A Sweet Southern Treat from Grandma’s Oven
Hey y’all, it’s Grandma Helen here again! There’s just something so comforting about the smell of a fresh pie or cobbler baking in the oven, especially when it’s loaded with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans. Today, I’m gonna share with you one of my all-time favorite desserts: Pecan Pie Cobbler. Now, this isn’t just your average pecan pie. Oh no! It’s a cobbler version that’s even more indulgent, with layers of sweet, buttery goodness that’ll have your family coming back for seconds (and thirds). This recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight treat when you’re craving something special.
Now, I remember my own mama making this cobbler on Sundays after church. She’d gather us all around the table, and the house would smell like heaven. I’ve been making this dish for years now, and every time I do, it brings back the fondest memories. So, I hope you enjoy this Pecan Pie Cobbler recipe as much as my family does. Let’s get started!
What Is Pecan Pie Cobbler?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this dessert so special. Pecan Pie Cobbler is a unique twist on traditional pecan pie. Instead of just having a pie crust with a pecan filling, you get layers of cobbler dough and a sweet, caramel-like pecan sauce that bakes together into one glorious dessert. It’s a cross between a cobbler and a pie, combining the best of both worlds. You’ve got that rich, gooey filling typical of a pecan pie, but with the added texture of a tender, buttery cobbler topping. It’s like having two desserts in one!
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Cobbler
- Perfect for Crowds: This cobbler is ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or any event where you need to feed a crowd. One pan goes a long way!
- Easy to Make: Unlike a traditional pie, this cobbler is relatively simple to assemble. No need to worry about rolling out a perfect pie crust.
- Sweet and Gooey: The layers of pecans, brown sugar, and butter create a rich, sweet filling that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile: You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a more firm texture. Either way, it’s delicious!
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Cobbler
Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent pecan pie cobbler. These ingredients are pantry staples, and I’m willing to bet you already have most of them on hand!
For the Cobbler Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¾ cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk for extra richness)
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 ½ cups light corn syrup
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves (or chopped pecans if you prefer)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pecan Pie Cobbler
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to have everything ready so the cobbler can go right in once it’s assembled.
Step 2: Prepare the Cobbler Dough
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until fully blended.Work the chilled butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture takes on a crumbly texture. Add the milk, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the dough from becoming tough. Set the dough aside.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Filling
In a large bowl, blend the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the melted butter and pecans. The mixture will be thick and sticky, just the way we want it!
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
Pour half of the pecan filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler dough over the filling, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible. It’s okay if some gaps remain, as the dough will spread as it bakes. Pour the remaining pecan filling over the dough.
Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and hot water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter. Carefully pour the sauce over the cobbler in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake the Cobbler
Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The cobbler will be gooey in the middle, but that’s exactly what you want!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cobbler to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The filling will set as it cools, making it easier to scoop. Enjoy it warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Cobbler
- Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, always use fresh, high-quality pecans. Stale or rancid pecans can ruin the taste of your cobbler.
- Don’t Skip the Caramel Sauce: The caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness to the cobbler. It’s what makes this dessert truly special.
- Let It Cool: As tempting as it may be to dig in right away, letting the cobbler cool for a bit helps the filling set up, making it easier to serve.
- Customize the Filling: If you’re a fan of chocolate, try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a decadent twist.
- Add a Little Bourbon: For a grown-up version of this dessert, you can stir a tablespoon or two of bourbon into the pecan filling. The alcohol will cook off, but you’ll be left with a deliciously rich flavor.
Variations on Pecan Pie Cobbler
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas for how you can change it up:
1. Chocolate Pecan Pie Cobbler:
Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a chocolaty twist on the classic.
2. Maple Pecan Pie Cobbler:
Swap out the corn syrup for pure maple syrup to add a rich, autumnal flavor to your cobbler.
3. Pecan and Apple Cobbler:
Add a layer of thinly sliced apples to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the pecan filling. The apples will cook down and add a wonderful sweetness to the cobbler.
4. Bourbon Pecan Pie Cobbler:
For an adult version, mix a couple of tablespoons of bourbon into the pecan filling. The alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving a rich flavor.
Grandma Helen’s Sweet and Buttery Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cobbler Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- ¾ cup milk whole milk or buttermilk for extra richness
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 ½ cups light corn syrup
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar light or dark
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves or chopped pecans if you prefer
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to have everything ready so the cobbler can go right in once it’s assembled.
Step 2: Prepare the Cobbler Dough
- Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until fully blended.Work the chilled butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture takes on a crumbly texture. Add the milk, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the dough from becoming tough. Set the dough aside.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Filling
- In a large bowl, blend the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the melted butter and pecans. The mixture will be thick and sticky, just the way we want it!
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
- Pour half of the pecan filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler dough over the filling, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible. It’s okay if some gaps remain, as the dough will spread as it bakes. Pour the remaining pecan filling over the dough.
Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and hot water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter. Carefully pour the sauce over the cobbler in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake the Cobbler
- Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The cobbler will be gooey in the middle, but that’s exactly what you want!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cobbler to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The filling will set as it cools, making it easier to scoop. Enjoy it warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.
Notes
1. Chocolate Pecan Pie Cobbler:
Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a chocolaty twist on the classic.2. Maple Pecan Pie Cobbler:
Swap out the corn syrup for pure maple syrup to add a rich, autumnal flavor to your cobbler.3. Pecan and Apple Cobbler:
Add a layer of thinly sliced apples to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the pecan filling. The apples will cook down and add a wonderful sweetness to the cobbler.4. Bourbon Pecan Pie Cobbler:
For an adult version, mix a couple of tablespoons of bourbon into the pecan filling. The alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving a rich flavor.Serving Suggestions
This Pecan Pie Cobbler is rich and indulgent, so it pairs beautifully with lighter accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing! The cold ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, gooey cobbler.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the cobbler.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top of the cobbler before serving.
- Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle a handful of toasted pecans on top for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you somehow have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my house), here’s how to store and reheat your Pecan Pie Cobbler:
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store the cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: You can also freeze the cobbler for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat the cobbler in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds, but the texture may not be as crisp.
A Dessert That Brings Family Together
There you have it, my dears—Grandma Helen’s Pecan Pie Cobbler recipe! This dessert is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a piece of Southern tradition that’s been passed down through generations. It’s the kind of dish that brings family and friends together, whether it’s for a holiday
