Name: Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); ¼ cup melted unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 1 ½ cups very hot water

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 6 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that brings comfort, warmth, and a delightful mix of textures, this Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a luscious, gooey pumpkin filling nestled beneath a tender, cake-like layer that rises beautifully in the oven. This classic American dessert not only fills your home with the inviting scent of pumpkin spice but also combines simple ingredients to create a truly unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any occasion, especially cozy fall evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a mix of ingredients on a rustic wooden surface. Inside the bowl, there are several layers: a base of light beige crumbly mixture, scattered medium brown chopped nuts on top, and a small mound of cinnamon-colored powder right at the center. To the left below the bowl, part of a gray and white striped cloth is visible, and in the top right corner, a white pumpkin-shaped object adds a decorative touch. The overall scene is bright with natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the fragrant pumpkin pie spice that sets the mood to the golden crispness scored by the brown sugar and nuts, these elements come together in a wonderfully simple yet impressive way.

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the tender, cakey top layer that holds everything together.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the batter rise into a fluffy, light cake texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering.
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The warm, aromatic blend that gives this dessert its classic autumnal essence.
1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): Pure pumpkin provides moisture, flavor, and that vibrant orange color.
¼ cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the perfect crumb on top.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a cozy, sweet note.
1 cup packed light brown sugar: For the luscious topping that caramelizes during baking.
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Sprinkled on top to enhance the spice profile even more.
⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds an irresistible crunch and nuttiness that contrast beautifully with the soft cobbler.
1 ½ cups very hot water: Poured over the topping to create the signature gooey sauce.

How to Make Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Preparing a 9-inch baking dish by giving it a good spray of nonstick cooking spray ensures that your cobbler won’t stick and will be easy to serve. This unassuming step sets the stage for a flawless bake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. This creates a fragrant and flavorful base that will give the cobbler its signature warm spice notes, while ensuring the texture is just right—from cake to gooey bottom.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry

Add the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined to avoid toughening the batter. The silky pumpkin puree infuses moisture and richness, blending beautifully with the buttery notes and vanilla’s sweetness.

Step 4: Spread Batter into the Dish

Evenly spread the batter into your prepared baking dish. This creates the perfect base on which your topping will rest and bake into that irresistible cobbler crust.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping

Mix the brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chopped nuts if using in a small bowl. Sprinkle this evenly over the batter. The topping adds a wonderfully sweet, spiced layer that will caramelize as it bakes, creating a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Step 6: Add Hot Water and Bake

Carefully pour the very hot water over the entire dish. Do not stir! This hot water will mingle with the sugar and batter during baking to form the gooey, luscious sauce characteristic of this Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the cake has risen and set on top while the sauce bubbles delectably underneath.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe

A square baking pan holds a golden-brown baked dish with a crunchy top layer covered in small, chopped pecans evenly spread, giving a textured look. The surface beneath is slightly shiny and bumpy from the nuts and caramelized bits. The sides of the dish look thick and firm with darker browned edges showing slight crispiness. It rests on a white marbled surface next to a striped cloth and a white pumpkin-shaped ceramic jar in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A warm scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is pure magic atop this cobbler. The cold, creamy topping tempers the spiced warmth and highlights the moist texture, creating an irresistible contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re serving at a bigger gathering, consider fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, serve the cobbler in individual ramekins or mason jars. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted nuts on top right before serving adds a gourmet touch that makes every bite feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe cool completely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, and the texture remains wonderfully rich and gooey.

Freezing

You can freeze the cobbler after baking by wrapping it tightly in foil or transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave for about a minute or two, or reheat the entire dish in a 325°F oven until heated through. Adding a little extra sprinkle of nuts or sugar on top before warming can bring the freshness back.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Canned pumpkin pie filling is sweeter and spiced already, so it’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree for this recipe to control the flavors and sweetness more precisely.

What nuts work best in the topping?

Pecans and walnuts both work beautifully, adding a lovely crunch and nuttiness that complements the pumpkin spices perfectly.

Is it necessary to pour hot water over the batter?

Yes! The hot water creates that deliciously gooey sauce at the bottom of the cobbler, which is what makes this recipe so unique and comforting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it contains a binding agent for best results.

How do I know when the cobbler is done?

The cake on top should be set and risen, no longer wet or jiggly. The gooey sauce underneath will be bubbling around the edges. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s best to rely on these visual cues.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe is one of those timeless sweets that comforts and delights every time. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method produce a dessert packed with flavor, warmth, and texture that feels like a warm hug. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with loved ones — once you do, it will surely become one of your favorite fall treats!