Easy Thanksgiving Pecan Cobbler

When it comes to comforting desserts, there’s something utterly enchanting about a warm Pecan Cobbler. I remember the first time I tried this recipe—it was at a family gathering, and the aroma wafting from the kitchen was like a warm hug on a chilly day. You could feel the anticipation build as everyone eagerly awaited a taste. The crispy top, the gooey goodness underneath, and those crunchy pecans—it’s pure magic. I couldn’t resist asking for the recipe, and now, I’m sharing it with you. Trust me, you’ll want this in your arsenal of go-to desserts!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why is this Pecan Cobbler such a showstopper? Well, let me paint you a picture. Imagine a warm, delightful dessert, where the crispy top layer gives way to a luscious, buttery pecan-infused filling. It’s an experience, really! The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, so you don’t have to be a baking expert to nail it. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just a simple treat for yourself, this dish brings people together. There’s a unique alchemy at play here—when the hot water mingles with the batter and brown sugar, it creates a luscious sauce that oozes happiness. The balance of sweet and nutty flavors is genuinely irresistible. You’ll be left savoring each bite, perhaps accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, because let’s be real—what’s better than hot cobbler and cold ice cream?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s dive right into what you’ll need to get cooking.

• Butter (6 tablespoons, unsalted): Good quality unsalted butter is key here, as it provides a rich base without overwhelming the sweetness. If you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce other salts in the recipe—you’ll still end up with a delightful cobbler!
• Self-Rising Flour (1 and ½ cups): This type of flour contains baking powder and salt, giving us a beautifully fluffy texture without any extra steps. If you can’t find it, a mix of all-purpose flour and a bit of baking powder will do the trick—trust me!
• Light Brown Sugar (1 and ½ cups, packed): This sugar introduces a lovely molasses flavor that adds depth and warmth to our cobbler. You could swap it with dark brown sugar for a more pronounced richness.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Always go for the real stuff! It enhances the flavor profile and makes each bite taste that much better. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of almond extract adds an intriguing twist.
• Pecans (1 cup): These beautiful nuts are the star of the show, adding crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor. Feel free to toast them lightly before adding for an extra pop of flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (1 and ½ cups): This sugar layers on more sweetness, making the cobbler irresistibly addictive.
• Whole Milk (2/3 cup, add more if necessary): This ingredient keeps the batter moist. If you’re lactose intolerant, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk could easily replace it.
• Hot Water (1 and ½ cups): Believe it or not, this is one of the secrets to the cobbler’s unique texture. The hot water creates a mesmerizing sauce that seeps through all the layers as it bakes.

Preparing Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s walk through the steps of making this gorgeous cobbler.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm, creating a perfect environment for our cobbler to rise and thrive.
2. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and place 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in it. Pop it into the oven to melt. Keep an eye on it; you’ll want it to be bubbly but not browned.
3. Once the butter is melted and happy, sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the butter. This is where the magic begins—those pecans will absorb the rich butter goodness as it bakes.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 and ½ cups of self-rising flour, 1 and ½ cups of granulated sugar, 2/3 cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix gently until combined. Avoid over-mixing; we want a tender cobbler, not rubbery!
5. Carefully pour this luscious batter over the melted butter and pecans. Important: Do NOT stir! It’s a layering process, and that’s crucial for the final result.
6. Next, sprinkle 1 and ½ cups of packed light brown sugar across the top of the batter. Once again, no stirring! Just let it sit pretty.
7. Finally, take 1 and ½ cups of hot water and pour it evenly over the entire mixture. Wasn’t expecting that, right? But this step helps create that beautiful crust.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a lovely golden brown on top, and it feels set.

Best way to enjoy it

Now for my favorite part! How do you serve this amazing cobbler? Honestly, it’s incredible on its own, but I highly recommend serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The hot filling combined with the cold ice cream creates an unforgettable contrast that takes your taste buds on an exciting ride! You might also consider topping it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an added layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a light caramel drizzle elevates it to a whole new level of indulgence!

Keeping leftovers fresh

Got leftovers? (Though I doubt it!) If by chance you have some cobbler left, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about a day or two; however, for longer storage, pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, all you need to do is reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or in an oven at a low temperature until fully warmed. Don’t let it sit out too long, as dairy products shouldn’t be left out for too long.

Pro chef tips

Here are a few pro tips for making this recipe even more spectacular.

1. Toasting the pecans: Toasting the nuts before adding them not only enhances their flavor but also adds an enticing aroma that fills your kitchen. Just a quick 5-10 minute in a dry skillet over medium heat does the trick!
2. Serving it up piping hot: The cobbler is best served fresh out of the oven, as the texture will be gooey and delightful. If it sits for too long, the layers will firm up, although it’s still delicious.
3. Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to mix in other nuts or even some chocolate chips into the batter for a fun twist!
4. Add a pinch of salt: Just a sprinkle in your batter can elevate flavors significantly—don’t skip it!
5. Customize with spices: Feeling like changing things up a bit? Add a dash of nutmeg or a hint of cinnamon to the batter for that extra warmth.

Creative Twists

While the classic Pecan Cobbler is a winner, there are ways to get a little creative! You could try switching out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. Alternatively, consider adding shredded coconut for an exciting texture or even some chocolate chips for a decadent twist! If you’re feeling fruity, mix in some fresh or frozen berries; they add a delightful tartness that cuts through the sweetness. And let’s not forget about unique toppings—how about a sprinkle of sea salt or some fresh mint for an unexpected touch?

Ingredients list

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 and ½ cups self-rising flour
• 1 and ½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 and ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup whole milk (add more if necessary)
• 1 and ½ cups hot water

Directions to follow

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Scatter 1 cup of pecans over the melted butter.
4. In a bowl, mix together 1 and ½ cups self-rising flour, 1 and ½ cups granulated sugar, 2/3 cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir gently until combined.
5. Pour the batter over the pecans and butter—do not mix!
6. Sprinkle 1 and ½ cups of brown sugar evenly on top—again, do not stir.
7. Carefully pour 1 and ½ cups of hot water over the entire dish without stirring.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and set.

Your questions answered

1. Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the layers in advance and refrigerate them separately, then bake them when you’re ready to serve.
2. What can I pair with it? It’s great with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar!
3. Can I substitute any of the ingredients? Yes! You can swap the butter for a vegan alternative, like coconut oil, and use plant-based milk if desired.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Gently warm in the microwave or reheat in the oven for a nice crispy top.
5. How do I know when it’s done? The top should be golden brown and set. A little jiggle is fine, but the edges need to look firm.

Make this Pecan Cobbler and let it whisk you away to a world of warmth and comfort, where memories are made one delicious bite at a time. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—share your experiences, twists, and thoughts in the comments below. Happy baking!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Easy Thanksgiving Pecan Cobbler

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Comfort Food, Dessert, Holidays Recipe Keys: B Baking D Dessert E Easy H Holidays S Sweet

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 45 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Fall

Description

This Pecan Cobbler combines crispy topping with a gooey, pecan-filled center, creating a magical dessert perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (Good quality is key.)
• 1.5 cups self-rising flour (Can substitute with all-purpose flour and baking powder.)
• 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar (Can substitute with dark brown sugar.)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (Real vanilla enhances flavor.)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped (Toasting is optional.)
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar (Adds sweetness.)
• ²⁄₃ cup whole milk (Use more if necessary.)
• 1.5 cups hot water (Essential for unique texture.)

Instructions

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Melt Butter

   Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   Keep an eye on it to avoid browning.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Pecans

   Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the melted butter.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix the Batter

   In a bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
   Avoid over-mixing.
   Mark as complete

5. Layer the Batter

   Pour the batter over the melted butter and pecans—do not stir.
   Mark as complete

6. Add Brown Sugar

   Sprinkle 1.5 cups of brown sugar on top of the batter—do not stir.
   Mark as complete

7. Pour Hot Water

   Carefully pour 1.5 cups of hot water over the dish without stirring.
   Mark as complete

8. Bake

   Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and set.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28g44%

Saturated Fat 18g90%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 55mg19%

Sodium 300mg13%

Potassium 200mg6%

Total Carbohydrate 50g17%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 38g

Protein 4g8%

---

Vitamin A 600 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 80 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 4 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 1 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 100 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 15 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 5 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an unforgettable experience.

Keywords: pecan, cobbler, dessert, comfort food