on a baking sheet (in case it bubbles). Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly puffed.
9. Cool & Serve
   Allow the cobbler to rest for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra pecans.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh baking powder to ensure the cobbler rises properly.
• Always use plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Do not stir after adding the hot water — that’s how the caramel forms.
• A ceramic or glass dish may bake slightly slower than metal.

Why This Recipe Works

• Perfect balance of warm spices and rich pumpkin.
• Magical “self-saucing” caramel layer created while baking.
• Minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Ideal dessert for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or cozy nights in.

Substitutions & Variations

Ingredient Swaps

• Nut-free: Omit pecans or replace with pumpkin seeds.
• Oil option: Use vegetable oil instead of melted butter.
• Dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk.

Flavor Variations

• Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
• Mix chopped apples into the topping for apple-pumpkin cobbler.
• Substitute walnuts for pecans.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

• Prepare the batter ahead of time (if using double-acting baking powder).
• Add the sugar topping and hot water only right before baking.

Storage

• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.

Reheating

• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
• Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes to reheat larger amounts.

Serving Ideas

• Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Add extra toasted pecans for crunch.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent touch.
• Serve with hot apple cider or spiced tea.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Estimate)

• Calories: 318
• Carbohydrates: 59g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 16mg
• Sodium: 208mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 45g
• Vitamin A: High
• Calcium: Moderate
• Iron: Small amount

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Double everything and bake in a 9×13-inch dish.

Why didn’t my cobbler rise?

Your baking powder may be old. Use fresh baking powder for best results.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes — use a trusted 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Do I need eggs?

No eggs are required. The recipe is naturally egg-free.

Can I bake this in an 8×8 pan?

Yes, as long as the batter fits and the sides are high enough.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for food safety and freshness.

This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is the perfect blend of warm spices, tender pumpkin cake, and gooey caramel sauce. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for holiday gatherings. Serve it warm and enjoy a comforting dessert that captures everything we love about fall.

Warm Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler with Caramel Sauce – Easy Fall Dessert

A rich pumpkin pecan cobbler with warm spices, soft cake, and natural caramel sauce. Perfect fall dessert for holidays or cozy nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 318 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cobbler

• 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp cloves
• ½ tsp pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cups chopped pecans
• 1½ cups very hot water

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven

  Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Combine Dry Ingredients

  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Mix Wet Ingredients

  In a separate bowl, stir the pumpkin purée, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla until smooth.
• Create the Batter

  Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a thick, smooth batter forms.
• Transfer to Baking Dish

  Spread the batter into an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides.
• Add Topping

  In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pecans. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
• Pour Hot Water Over Top — Do Not Stir

  Slowly drizzle the hot water across the entire dish. This creates the caramel sauce as it bakes.
• Bake

  Place the dish on a baking sheet (in case it bubbles). Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly puffed.
• Cool & Serve

  Allow the cobbler to rest for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra pecans.

Notes

• Avoid overbaking — the goal is a soft top with a gooey bottom.
• Spices can be adjusted to taste.
• Best served warm for maximum flavor and texture.

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