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Grandma Helen’s Sweet and Buttery Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe

Helen Margaret Baker
Grandma Helen’s Pecan Pie Cobbler is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the gooey sweetness of a traditional pecan pie with the comforting texture of a cobbler. This Southern-inspired treat features a buttery cobbler dough, a decadent pecan filling, and a caramel sauce that comes together in the oven for a dessert that’s perfect for holidays or family gatherings. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10

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 9x13-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

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.
Keyword American comfort food, American Cuisine, Baking Recipes, Classic American Desserts, Cobbler Recipe, Easy Dessert Recipes, Family Desserts, Gooey Pecan Pie, Holiday Desserts, Homemade Cobbler, Ice Cream Topping, Pecan Pie Cobbler, Pecan Recipes, Southern Comfort Food, Southern Desserts, Sweet Treats