When you’re craving a warm, comforting fall dessert, this Easy Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler for Fall Dessert Delight brings together cozy spices, a soft pumpkin cake layer, and a rich caramel-style sauce that forms naturally as it bakes. This old-fashioned cobbler method feels magical, yet it stays simple enough for any home cook to master.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
This dessert captures everything people love about fall baking: the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, the richness of pumpkin puree, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. As it bakes, a warm sauce forms beneath the cake, giving every spoonful a mix of fluffy, tender cake and smooth caramel. It’s budget-friendly, requires basic pantry ingredients, and works beautifully for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights at home. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it becomes a memorable seasonal treat.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Pumpkin Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons additional flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Pecan Topping
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Liquid for Baking
- 1½ cups very hot water
Ingredient Notes
Pumpkin Purée
Use canned pumpkin puree for consistency. If using homemade pumpkin puree, strain out excess moisture so the batter stays thick.
Flour
The extra 3 tablespoons help balance the moisture from the pumpkin. If needed, whole-wheat pastry flour may be substituted, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Butter or Oil
Melted butter adds rich flavor, but vegetable oil or light olive oil works as a lighter alternative.
Spices
Feel free to swap the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for 1½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice if it’s already in your pantry.
Pecans
Chopped pecans add texture, but walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or almonds work well too for nut-free or preference-based adaptations.
Sugar Options
To reduce refined sugar slightly, replace half the granulated sugar with coconut sugar. The cobbler will still bake beautifully with a warm caramel finish.
Family-Friendly Substitutions
This recipe is naturally pork-free and alcohol-free, perfect for serving to all ages.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch high-sided baking dish so the cobbler releases easily after baking. A deeper dish helps prevent bubbling or overflow as the sauce forms.
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
This blend builds the structure of the dessert and ensures that the spices mix evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3 – Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and silky.
Step 4 – Create the Batter
Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until no streaks of flour remain. The batter will be thick — this is expected and helps the cobbler layer bake properly over the sauce.
Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Step 5 – Add the Sweet Pecan Topping
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Do not stir it in — the layering is key to forming the sauce.
Step 6 – Pour Hot Water on Top
Carefully pour 1½ cups of very hot water over the entire dish. Pour slowly to avoid disrupting the sugar layer. Do not mix. This step is what transforms the bottom into a caramel-style sauce during baking.
Step 7 – Bake
Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any potential spillover. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is set and no longer jiggly in the center. The bottom will still be saucy — that’s exactly what you want.
Step 8 – Cool and Serve
Allow the cobbler to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Spoon into bowls, capturing both the soft cake top and the warm caramel sauce underneath. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra cozy touch.
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Easy Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler for Fall Dessert Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A warm, comforting fall dessert featuring a soft pumpkin cake layer, a rich caramel-style sauce that forms as it bakes, and a crunchy pecan topping—simple, seasonal, and perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons additional flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- For Baking:
- 1½ cups very hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch high-sided baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, extra flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures into a thick batter. Spread into the baking dish.
- Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pecans; sprinkle evenly over batter (do not stir).
- Pour 1½ cups very hot water slowly over the top (do not mix).
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until top is set and center is no longer jiggly.
- Cool 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Do NOT stir after pouring water—the layers create a self-saucing effect.
- Use pure canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling).
- For extra flavor, toast pecans before using.
- Best served warm. Reheats well in microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t stir the layers. The unique “lava” effect happens because the hot water stays on top of the sugars and melts into a sauce as it bakes.
- Use a deep dish. The cobbler rises as the water sinks — deeper sides prevent overflow.
- Serve warm. This dessert is at its very best served fresh from the oven, when the sauce is still flowing.
- Check the center. If the middle still looks wet after 40 minutes, bake for an additional 5–7 minutes.
- Boost the spice. Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a little extra fall warmth.
- Toast the pecans. For stronger nutty flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the topping.
Flavor Variations
- Maple Pumpkin Cobbler
Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple sugar or add a splash of maple extract. - Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cobbler
Fold ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter for a richer, dessert-style twist. - Nut-Free Pumpkin Cobbler
Swap pecans for pumpkin seeds or omit nuts entirely. The texture will still be wonderful. - Gingerbread Pumpkin Cobbler
Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger and replace some sugar with molasses for deeper holiday flavor. - Apple Pumpkin Cobbler
Layer thin apple slices under the batter for an autumn harvest combination.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top for added crunch.
- Pair with warm drinks like chai, cinnamon tea, or hot chocolate.
- For gatherings, keep it warm in the oven on low until ready to serve — the sauce stays smooth and velvety.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave; the sauce will loosen again as it warms.
Freezer:
Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Make-Ahead:
You can assemble the dry and wet components separately ahead of time, but combine and bake only when ready for best results.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~330 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 57g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
(These values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands.)
Easy Meal Prep Ideas
- Easy Pumpkin Pie Tacos—A Fun Fall Dessert
- Ultimate Pumpkin Goat Cheese Risotto
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake
FAQ About Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
What makes this cobbler different from a traditional one?
Unlike classic fruit cobblers, this recipe creates its own caramel sauce during baking. The hot water poured over the sugar topping dissolves and sinks beneath the batter, forming a thick, warm sauce that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake layer. The result is similar to a self-saucing pudding or lava-style dessert — comforting and unique.
Can I make this without pecans?
Yes. The pecans add crunch and nutty depth, but you can omit them or replace them with walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or almonds. For a completely nut-free version, skip nuts entirely. The dessert will still bake correctly and maintain its rich pumpkin flavor and caramel sauce.
Why do I have to pour hot water over the batter?
The hot water dissolves the sugar mixture and helps create the signature sauce. As the cobbler bakes, the cake rises while the melted sugars and water sink, thickening into a caramel base. If you skip this step, the dessert won’t have the same texture or self-saucing effect.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. The baking time will be slightly longer, usually around 50–55 minutes. Check that the center is firm before removing it from the oven.
Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No. Canned pumpkin puree contains only pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling includes sugar and spices. Always use pure pumpkin puree to keep the batter balanced and not overly sweet.
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Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler for Fall Dessert Delight is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table. With simple ingredients and a cozy seasonal flavor, it offers both comfort and a little kitchen magic. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a quiet night in, its warm sauce and tender cake make every bite memorable.