Description
This delicious Pumpkin Cobbler is a delightful American dessert featuring a luscious cake-like top with a gooey, flavorful pumpkin sauce underneath. Infused with warm pumpkin pie spices and enhanced with a crunchy pecan topping, it’s an inviting treat perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy, comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Other
- 1 ½ cups very hot water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. This forms the base of your batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the pumpkin puree, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Combine gently until just mixed to maintain a tender cake texture—avoid overmixing.
- Spread Batter: Transfer the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the packed light brown sugar, additional pumpkin pie spice, and chopped pecans or walnuts if using. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter layer.
- Add Hot Water: Carefully pour the very hot water over the entire dish. Do so gently and do not stir; the water will seep through during baking, creating the cobbler’s signature gooey bottom layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cake has risen to the top and appears set. The bottom should remain gooey and sauce-like. Check doneness by ensuring the top is firm without jiggling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let the layers set slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic finishing touch. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best texture and flavor control.
- Do not stir after adding hot water; this is crucial for creating the cobbler’s distinct texture.
- Oven temperatures vary; monitor the cobbler closely from 50 minutes onward to avoid overbaking.
- The nuts in the topping are optional but add a nice crunch.
- Serve warm to best enjoy the contrast between gooey base and cakey top.
