Easy Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe: A Crustless Dessert Delight
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of pecan pie without the fuss of a traditional pie crust! This pecan pie cobbler delivers all the deliciousness of your favorite pecan pie in a quick and easy dessert format. Imagine a warm, custardy pecan pie filling topped with a soft, cake-like layer – it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
This crustless pecan pie cobbler is undeniably the easiest way to enjoy the classic taste of pecan pie, especially during the busy holiday season. And the best part? You don’t even need any eggs to make it! It’s a fantastic option for those with egg allergies or simply looking for a lighter dessert.
The assembly process is delightfully simple, reminiscent of our popular chocolate pudding cake. All the ingredients are layered into a single pan, and then boiling water is gently poured over the top before baking – but it’s crucial not to stir it in! As the cobbler bakes in the oven, the water and sugar work their magic, sinking down through the cake-like topping and mingling with the pecan mixture to create that signature, irresistible pecan pie filling.
One of the things we adore most about this recipe is its incredible speed. It takes just 15 to 20 minutes to throw everything together, and then your oven takes over, handling the rest of the work. It honestly doesn’t get much easier than this for a show-stopping dessert!
Recipe Video
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions for Perfect Pecan Pie Cobbler
Let’s dive into the details of each ingredient and explore some potential substitutions to ensure your pecan pie cobbler turns out absolutely perfect!
Pecans: The Star of the Show
When it comes to pecans, you have options! You can use pecan halves for a more rustic look or lightly chop them for easier eating. We personally prefer a light chop – it keeps the pieces from being too large while still providing that satisfying pecan crunch in every bite. For an even deeper, more intense pecan flavor, consider toasting them beforehand. It’s a simple step that adds a wonderful nutty dimension. To toast, just spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. However, if you’re short on time (or just feeling lazy!), you can absolutely skip this step and still achieve a delicious result.
Cinnamon: A Warm and Inviting Spice
We’re big fans of adding cinnamon to pecan desserts because it adds a layer of warm, comforting flavor that complements the pecans beautifully. It elevates the overall taste profile and adds a touch of autumnal spice. However, if you don’t have any cinnamon on hand or simply prefer a more pure pecan flavor, feel free to leave it out. The cobbler will still be incredibly delicious without it.
Brown Sugar: The Secret to Caramel-y Goodness
Brown sugar is absolutely essential for creating that rich, caramel-y flavor that makes pecan pie so irresistible. Its molasses content adds depth and complexity that can’t be achieved with granulated sugar alone. If, however, you find yourself without brown sugar, don’t worry! You can easily make a brown sugar substitute at home using granulated sugar and molasses. Simply mix one tablespoon of molasses with one cup of granulated sugar until well combined. This quick fix will save the day and ensure your pecan pie cobbler has that signature caramel flavor.
Experiment with different types of brown sugar! Light brown sugar offers a more delicate caramel flavor, while dark brown sugar brings a deeper, more intense molasses note. Choose the one that best suits your personal preference and enjoy the subtle nuances it adds to the final dessert.
Layering The Cobbler: A Step-by-Step Guide
Layering this cobbler might seem a little unusual at first, but trust us, it’s incredibly easy! To help you visualize the process and ensure perfect results, we’ve created a step-by-step guide with clear instructions and helpful visuals.
- Step 1: Butter and Pecans. Begin by pouring the melted butter evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a rich, buttery base that will infuse the pecans with flavor as it bakes. Then, sprinkle the pecans evenly over the melted butter, ensuring they are distributed in a single layer.
- Step 2: Cake Batter. In a separate bowl, mix your cake batter according to the recipe instructions. Once the batter is smooth and well combined, carefully pour it over the pecans in the baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or an angled spatula to gently spread the batter into an even layer, being careful not to stir it into the pecans. We want to keep those layers distinct for the best self-saucing effect.
- Step 3: Sugar and More Pecans! Now, generously top the cake batter with the brown sugar. It might seem like a lot of sugar, but trust the process – this is crucial for creating that signature, custardy pecan filling. Then, sprinkle the remaining pecans evenly over the brown sugar, adding another layer of nutty flavor and texture.
- Step 4: Boiling Water. The final step before baking is to carefully pour the boiling water evenly over the top of the cobbler. This is where the magic happens! But remember, do NOT stir the water into the batter. Place the baking dish directly into the preheated oven as is, and the water and brown sugar will seep down through the batter during baking, creating that delicious, self-saucing pecan pie filling at the bottom.
A little baking science: This recipe falls into the category of “self-saucing desserts.” If you’re a baking science enthusiast (like we are!), here’s how it works: Because the sugar and hot water are denser than the cake topping, they naturally sink to the bottom of the pan during baking. Meanwhile, the baking powder in the cake batter releases gas, causing the cake layer to rise and bake on top. The heat from the oven then thickens the water and sugar, transforming it into a luscious, caramel-like pecan pie filling at the bottom of the dish. And that’s how we achieve the incredible final product!
Can I Cut This Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe In Half?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make a smaller batch, simply use an 8-inch square baking pan and reduce the baking time slightly. Keep a close eye on it and check for doneness using a toothpick – it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the topping.
Can I Make This Pecan Pie Cobbler In A Slow Cooker Instead?
While we haven’t personally tested this specific recipe in a slow cooker, we believe it would work quite well! To try it, layer the cobbler as instructed, taking extra care to avoid mixing the layers together. Then, cook on high for approximately 2 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the topping is fully cooked through. Keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed based on your slow cooker’s performance.
We truly hope you enjoy this old-fashioned pecan pie cobbler as much as we do! It’s absolutely delicious served warm, and even better when topped with a generous scoop of your favorite no-churn ice cream. The combination of warm cobbler and cold ice cream is simply heavenly.
If you try this pecan pie cobbler recipe, please don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know what you thought of it! Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. Happy Baking!
Pecan Pie Cobbler
15
minutes
35
minutes
50
minutes
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Ingredients
12
servings
-
1 ½
cups
all-purpose flour
spooned and leveled (190 grams)
-
1
cup
granulated sugar
(200 grams) -
2
teaspoons
baking powder -
½
teaspoon
ground cinnamon -
¼
teaspoon
salt -
¾
cup
whole milk
(180 ml) -
1 ½
teaspoons
pure vanilla extract