If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for Southern comfort desserts, this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is destined to become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine the rich, buttery sweetness of classic pecan pie meeting a golden, tender cake cobbler baked right in one pan. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of crunchy pecans, warm caramel-like syrup, and fluffy cake with hints of vanilla, making it an utterly irresistible dessert that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in creating the luscious texture, deep flavors, and beautiful color that make this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe shine. From the richness of butter to the warm complexity of dark brown sugar and corn syrup, these ingredients come together to make a memorable dessert.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (divided): Provides creamy richness and helps achieve that golden crust and gooey base.
- 1/2 cup dark corn syrup: Adds a deep, slightly smoky sweetness that’s essential for authentic pecan pie flavor.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (divided): Brings molasses flavor and moisture to both the pecan filling and the cake topping.
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans (divided): Offers delightful crunch and a nutty aroma, split between the filling and topping for texture balance.
- 1 (15.25-ounce) yellow or butter cake mix: Creates the fluffy, tender cake layer that contrasts perfectly with the sticky pecan mixture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Moistens the cake mix for a smooth batter that’s easy to dollop and bake.
- 1/2 cup hot water: Poured around the batter, this activates the cake mix during baking, resulting in that signature cobbler texture.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F; this is the ideal temperature to bake your cobbler to golden perfection. Lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray ensures the cobbler will release easily and keeps it from sticking as it bubbles and caramelizes.
Step 2: Make the Classic Pecan Base
In a medium bowl, melt half of your butter and then stir in the dark corn syrup, half of the brown sugar, and half of the chopped pecans. This mixture is what replicates the luscious pecan pie filling, rich and sticky with deep caramel notes. Pour this down into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly—it’s the foundation your cobbler will build upon.
Step 3: Mix and Drop the Cake Batter
Next, melt the remaining butter and blend it with the cake mix and milk to form a thick batter. Don’t worry if it feels dense—that’s just what you want! Using a spoon, drop dollops of this batter evenly over the pecan mixture. This bouncing layer of cake batter will bake up light and fluffy, creating a delightful contrast to the sticky base.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Water
Sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar and pecans on top of the cake batter to add extra crunch and sweetness. Then carefully pour hot water around the dollops of cake batter without stirring it in. This technique allows the hot water to meld flavors and gives the cobbler its signature soft and tender consistency beneath a lightly crisp top.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the cobbler is golden and the cake is set. The pecan pie layer will remain gooey and a little jiggly—this is how you know you nailed the texture! Let it cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature or serve slightly warm. Cooling lets the goo thicken, making every spoonful pure bliss.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
This dessert is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe by adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top. The cold, smooth ice cream melts into the warm pecan custard, creating a dreamy blend that will have everyone asking for seconds. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce also adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Though this cobbler is hearty enough on its own, pairing it with lightly whipped cream can add a fluffy contrast. For a more balanced indulgence, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad to contrast the sweetness with bright, juicy flavors. Hot coffee or a spiced tea complements the dessert wonderfully, especially during cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation at dinner parties. You can also layer it with extra pecans or drizzle with chocolate for a personalized touch. Wrapping mini servings with a cinnamon stick and tying with twine creates a charming gift or party favor your guests won’t forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (though that is rare!), store your cobbler at room temperature, covered with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze this delight by wrapping the cobbler tightly with plastic wrap and then foil or by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring leftover Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe back to life, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or heat in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help restore its gooey texture and crisp edges, making it taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix in this recipe?
Yes! While yellow or butter cake mix is traditional and provides the perfect flavor, you can experiment with spice or vanilla cake mixes for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that different flavors may slightly alter the overall taste.
Is it possible to make this cobbler gluten-free?
Absolutely. Look for a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that your other ingredients, like the corn syrup and pecans, are gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get all that delicious flavor!
Why is there hot water poured around the cake batter?
The hot water hydrates the cake mix during baking without mixing the batter, which creates that classic cobbler consistency—light and airy cake with a moist, pool-like filling underneath. It’s the secret to the texture that makes this dish so special.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and bake just before serving. Alternatively, make it the day before, store it covered, and warm gently before guests arrive to enjoy fresh flavors and texture.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover cobbler tastes incredible when reheated slightly and served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also enjoy it cold; the flavors deepen and the texture becomes denser, which many people love too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, this Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe is your new go-to. Easy to make and delightfully indulgent, it’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want to treat everyone to something truly special. Trust me—once you try this recipe, it will be requested again and again!
Print
Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Pecan Pie Cobbler combines the rich, buttery flavors of pecan pie with the comforting texture of a cobbler. Featuring a luscious pecan pie base topped with a moist butter cake layer, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or any time you want a sweet Southern treat.
Ingredients
Pecan Pie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Cake Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (15.25-ounce) yellow or butter cake mix
- 1/2 cup milk
Toppings and Liquid
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Pecan Pie Mixture: In a medium bowl, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in the microwave. Stir in the dark corn syrup, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, and 1 cup of the coarsely chopped pecans until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In another medium bowl, melt the remaining 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Add the yellow or butter cake mix and milk to the melted butter and stir until combined. The batter will be thick.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Drop dollops of the thick cake batter evenly over the pecan pie mixture in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup dark brown sugar and 1 cup chopped pecans evenly over the cake batter. Carefully pour the hot water around the cake batter in the dish, avoiding mixing it in.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Bake until the cake topping is set and golden brown. Note that the corn syrup mixture underneath will remain liquidy and jiggly; ensure the cake layer is fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool to room temperature or slightly warm (about 30 minutes) to let the pecan pie filling thicken up. Serve the cobbler warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use coarsely chopped pecans for a better texture contrast.
- Do not stir the hot water into the mixture after pouring; it helps create the signature cobbler consistency.
- Allow cooling time for the gooey pecan filling to thicken properly before serving.
- For added flavor, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly with this cobbler.
- Make sure cake is fully baked despite the liquidy pecan base to avoid an undercooked dessert.
