Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

recipe PRINT SHARE
Photo of author
By

There’s something about a warm baking dish bubbling with Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler that just wraps you up in comfort. I still remember the first time I brought this cobbler to our church’s fall potluck—it was gone before the cornbread even cooled. The golden topping, speckled with toasty pecans, hides a silky pumpkin-spiced filling that’s pure autumn magic. Folks kept asking if it was a pie or a pudding, but I just smiled and called it a miracle baked in one dish.

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler with buttery topping and spiced filling

This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler recipe brings together the heart of pumpkin pie and the ease of a one-bowl dessert. No boxed cake mix shortcuts here—just real ingredients, real flavor, and a rustic charm that makes it a new favorite on any Thanksgiving or chilly Sunday supper table. It’s rich, nutty, and just the right kind of sweet to earn a spot next to grandma’s recipes.

From my kitchen to yours, let’s bring this dish to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler has all the flavors of fall—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and creamy pumpkin—wrapped in a spoonable dessert that’s easier than pie.

The topping is buttery, lightly crisp, and absolutely loaded with toasted pecans that give every bite a crave-worthy crunch. It’s like digging into a warm hug.

The filling is smooth and custardy, made from scratch with real pumpkin puree and no artificial shortcuts. You’ll taste the homemade difference with every spoonful.

It’s a true crowd-pleaser and comes together with simple pantry staples in under an hour. That’s a win in any busy kitchen.

And the best part? This recipe is forgiving, flexible, and perfect for make-ahead desserts, family gatherings, or when you just want the whole house to smell like cozy fall dreams.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler in white dish with golden topping

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Description

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is a warm, spiced dessert that blends a silky pumpkin custard base with a golden, buttery pecan topping. Perfect for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving, this from-scratch cobbler comes together quickly and serves up all the nostalgic flavors of pumpkin pie—without the crust.


Ingredients

  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 3 whole eggs
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup all-purpose or whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup melted butter


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8″x11″ baking dish.
  2. Make Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, milk, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour into prepared dish.
  3. Prepare Cobbler Topping: In another bowl, combine flour, sugars, pecans, baking powder, and remaining spices. Stir to blend evenly.
  4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center, add egg and vanilla. Mix with a fork until crumbly. The topping should be loose but moist.
  5. Top and Butter: Sprinkle the topping over the pumpkin mixture and drizzle melted butter evenly across the surface.
  6. Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes until the topping is golden and the center is slightly jiggly.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for 15 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them to the topping. To make ahead, prepare and bake the cobbler the day before and reheat gently before serving. This dish is also delicious chilled!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 38 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredient Overview

Slice of Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler served with vanilla ice cream
A serving of warm Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler with melting ice cream

Warm, spiced, and rich with texture—this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is layered with flavor and seasonal goodness.

  • Pumpkin Puree: The base of this cobbler is velvety and rich, offering classic fall flavor. Use canned or homemade for best results.

  • Eggs: Bind the filling and give it that custard-like smoothness, just like a good pumpkin pie.

  • Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Adds depth and sweetness, balancing out the spices.

  • Whole Milk: Keeps the filling creamy without making it too dense.

  • Warm Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Ginger): These are what give the Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler its signature warmth and fragrance.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Used in the topping to give structure and light crispness.

  • Butter: Melted and poured over the topping, it creates golden edges and that irresistible finish.

  • Pecans (or Walnuts): Adds texture and nutty richness. Toast them for an extra punch.

  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.

Tip for styling: Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top after baking and serve in rustic ceramic bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a farmhouse-perfect finish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8″x11″ baking dish and set it aside. This temperature is perfect for evenly baking your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler with a tender center and golden topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together 15 ounces of pumpkin puree, 3 whole eggs, ⅔ cup brown sugar, 1 cup whole milk, ½ teaspoon salt, and all the spices: 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon allspice, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Stir until smooth and creamy. This luscious base will make your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler taste just like a pumpkin pie in cobbler form.

Step 3: Pour and Smooth

Pour the pumpkin mixture into your greased baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula so the surface is even and the flavors bake up perfectly together.

Step 4: Mix the Cobbler Topping

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts), 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch each of ginger, allspice, and nutmeg. Stir gently to blend all the dry ingredients for your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler’s crunchy topping.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Create a small well in the center of the dry mix. Crack in 1 egg and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a fork to mix until everything is crumbly and the egg is incorporated. The mixture should resemble chunky streusel—just right for that signature cobbler texture.

Step 6: Top the Filling

Using your fingers, gently crumble the topping evenly over the pumpkin base. You want it loose but well distributed—this is what gives your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler that rustic, golden crown.

Step 7: Drizzle with Butter

Pour ½ cup of melted butter evenly over the entire topping. This step creates the rich, crisp texture you crave in a proper cobbler.

Tip: Don’t skip the butter—it helps the topping bake into golden perfection. And be generous!

Step 8: Bake Until Set

Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 50–55 minutes. The top should be lightly browned, and the center should jiggle just a little when you shake it. That’s when you know your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is just right.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cobbler rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. It’ll thicken slightly as it cools. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler downright irresistible.

Pro Tips

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler as Thanksgiving dessert centerpiece
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler makes a cozy holiday dessert centerpiece

If you want your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler to bake up just right every time, these tips will make all the difference.

1. Use room temperature eggs and milk.
This helps the pumpkin base cook evenly, preventing curdling or uneven texture. It gives your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler that dreamy, custard-like bite.

2. Toast the pecans before adding them.
A quick toast in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes brings out rich, nutty flavor. It elevates every bite of your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler’s topping.

3. Don’t skip the butter drizzle.
Even distribution is key. Melted butter not only binds the topping but crisps it up beautifully, creating that golden cobbler crown.

4. Bake on a parchment-lined tray.
Your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler may bubble up, especially with a generous pumpkin layer. Catching any overflow makes cleanup a breeze.

5. Want a breakfast-worthy twist?
Try my Pumpkin Protein Pancakes for another cozy fall favorite that’s lighter but just as flavorful.

Variations

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is already a showstopper, but these spins keep it fresh through the whole season.

1. Swap pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts.
Each adds a different flavor depth. Pecans bring buttery warmth, walnuts a hint of bitterness, and hazelnuts a touch of sweetness.

2. Make it gluten-free.
Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler will still have a delicious crunch on top.

3. Add a splash of bourbon.
Just 1–2 tablespoons in the pumpkin filling deepens the spice and adds a sophisticated twist.

4. Fold in chocolate chips.
Mini chips stirred into the topping give your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler a rich surprise with every bite.

5. Looking for a creamy combo?
Try this Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese recipe for another decadent fall treat with a creamy swirl.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pumpkin cobbler and pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin pie has a pastry crust and firm filling, while Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler has a custardy base and a crunchy topping baked right on top—no pie crust required.

Can I use pecans instead of walnuts in pumpkin cobbler?

Yes! Pecans are classic and perfect for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler. Their buttery flavor complements the spiced filling beautifully.

How do you keep pumpkin cobbler from getting soggy?

Let it cool before serving to help it set. Also, make sure your topping is evenly layered and not overly thick.

Can pumpkin cobbler be made ahead of time?

Definitely. Bake your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler a day in advance and reheat before serving. The flavor even deepens overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler in rustic fall kitchen setting
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler served in rustic dishes for fall

This cozy Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler shines on its own but becomes something extraordinary with a few thoughtful touches.

Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream—watch it melt into the spiced filling and pecan topping. The contrast between hot and cold makes every bite of Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler melt-in-your-mouth magic.

For a lighter option, dollop freshly whipped cream with just a touch of maple syrup folded in. It adds sweetness without overpowering that rich pumpkin base.

Planning a fall gathering or brunch? Pair this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler with a chilled glass of Apple Cider Sangria to bring a crisp, fruity balance to the warm spices.

And for presentation, sprinkle a few toasted pecans on top and serve it in rustic ceramic bowls. It gives your dessert a down-home feel perfect for cozy dinners or Thanksgiving tables.

Conclusion

Whether you’re skipping pumpkin pie or just craving something new, this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler brings all the warmth and nostalgia of fall in one spoonable bake.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight dessert yet special enough to grace your holiday table. With that silky pumpkin center and crisp pecan-studded topping, this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is bound to become a seasonal tradition.

Looking for more fall flavors? Don’t miss this Pumpkin Muffins Recipe for another way to enjoy the season’s best ingredients.

 

If you loved this Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, I’d be over the moon to hear about it! Leave a comment below, share your twist, or tag me in your cozy kitchen creations on Pinterest.

From fall brunches to Friendsgiving spreads, I’m always cooking up ways to make your table a little warmer, a little sweeter, and a whole lot more delicious.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friends!

Leave a Comment

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star


1 thought on “Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler”

Don’t Want to Miss Out?

Subscribe Now!

Sign up to get my daily recipes and creative ideas delivered right to your inbox. Never miss a thing!