Pecan Pie Cobbler : there are desserts that people like—and then there are desserts that people remember. If you’re searching for something show-stopping, packed with warm Southern flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this pecan pie cobbler is the answer. It’s like the classic pecan pie had a cozy, gooey love affair with a cobbler. The result? Pure dessert magic.

This comforting dessert blends the rich, buttery notes of traditional pecan pie with the ease and heartiness of a cobbler. It’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or a chilly fall night when you need something sweet and nostalgic. What’s more, it’s foolproof—no pie crust needed, just basic pantry staples and a few clever tricks.

To appreciate the roots of this decadent dessert, take a peek at the history of Southern desserts for context on how flavors like pecan, cinnamon, and brown sugar became staples in Southern kitchens. These rich traditions are baked right into every bite.

What makes this version even more flavorful is the clever use of toasted pecans, which you can master with this easy guide on how to toast nuts. Toasting intensifies the nuttiness and gives the cobbler an unmatched crunch on top.

What Is Pecan Pie Cobbler?

While classic pecan pie requires rolling out crust and blind baking, pecan pie cobbler is far simpler—and, some argue, even more satisfying. It’s baked in one dish where molten brown sugar, crunchy pecans, and a soft, golden topping all meld together into layers of indulgence.

This dish originated as a Southern twist to make pecan pie even more accessible and shareable. The top has a soft biscuit-like crust, while underneath is a bubbling pool of caramelized sugar, melted butter, and pecans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No pie crust or fancy tools needed
Perfectly gooey center with a lightly crisp top
Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight cravings
Even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Key Ingredients & Why They Matter

Each ingredient in this cobbler plays a specific role in building flavor and texture:

Pecans (halves): For that signature nutty crunch
Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness
Self-rising flour: Provides the lift for the cake-like topping
Unsalted butter: Delivers rich, buttery depth
Whole milk: Makes the batter smooth and pourable
Vanilla extract: Boosts the warm flavor profile
Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice kick
Hot water: Crucial for creating the gooey caramel layer

Want to understand how brown sugar brings out depth in desserts? Read this breakdown of how it behaves in baking.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Here’s how to pull it all together. Trust the process and don’t stir—you’ll get that perfect cobbler layering!

Ingredients:

6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 ½ cups self-rising flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
⅔ cup whole milk (or more as needed)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 cup pecan halves
1 ½ cups hot water

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Add butter to a 9×13-inch baking dish and place it in the oven to melt.
In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla. Stir just until combined. Batter should be pourable.
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle pecans over the melted butter.
Pour the batter gently over the pecans. Do not stir.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
Carefully pour the hot water over the top—again, do not stir.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Let it cool slightly before serving. The bottom will be gooey and rich, and the top crisp and fluffy.

What to Expect: Texture & Flavor

Gooey caramel base
Crispy pecan topping
Soft, fluffy cobbler crust
Balanced notes of nut, spice, and buttery sweetness

Topping & Pairing Ideas

Elevate your pecan pie cobbler with:

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
Fresh whipped cream
A drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce
A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai

Tasty Variations

Bourbon Pecan Cobbler: Add 2 tbsp bourbon to the batter
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cobbler: Sprinkle mini chips over the batter
Mini Cobblers: Bake in individual ramekins
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free self-rising flour

Pro Tips from Southern Bakers

Toast your pecans for richer flavor (see link above!)
Swap brown sugar for dark brown for deeper notes
Use brown butter for an extra-nutty aroma
Add a touch of maple syrup to the hot water layer

How to Store & Reheat

Fridge: Keeps for up to 4 days in an airtight container
Reheat: Microwave individual servings or re-bake in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes
Freeze: Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month

Reheat gently to maintain that signature gooey texture.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Calories: ~379
Fat: 13g
Carbs: 66g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 53g

To make it a little lighter:

Cut the sugar by ¼ cup
Use almond milk or low-fat milk
Replace some butter with applesauce

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make pecan pie cobbler ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.

Should pecan pie cobbler be refrigerated?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in the fridge for food safety.

What’s the difference between pecan pie and pecan cobbler?
Pecan pie has a firm crust and custard-like filling. Cobbler is more rustic, with a cake-like topping and gooey center.

Can I use cake mix instead of flour?
Yes, but it will be sweeter and may rise more. Reduce added sugar slightly.

Why do you pour hot water on top?
This technique creates self-saucing layers, where the hot water dissolves the sugar and forms a caramel underneath.

How do I keep the pecans from sinking?
Spread them evenly over melted butter, and don’t stir once the batter is poured in.

Reader Reviews

“This was a total show-stopper at our Thanksgiving dinner!”
— Amanda B., Georgia

“I made it gluten-free and it still turned out amazing.”
— Jeff T., Texas

Final Thoughts

This irresistible pecan pie cobbler brings together all the cozy charm of Southern baking in one easy dish. With its crackly top, caramel bottom, and layers of warm, nutty richness, it’s destined to become your go-to dessert. Try it once, and you’ll be making it for every holiday and special occasion that follows.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this cobbler delivers every time. Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins and toppings—and share your results with friends and family. Nothing brings people together like a warm dish of gooey pecan pie cobbler fresh out of the oven.