Name: Cinnamon Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ cup milk ¼ cup melted butter 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup chopped pecans ½ cup brown sugar (for topping) ½ cup granulated sugar (for topping) 1½ cups boiling water

Warm, spiced, and dripping in gooey caramel sauce, this Cinnamon Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is everything you want in a fall dessert. Imagine digging your spoon into a soft, pumpkin-spiced cake only to hit a pool of buttery brown sugar sauce at the bottom. It’s like a cross between a pumpkin pie and a sticky toffee pudding – with pecans thrown in for a delightful crunch.

This cozy cobbler is perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. It uses simple pantry ingredients and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques, but the result is a restaurant-worthy dessert that feels rich, nostalgic, and totally indulgent. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving or just a pumpkin lover at heart, this cobbler deserves a place on your table.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

For this cobbler, canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is the way to go. It gives the dessert a deep, earthy flavor and a dense, moist texture that pairs perfectly with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. If you’re using homemade pumpkin puree, just be sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture that could throw off the sauce-to-cake ratio.

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

Pumpkin Puree
Brings moistness and that signature fall flavor. Be sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pre-sweetened pie filling.

Brown Sugar
Adds depth and caramel undertones, especially when it melts into the bottom sauce.

Granulated Sugar
Balances sweetness and helps structure the batter.

All-Purpose Flour
The foundation of the cake, giving it body and structure.

Baking Powder
Helps the cobbler rise just enough while staying pudding-like.

Salt
Enhances all the other flavors, especially the spices.

Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg
These warming spices complement the pumpkin perfectly.

Milk
Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.

Melted Butter
Gives richness and contributes to the cobbler’s tender texture.

Vanilla Extract
Adds an extra layer of warmth and sweetness.

Chopped Pecans
For crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft cake.

Boiling Water
This unexpected addition is poured on top to create the magic self-saucing bottom during baking.

How To Make the Cinnamon Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square or similar-sized baking dish. This step ensures the cobbler doesn’t stick and the sauce forms nicely at the bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir just until combined — the batter should be thick but smooth. Don’t overmix.

Step 4: Spread in the Dish & Add Pecans

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly across the batter for a crunchy layer of texture.

Step 5: Create the Sugar Topping

In a separate small bowl, mix together brown sugar and granulated sugar, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter. This will help create the rich, caramel-like sauce as it bakes.

Step 6: Pour Boiling Water

Carefully pour the boiling water over the top — do not stir. It might look strange, but trust the process! This step is what forms that signature self-saucing bottom.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown. The center will be soft and slightly gooey thanks to the sauce underneath.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Let the cobbler cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon it out gently to scoop up both the cake and the sauce. It’s incredible on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

This cobbler is best served warm, straight from the oven after it rests for 10–15 minutes. The gooey brown sugar sauce at the bottom thickens slightly as it sits, making each scoop ultra decadent. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible finish.

If you’re making it ahead or storing leftovers, allow the cobbler to cool completely before covering it tightly. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through. The sauce might thicken further after chilling, but the flavors only get better!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and topping a few hours in advance, but don’t add the boiling water until just before baking. This keeps the texture light and the sauce forming as it should.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler?

Technically yes, but the sauce texture may change. If you do freeze it, wrap it well and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven.

What if I don’t have pecans?

You can easily substitute chopped walnuts or leave out the nuts entirely. The cobbler will still be deliciously saucy and spiced.

Is this cobbler overly sweet?

It’s definitely a rich dessert, but the balance of pumpkin and spice keeps it from being cloying. You can reduce the sugar topping slightly if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for the best structure.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and extend the baking time by about 10–15 minutes. Keep an eye on the top — it should be golden and set.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Fall Twist?

If you’re loving this Cinnamon Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, you’ll definitely want to check out these other cozy, flavor-packed favorites from Life with Jam:

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a tangy-sweet contrast to warm fall spices.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies if you adore creamy, gooey centers.
Winter Brittle with spiced nuts and a crunchy snap.
Easy Pumpkin Muffins – a must-have if you love all things pumpkin!

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest fall dessert board so you can come back to it any time:
Follow more cozy bakes on my Pinterest

And don’t forget to comment below once you’ve tried it! Did you serve it with ice cream or enjoy it solo? Maybe you added toasted pecans or tried a splash of bourbon in the sauce?

I love hearing how you make each recipe your own. Your tips help everyone make the best version possible!