Gooey Pecan Cobbler is a warm, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that delivers the perfect combination of caramel sauce, toasted pecans, and a soft, cake-like base. This old-fashioned Southern treat is incredibly easy to prepare and creates its own rich sauce as it bakes. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the batter.
- Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar on top.
- Pour the hot water gently over the mixture—do not stir.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
- Allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly toasted pecans for deeper flavor.
- Do not stir after adding the hot water—this creates the caramel sauce.
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this cobbler is in its baking process. As the dessert bakes, the top becomes light and cake-like while the bottom transforms into a rich caramel sauce. The buttery batter absorbs the sweetness from the brown sugar, and the pecans add a perfect toasted crunch. Every scoop gives you soft cake, warm gooey filling, and nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Add whipped cream for extra richness.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweeter finish.
- Enjoy warm straight from the baking dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore the warm, gooey texture.
- Do not freeze, as the sauce texture may change.
Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Mix in chocolate chips for a chocolate caramel twist.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Add shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Pecan Cobbler
This dessert is ideal for holidays, family dinners, potlucks, and cozy nights at home. Its simplicity, warm flavor, and irresistible gooey texture make it a reliable recipe for any occasion. Serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you want a comforting sweet dish.
Final Thoughts
Gooey Pecan Cobbler is one of the easiest and most satisfying desserts you can bake. With basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a Southern bakery. Warm, buttery, sweet, and nutty—every bite is pure comfort.
If you’re looking for a dessert that pleases a crowd and requires minimal effort, this cobbler is the perfect choice.