Pecan Pie Cobbler — A Gooey Southern Classic with a Twist

If you love the rich, buttery flavor of a traditional pecan pie but crave the homey comfort of a warm cobbler, this Pecan Pie Cobbler is the best of both worlds. It has everything you adore — the sweet, sticky pecan filling, the flaky, buttery crust, and that irresistible caramel syrup that forms as it bakes.

This dessert is pure magic straight from the oven. The pecans float to the top, forming a crisp, nutty layer, while the bottom bakes into a rich, syrupy filling that tastes like warm brown sugar toffee. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

For the Cobbler Base:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

For the Filling:

1½ cups brown sugar, packed
1½ cups chopped pecans (plus extra halves for topping)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups boiling water

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Tip: You can also use a deep casserole dish if you want extra syrupy layers.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined — the batter will be smooth and pourable.

Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish. Do not stir once poured — it will bake into a golden, tender base that rises around the filling.

Step 3: Add the Pecan Filling

In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle this pecan mixture evenly over the batter in the dish.

Don’t mix! It’s going to look a little strange at this stage, but trust the process — the magic happens in the oven.

Step 4: Pour the Hot Water

Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of everything. Again — do not stir. The hot water helps create that luscious caramel syrup as the cobbler bakes.

Pro Tip: Pour the water gently over the back of a spoon to keep the layers even and prevent splashing.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any bubbling over) and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pecans look caramelized and crisp.

As it bakes, the batter will rise to the top, forming a soft, buttery crust, while a thick, gooey caramel sauce forms underneath — like a self-saucing pudding.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Let the cobbler cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the caramel sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. When that ice cream melts into the warm, sticky pecan filling… it’s heaven.

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients: No pie crust to roll out — everything mixes right in the dish!
Foolproof method: The layers magically form as it bakes — crust on top, caramel underneath.
Incredible texture: Crisp pecans, buttery cake, and a silky-sweet syrup in every bite.
Crowd favorite: Perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or cozy fall nights.

Variations

Chocolate Pecan Cobbler: Add ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips to the pecan layer for a fudgy twist.
Maple Bourbon Cobbler: Stir 1 tablespoon bourbon and 1 tablespoon maple syrup into the filling for a grown-up flavor boost.
Pecan Peach Cobbler: Add 1 cup sliced canned peaches (drained) for a fruity, Southern-inspired twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
This cobbler tastes even better the next day — the flavors deepen overnight.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pie Cobbler has everything you want in a dessert: buttery, crunchy, sticky, and sweet with that irresistible nutty flavor. It’s as if pecan pie and bread pudding had the most delicious baby — warm, rich, and comforting.

Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple at every family gathering or Sunday supper. Serve it warm, share it with people you love, and enjoy every gooey, caramel-drizzled bite.