Pecan Pie Cobbler

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Pecan pie cobbler is like the classic pie, but with a tender, buttery twist.

Active Time:
12 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
10

Our pecan pie cobbler comes together in a matter of minutes, guaranteeing it will become a surefire Southern classic. The batter is a simple mixture of equal parts flour, sugar, and milk that is poured into a preheated and generously buttered pan. Traditionally, a fruit mixture is added to the center, but our recipe makes use of another Southern ingredient known for its versatile role in our cooking and baking: pecans.

Instead of dumping fruit in the middle of the cobbler, we make a variation of a pecan pie filling that's rich with the sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla and enriched by small additions of melted butter and bourbon. As the cobbler bakes, the sugar mixture liquifies, soaking into the batter and creating a sticky-sweet cobbler with extra crunch and flavor.

When it comes out of the oven, we recommend brushing it with some maple syrup to further compliment the brown sugar-bourbon taste of the pecans and to give the cobbler a glossy finish. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you're feeling decadent.

Pecan Pie Cobbler
Micah A. Leal

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Cobbler

To make this cobbler, you'll need:

  • Unsalted butter: To add richness to the cobbler batter and pecan filling.
  • All-purpose flour: The base of the cobbler batter.
  • Whole milk: Lightens the batter for a tender crumb.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter.
  • Baking powder: Adds lift for a cakey texture.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
  • Brown sugar: Sweetens the pecan filling. Can use light or dark brown sugar as preferred.
  • Large egg: To bind and help set the filling when baked.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
  • Bourbon: Optional, for additional flavor.
  • Pecan pieces: For the filling. Can use pecan halves if preferred.
  • Maple syrup: Optional, for brushing over the warm cobbler for flavor and shine.

How To Make Pecan Pie Cobbler

This cobbler might seem complicated, but it actually comes together with a quick mix in just about no time at all. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

  • Step 1. Preheat oven to 375°F with a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron skillet inside. Once preheated, add butter to hot skillet and leave in oven until melted.
  • Step 2. Combine remaining batter ingredients in a bowl; set aside.
  • Step 3. In a separate bowl, combine all ingredients for pecan filling; stir until sugar starts to dissolve.
  • Step 4. Remove skillet from oven. Pour batter over melted butter (do not stir). Pour pecan filling in center. Bake until browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Brush with maple syrup and serve warm.

Can I Make Pecan Pie Cobbler in Advance?

This cobbler can be baked and refrigerated up to two days ahead for the freshest results, or frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before reheating in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed throughout. Brush with maple syrup before serving.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Pecan Pie Cobbler

Store leftover pecan pie cobbler in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for up to two months. Microwave or warm in a preheated 350°F oven before serving.

How To Serve Pecan Pie Cobbler

Serve this cobbler warm for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for even more richness. While sweet, this cobbler would also be perfectly acceptable to serve at brunch. Drizzle with additional maple syrup, or top with a dusting of confectioners' sugar for a decadent addition to your brunch table.

More Pecan Pie-Inspired Recipes You'll Love

From cheesecakes and layer cakes to brownies and bars, the flavor of pecan pie shines through in these decadent desserts:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

Cobbler Batter:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Pecan Filling:

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

  • 2 Tbsp. melted butter

  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

  • 2 Tbsp. bourbon (optional)

  • 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces

Topping:

  • Maple syrup for brushing (optional)

Directions

  1. Prepare oven and cast-iron skillet:

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Place a 9-inch or 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat with the oven.

  2. Melt butter:

    Once preheated, add 1 stick butter to hot skillet, and allow to rest in oven until melted.

  3. Mix Cobbler Batter ingredients:

    Meanwhile, combine the remaining Cobbler Batter ingredients in a bowl; set aside.

  4. Make Pecan Filling:

    In a separate bowl, make the Pecan Filling by combining the brown sugar, egg, vanilla, salt, melted butter, bourbon, and pecans. Stir until sugar is partially dissolved.

  5. Add Cobbler Batter to hot skillet:

    Carefully remove skillet from oven. Pour batter over melted butter (do not stir—the batter should be separated from the butter).

  6. Pour Pecan Filling into Batter:

    Pour Pecan Filling in center of skillet.

  7. Bake Cobbler:

    Transfer to oven and bake until browned and edges slightly pull away from pan, 30 to 35 minutes. Brush with maple syrup, if desired. Serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What makes a pie a cobbler?

    Pies and cobblers may seem similar, but while pies have a single or double crust to encase the filling, cobblers are typically made with only a biscuit or cake-like topping above the filling.

  • Does pecan pie filling firm up as it cools?

    The pecan pie filling in this cobbler should be set when its ready, but it will continue to firm up as it cools.

  • Can pecan pie cobbler sit out at room temperature?

    Egg-based desserts should only be left out at room temperature for up to two hours. Past that point, this pecan pie cobbler should be refrigerated.

Additional reporting by
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer.

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