If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together the warm spices of fall with a luscious, gooey finish, let me introduce you to the Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe. This delightful dish combines the smooth richness of pumpkin puree with a perfectly spiced batter, topped with a crunchy pecan sprinkle and a decadent caramel sauce that forms right in the oven. It’s comfort food at its absolute best, effortless to make but bursting with flavors that taste just like autumn in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with pantry staples and fresh pumpkin puree, each ingredient playing a key role in building the dish’s flavor, texture, and irresistible appeal. From the spices that bring warmth to the sweetness that balances everything perfectly, here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cobbler its soft, tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides the gentle lift to keep it fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that signature warm spice note.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements cinnamon with its aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Brings rich, creamy moisture and beautiful color.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and easy to spread.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives the topping a deep caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Works with brown sugar to create that luscious sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the topping with extra warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of spice to the caramel topping.
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water: The secret that helps form the signature caramel sauce as it bakes.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor in every bite.
How to Make Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8 inch baking dish. This little step ensures your cobbler won’t stick and will come out perfectly after baking, ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. These spices and leavening agents set the stage for that comforting flavor and light texture the Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe is known for.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture is where the moist, pumpkin-rich goodness comes from. Pour it into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the batter dense, so a gentle touch is best.
Step 4: Spread the Batter
Evenly spread this batter into your prepared baking dish. This straightforward step is your foundation — it’s the canvas on which all the deliciousness builds.
Step 5: Create the Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this sweet and spicy mixture evenly over your batter. This layer will melt and mingle with the boiling water to form the lovely caramel sauce that sets this cobbler apart.
Step 6: Add Boiling Water and Pecans
Carefully pour boiling water over the entire dish; don’t stir. This may sound unusual, but this step is what magically creates that gooey caramel pool beneath your cobbler. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top to add their wonderful crunch.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is set and the caramel sauce has formed at the bottom. Once done, let it cool slightly to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.
How to Serve Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe is like a dream come true, melting into that caramel sauce for every bite. A drizzle of caramel syrup or a dollop of freshly whipped cream works beautifully too, enhancing the lush textures and flavors.
Side Dishes
This cobbler pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee. For holiday dinners, it’s a superb finale served alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes or a plate of lightly spiced roasted nuts to continue the cozy, comforting theme.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the cobbler in small individual ramekins or mason jars — perfect for parties or intimate gatherings. You can also sprinkle extra toasted pecans or a pinch of cinnamon right before serving for an added burst of aroma and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply cover your cobbler with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to four days, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy this seasonal favorite again.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions of the baked cobbler by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months, and when ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through. This keeps the caramel sauce gooey and the cobbler moist, just like when it was freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in the Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe and saves time while delivering the same great texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have pecans? Can I substitute?
Yes, you can swap pecans with walnuts or even almonds. Each nut will add a slightly different crunch and flavor, but all will complement the warm spices beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This version isn’t gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free baking mix to make a gluten-free variation without sacrificing texture.
Can I make the cobbler vegan?
For a vegan version, replace butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Vanilla extract is naturally vegan, so you’re all set!
How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
The cobbler is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and you notice a syrupy caramel sauce pooling at the bottom of the dish. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe is one of those comforting classics that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Its impressive flavors come together with surprisingly simple steps, making it a perfect dessert for both weeknights and special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, this cobbler will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, whip it up, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every sweet, spiced bite!
Print
Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the spiced flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon with a luscious caramel sauce topped with crunchy pecans. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings, this easy-to-make cobbler features a tender pumpkin batter baked under a glossy caramel topping, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Cobbler Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent the cobbler from sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients and incorporate: In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and gently stir until just combined to form the batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the cobbler tender.
- Spread batter in dish: Evenly spread the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a smooth surface.
- Prepare caramel topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pumpkin batter in the dish.
- Add boiling water and pecans: Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the entire dish without stirring, allowing the caramel sauce to form as the cobbler bakes. Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake the cobbler: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the center is set and a rich caramel sauce has formed on the bottom.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly to let the caramel sauce thicken and set before serving warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but homemade pumpkin puree can be substituted for a fresher flavor.
- Do not stir after pouring the boiling water; this allows the caramel sauce to develop properly during baking.
- You can swap pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
