Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe
If you’re in search of a dessert that captures the very essence of cozy fall evenings, look no further than Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans! This unforgettable treat combines the creaminess of pumpkin, the warmth of fragrant spices, and the buttery crunch of pecans, all in one magical bake. As it bakes, a luscious caramel sauce forms beneath the cobbler, resulting in a dessert that’s gooey, soft, a little nutty, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cobbler is sure to steal the show and warm your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans lies in its approachable ingredient list. Each component brings something special—whether it’s depth of flavor, silky texture, or irresistible crunch—to the final result. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips on why each ingredient matters:
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of the cobbler, ensuring a cake-like crumb that soaks up all that caramel goodness.
- Baking powder: Provides lift, helping your cobbler puff up and become delightfully tender.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and makes all the other flavors sing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and creates a subtle crispness on top.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the whole dish with warmth and that classic pumpkin spice aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle, nutty spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Ground ginger: Brings a little zing to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall spice blend.
- Ground cloves: Contributes deep, earthy notes that make the dessert rich and inviting.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, providing luscious texture and authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Milk: Loosens the batter, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a touch of decadence—plus, melted butter ensures an even mix.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a fragrant sweetness and rounds out the spice flavors.
- Chopped pecans: For irresistible crunch and nutty flavor; try toasting them for even more depth.
- Brown sugar (packed): Melts into a gooey caramel underlayer as the cobbler bakes.
- Additional granulated sugar: Combines with brown sugar for just the right caramel sweetness.
- Hot water: The secret to creating that magical molten caramel sauce beneath the cobbler.
How to Make Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your cobbler slides out beautifully and the caramel sauce doesn’t stick to the sides.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Take a moment to enjoy the fragrant blend—this is where that signature flavor starts to build!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until your batter is smooth and lump-free. The mixture will look thick and creamy—the perfect foundation for Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans.
Step 4: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans. If you’ve toasted them (highly recommended!), you’ll notice an even deeper, richer aroma at this stage. They’ll add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Step 5: Assemble in the Dish
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top—this helps everything bake consistently, ensuring every serving is equally gooey and delicious.
Step 6: Add Sweet Topping
Combine the brown sugar and the additional 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter without mixing it in—trust the process, this is key to forming that irresistible caramel underlayer!
Step 7: Pour on Hot Water
Slowly pour the hot water all over the surface of the batter. It may look unusual, but don’t stir. As the Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans bakes, the water and sugars will create a pool of molten caramel beneath the fluffy cake.
Step 8: Bake
Place the dish on the center rack and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is puffed up, set, and beautifully golden. The real treat is hidden below—a gooey caramel sauce, waiting to be discovered!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Remove your cobbler from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This short rest lets the caramel thicken ever so slightly, making each spoonful pure magic. Dig in while it’s warm for the ultimate comfort dessert.
How to Serve Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans

Garnishes
For a finishing touch, top your cobbler with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess melting into warm, gooey caramel is pure bliss. For added flair, sprinkle with extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon.
Side Dishes
Since Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans is rich and sweet, pair it with something fresh and light—think a simple fruit salad or even a mug of spiced chai tea. If you’re making it for a special occasion, it also complements a cheese platter beautifully as a finale.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins or mason jars for a charming, rustic touch. Or, scoop generous helpings into bowls and drizzle with additional warm caramel sauce. If you’re feeling especially playful, offer a sundae bar with toppings like crushed cookies, extra nuts, or chocolate chips for guests to build their own creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans should be cooled completely, then covered and refrigerated. It will keep well for about 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, but always reheat before serving to restore that gooey, just-baked texture.
Freezing
This cobbler can be frozen with good results! Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best taste and consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop single servings in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or bake the entire dish at 325°F (160°C) until warm. Add a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry, and enjoy the revived caramel sauce throughout.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just steam and mash your fresh pumpkin until very smooth, and measure it out just like the canned version. It may be slightly lighter in flavor and color, but it will work beautifully in Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans.
Are there nut-free alternatives?
If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can simply leave out the pecans—the cobbler will still be luscious and flavorful. For some crunch, consider substituting with pumpkin seeds or leaving it as a straight caramel pumpkin delight.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Toasting pecans truly amplifies their flavor! Scatter chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes, stirring once, until golden and aromatic. Let them cool before folding into your cobbler batter.
Why do I pour water over the batter?
The hot water poured on top is the cobbler’s secret weapon—it combines with the sugar to create that luscious caramel sauce as it bakes. Don’t be tempted to stir! This step is what sets Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans apart from ordinary baked desserts.
Can I make Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans ahead of time?
You can assemble the batter and topping ahead of time, but for the best gooey caramel base, bake it fresh just before serving. If needed, reheat gently before garnishing and serving to bring back the soft and saucy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall head over heels for autumn all over again, you need to try Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans. It’s the kind of dessert that turns any night into a memorable occasion and brings friends and family running to the kitchen. Give it a go, and watch everyone swoon over every gooey, spiced, and nutty bite!
Print
Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler with Pecans Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delectable Caramel Pumpkin Cobbler topped with crunchy pecans. A warm and gooey dessert that will delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans.
- Layer Batter: Spread the batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: Mix brown sugar and extra granulated sugar, then sprinkle over the batter.
- Pour Water: Slowly pour hot water over the dish without stirring.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and set. A caramel sauce will form underneath.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- To enhance flavor, toast pecans before adding.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg