Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a fall dessert that feels like the cozy hug your kitchen has been missing, Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans is destined to be your new favorite treat. Imagine plush pumpkin cake layered with buttery pecans and a magical pool of caramel sauce bubbling beneath the surface. Every spoonful delivers warm spices, gooey sweetness, and a satisfying crunch—basically, autumn in a single bite. Try it once, and you’ll have friends and family requesting this delight from the first chilly day of the season all the way through the holidays.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with simple ingredients you probably have on hand—but every one of them plays a crucial role. The pumpkin brings moisture and velvety texture, the blend of spices layers in warmth, and those pecans on top? They’re the irresistible finishing touch that makes Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans truly unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cobbler its tender structure and holds all the flavors together.
• Baking powder: Ensures your cobbler puffs up into a light, fluffy cake layer.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and highlights the spice profile.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the cobbler and the caramel-y sauce beneath.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides that classic, comforting warmth you crave in pumpkin desserts.
• Ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and pecans.
• Ground ginger: A little zing and complexity go a long way in this spice medley.
• Pumpkin purée: Delivers plush moisture, earthy sweetness, and a gorgeous orange color.
• Milk: Loosens the batter so it’s perfectly scoopable and moist.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spice flavors and brings everything together.
• Chopped pecans: Lend crunch, depth, and classic southern charm to the topping.
• Brown sugar: Contributes to the decadent caramel sauce and adds a deep molasses flavor.
• Granulated sugar (for topping): Enhances the caramelization and makes the sauce extra gooey.
• Hot water: The secret to creating that magical self-saucing caramel layer as the cobbler bakes.

How to Make Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This step is essential so the Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans slides out easily and doesn’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This not only combines everything evenly, but ensures the spices get blended right into every single bite.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin purée, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add these wet ingredients to the bowl with your dry ingredients, and gently mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake a little dense, so stop as soon as there are no big streaks of flour left.

Step 4: Spread Batter in the Dish

Spoon the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out so it covers the bottom in an even layer. This will ensure your Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans bakes up to the perfect consistency—soft, cakey, and irresistibly scoopable.

Step 5: Add the Pecan and Sugar Topping

Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans across the batter, followed by the brown sugar and then the extra granulated sugar. These toppings help to form that dreamy caramel sauce while adding a little crunch to every bite.

Step 6: Pour Hot Water Over the Top

This is the magic step! Carefully pour the hot water over the cobbler topping, making sure not to stir. It might look strange at first, but as the Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans bakes, the water will move beneath everything and create that luscious caramel sauce.

Step 7: Bake, Cool, and Serve

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and set. When you peek underneath with a spoon, you’ll see a bubbling caramel layer waiting at the bottom. Let the cobbler cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken up slightly. Don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to finish it off!

How to Serve Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans

Garnishes

A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream is a classic, but try topping your Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans with cinnamon whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans for a touch of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This cobbler is pretty much a celebration on its own, but if you want to round out a fall dinner, pair it with hot apple cider or a rich cup of coffee. For a Thanksgiving spread, it’s a delightful companion to roasted turkey and savory sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon warm Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans into small mason jars for a rustic touch, or serve in elegant coupe glasses for a more refined look at a dinner party. For parties, mini ramekins offer personal servings with a “wow” factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cooled cobbler tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes just as dreamy the next day—if not better!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans. Let it cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat single servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven (covered with foil) for 10–15 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream if you want to revive the sauce’s gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade pumpkin purée is thick and not watery—strain it if necessary. The flavor is lovely and makes the Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans that much more special.

Is it possible to prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cobbler up until the final hot water step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. When ready to bake, add the hot water and proceed as usual for a freshly baked finish.

What if I have a nut allergy?

Feel free to leave the pecans out or replace them with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for crunch without the nuts. The cobbler will still deliver that delicious caramel-pumpkin magic.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—if you’re serving a crowd, just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Keep an eye on the bake time; it may need an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven.

Why don’t I stir after pouring the hot water?

This hands-off technique allows the hot water to sink through the sugar, forming a rich caramel sauce underneath the cake while baking. Stirring would prevent that delicious layer from forming in your Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans.

Final Thoughts

If an easy, spectacular fall dessert tops your wish list, you simply have to try Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear fast—don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s new harvest tradition!

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