If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the gooey, nutty richness of a classic pecan pie with the comforting, golden charm of a cobbler, then this Pecan Pie Cobbler is about to become your new favorite dessert. It’s sweet, buttery, and indulgent—but somehow still incredibly easy to make. One bite and you’ll understand why this dessert is perfect for everything from casual weeknight treats to holiday feasts. And yes, it’s absolutely irresistible served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
This recipe takes the best of both worlds—the buttery cobbler topping and the caramelized pecan pie filling—and transforms them into a one-pan wonder. With just a handful of pantry staples, some chopped pecans, and a touch of boiling water magic, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make, but comes together in under an hour.
Why This Pecan Pie Cobbler Is a Must-Try
Not all desserts are created equal, and this one truly stands out. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Effortless yet impressive: It looks fancy, but it couldn’t be easier. One bowl, one pan, and minimal cleanup.
- Perfect balance of textures: Crunchy pecans, gooey brown sugar filling, and a tender, buttery cobbler top.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it hot, warm, or at room temperature with ice cream, whipped cream, or even plain.
- Crowd-pleaser: With flavors reminiscent of classic pecan pie, it’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or potlucks.
- Customizable sweetness: You can adjust the brown sugar or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Great for any occasion: From casual weeknights to festive celebrations, this dessert works every time.

Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this Pecan Pie Cobbler. The recipe yields 12 servings, perfect for a family or a small gathering.
Cobbler Base
- 6 tablespoons (91g) unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoons
- 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup (158ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecan Topping
- 2 cups (228g) chopped pecans
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
Finishing Touch
- 1 ½ cups (355ml) boiling water
Optional Serving Enhancements: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh cream.
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you start, gather these essentials to make the process smooth:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts (for handling the hot baking dish)
- Spoon or small ice cream scoop (for dropping batter)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Pecan Pie Cobbler turns out perfectly every time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Butter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place 6 tablespoons of butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Put the pan in the oven while it preheats so the butter melts as the oven warms.
Step 2: Make the Cobbler Batter
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Slowly whisk in ⅔ cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Batter
- Once the butter is fully melted, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven.
- Drop spoonfuls of the flour mixture evenly over the melted butter—do not stir.
Step 4: Add Pecans and Brown Sugar
- Sprinkle 2 cups chopped pecans evenly over the batter.
- Evenly sprinkle 1 cup packed brown sugar over the top of the pecans.
Step 5: Pour Boiling Water
- Carefully pour 1 ½ cups boiling water evenly over the cobbler.
- The batter will start to bubble and absorb the liquid, creating that signature gooey pecan pie texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Return the baking dish to the oven.
- Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown on top.
- Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips & Variations
Even simple recipes can be elevated with small tweaks. Here are some ideas:
- Milk options: You can use 2%, skim, or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
- Salted butter adjustment: If using salted butter, reduce the salt by ¼ teaspoon.
- Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
- Nut-free variation: Replace pecans with chopped walnuts or omit nuts entirely.
- Mini cobblers: Make in ramekins for individual servings; adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
This dessert is the perfect blend of textures and flavors:
- Sweetness: Rich brown sugar and granulated sugar create a caramel-like filling.
- Crunch: Pecans provide a satisfying crunch contrasting the soft cobbler.
- Buttery flavor: The melted butter base adds depth and a rich mouthfeel.
- Texture: Gooey filling, tender batter, crunchy nuts—it’s a combination of textures that keeps each bite interesting.
Side Dish Suggestions
Serve alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for cozy comfort. Vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing, but a dollop of whipped cream works beautifully as well.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Sugars | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 16 mg |
| Sodium | 111 mg |
Dietary Notes: Contains dairy, gluten, and nuts. Can be adapted to non-dairy milk for lactose-intolerant diets.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Advance prep: You can chop pecans and mix the dry ingredients ahead of time. Store separately in airtight containers.
- Storage: Cover loosely and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs
1. Can I use a different nut besides pecans?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work, but pecans provide the most traditional flavor.
2. Can I make this vegan?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives. You’ll still get a delicious result.
3. How do I prevent the cobbler from being too watery?
Pour the boiling water slowly and evenly. Let the cobbler bake fully until the edges are golden.
4. Can this be made in smaller portions?
Absolutely! Use ramekins for individual servings, adjusting baking time to 20–25 minutes.
5. Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, prepare the dry ingredients and chopped pecans the night before, but combine and bake fresh for best results.
Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep butter & preheat oven | 5 minutes |
| Mix batter | 5 minutes |
| Assemble cobbler | 10 minutes |
| Bake | 25–35 minutes |
| Cool & serve | 5–10 minutes |
| Total | 1 hour |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Serve in individual bowls for a casual gathering.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Cobbler – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the pecans before pouring boiling water.
- Maple Pecan Cobbler – Replace some brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Pecan Cobbler – Mix ½ cup canned pumpkin and ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice into the batter.
- Bourbon Pecan Cobbler – Add 1–2 tablespoons bourbon to the boiling water for a boozy twist.

Ingredient Spotlight
Pecans
Pecans are the star here, adding crunch and rich, nutty flavor. Choose fresh, plump pecans and store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate to keep them from turning rancid. Toasting them lightly enhances their flavor.
Butter
Butter gives the cobbler its signature richness and aids in forming the golden crust. Use unsalted for better control over sweetness and salt balance.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Even batter distribution: Drop spoonfuls evenly over melted butter without stirring to create pockets of gooey cobbler.
- Boiling water technique: Pour slowly and steadily to ensure the sugar dissolves and forms a caramelized filling.
- Pan choice: Use a metal or glass 9×13 pan for even heat distribution.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Room temperature: 2 days, loosely covered.
- Refrigerator: 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Cobbler can be frozen after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 44 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Cholesterol | 16 mg |
| Sodium | 111 mg |
Dietary Notes: Gluten-containing, dairy-containing, nut-rich. Adaptable for dairy-free or vegan diets.
Expanded Conclusion
This Pecan Pie Cobbler is a dessert that truly brings comfort, indulgence, and simplicity to your kitchen. With a golden cobbler top, gooey pecan filling, and buttery richness, it’s guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave a cozy, homemade dessert, this cobbler will quickly become a favorite.
Don’t forget to try serving it with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat. It’s easy, decadent, and full of flavor—the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear from the table faster than you can say “pecan pie.”
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Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
This Pecan Pie Cobbler recipe combines the rich, nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie with a soft, buttery cobbler topping. It’s an easy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want a sweet treat. Best served warm with a scoop of ice cream!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons (91g) unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoons
- 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup (158ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (228g) chopped pecans
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups (355ml) boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it melt as the oven preheats.
- Whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add milk and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and drop spoonfuls of the flour mixture evenly over the melted butter.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the batter, then sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top.
- Carefully pour boiling water evenly over the cobbler.
- Bake in the oven until golden brown, about 25–35 minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- You can use any type of milk: whole, 2%, nonfat, or non-dairy alternatives.
- If using salted butter, reduce added salt by ¼ teaspoon.
- Boil water in a kettle or microwave; handle carefully as the liquid will be very hot.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American



