Pecan Pie Cobbler: A Southern Dessert Favorite

There’s something undeniably comforting about pecan pie cobbler. With its gooey, buttery filling and golden biscuit topping, it captures the essence of classic Southern comfort food. Whether served during the holidays or as a crowd-pleasing treat year-round, this dessert is a must-have for any sweet tooth.

What Is Pecan Pie Cobbler?

Pecan pie cobbler combines the best elements of a traditional pecan pie with the ease and heartiness of a cobbler. Instead of a single pastry crust, the dessert layers a rich, sticky pecan filling between buttery cobbler-style dough, often finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Unlike the more structured pecan pie, the cobbler version embraces a rustic, spoonable presentation. It’s this approachable style that has made it a Southern staple and a trending dessert across the internet. For context on the history of pecan pie, Southern Living gives a great overview of its roots and regional variations.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

Pecan pie cobbler isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. It also offers a welcome twist to the classic pecan pie, making it ideal for:

Potlucks and holiday gatherings
Weekend baking projects
Show-stopping Thanksgiving desserts

And if you’re looking to level up your Southern dessert game, check out this guide to mastering Southern cobblers by Taste of Home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to create its signature flavor and texture:

Unsalted butter – for a rich base
All-purpose flour – forms the doughy layer
Baking powder & salt – to help the cobbler rise
Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough
Whole milk – adds moisture and richness
Brown sugar & corn syrup – the gooey pecan filling’s core
Chopped pecans – toasted for deep flavor
Vanilla extract – brings warmth
Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional) – for a warm spice note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making pecan pie cobbler is easier than it looks. Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place ½ cup of butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and melt it in the oven while it preheats.

2. Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Stir in 1 cup whole milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until just combined.
Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine:
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pour this mixture gently over the batter. Again, do not stir.

4. Add Hot Water (The Secret Step!)

Carefully pour 1 ½ cups hot water over the entire dish. It may look odd, but this helps create that gooey bottom layer.
Do not mix—just trust the process.

5. Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

To make your pecan pie cobbler even more irresistible, serve it with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A dollop of fresh whipped cream
A drizzle of maple syrup or bourbon caramel sauce

Make It Your Own: Variations

Love to tweak recipes? Here are some easy variations to try:

Add chocolate chips for a Turtle-inspired twist
Use dark corn syrup for a deeper molasses flavor
Swap half the pecans with walnuts or almonds
Add bourbon to the filling for a grown-up kick

Storage and Reheating Tips

Pecan pie cobbler is best fresh but can be stored and reheated like a pro:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

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