Name: Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons bourbon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 3/4 cup very hot water; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

Introduction

Pecan Pie Cobbler is a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, offering a rich, gooey, and crunchy dessert without the need for a pie crust. This cobbler features a salted bourbon caramel base, a fluffy cake layer, and a shiny, crackly pecan topping—perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a warm, gooey dessert with three visible layers in a speckled white bowl on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a moist cake with a light tan color and a slightly crumbly texture. The middle layer contains a sticky, caramel-like filling mixed with chopped pecans, adding a rich brown and nutty appearance. The top layer is a thick and creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream with specks of vanilla bean, crowned with more chopped pecans for crunch. The dessert looks soft and melty, with the ice cream partially melting over the other layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (about 1 stick)

1/4 cup bourbon

1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup boiling water

1 cup heavy cream

1 vanilla bean, split or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for whipped cream)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish and put it in the oven to melt while it preheats.

Step 2: Once the butter has melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven and whisk in the bourbon and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Step 4: Add the milk and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth to make the batter.

Step 5: Drop small spoonfuls of the batter evenly over the melted butter in the casserole dish. Do not spread or stir.

Step 6: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the batter, then cover the pecans with the packed brown sugar.

Step 7: Carefully pour the boiling water evenly over the entire cobbler. Do not stir.

Step 8: Place the casserole dish on a large cookie sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden and crackly.

Step 9: Remove from oven and let the cobbler cool for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the gooey caramel base to set.

Step 10: While the cobbler cools, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract) and granulated sugar until soft peaks form.

Step 11: Serve the pecan pie cobbler warm or at room temperature with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

Spoon and level flour or weigh ingredients for the most accurate results.

Use high-quality, real butter for richer flavor.

Try adding chocolate chips to the cake batter for a chocolaty twist.

Omit the bourbon or substitute with rum, or leave out the alcohol entirely if preferred.

Mix in cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the batter for warm seasonal flavors.

Serve with vanilla ice cream instead of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Is cobbler the same as pie filling?

Cobbler and pie filling are related but have some differences. While both can involve fruit or nuts like pecans, cobbler usually features a biscuit or cake-like topping dropped on top, creating a rustic, cobblestone appearance. Pie filling, by contrast, is typically encased in a pastry crust.

Can I make this pecan pie cobbler without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the bourbon altogether or substitute it with rum for a different flavor. The recipe still works well without alcohol and remains deliciously rich.