Cozy Fall and Holiday Dessert Recipe

This easy pumpkin pecan cobbler is the perfect dessert to embrace that cozy fall feeling that I love so much. The combination of pumpkin, spices, and nuts delivers exactly what we expect this time of year. 

Whether you’re hosting a get-together with family or a party with friends, this recipe will be a huge hit! I brought it to a potluck at church, and quite a few people went back for seconds.

Check this out for more fall treats for potluck: Desserts to Bring to a Party. All of them are easy but crowd-pleasing!

Reasons Guests Always Ask for Seconds

I’ve noticed that after people enjoy their first serving of this delicious pumpkin pecan cobbler they want more. First of all, it smells wonderful, so that enticement is always present as long as there is any left.

Secondly, the texture is delightful. Someone from a church potluck said he loved the way there’s smoothness and crunch in ever bite.

And then there’s the flavor! It is absolutely delicious! And that’s the goal, to bring a dessert that people love!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

You can find all of these ingredients at any grocery store:

• Two 15-ounce cans of pumpkin
• 3 large eggs
• One 12-ounce can of evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 box spice cake mix (15-16 ounces) or yellow cake mix with 2 additional teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
• 1-1/2 sticks butter, sliced into thin pats
• ½ cup chopped pecans (or your favorite nut)

You have the option of topping this delicious cobbler with traditional ingredients or using gluten-free products. This time, I made the gluten-free version, and no one could tell the difference.

How to Make This Pumpkin Cobbler

Start by preheating your oven to 350˚ F. While the oven is heating, grease the bottom of a 9” x 13” baking pan. I hate when stuff sticks to the bottom of the pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, eggs, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated. Or you can use a mixer to blend the rich, creamy base of your cobbler.

Pour the pumpkin mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Next, take the dry spice cake mix (or the yellow cake mix with added pumpkin pie spice) and sprinkle it evenly over the pumpkin mixture. This layer will transform into a sweet, crumbly topping as it bakes.

Place the thin pats of butter evenly across the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt during baking, creating a rich, buttery topping.

Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the butter. Almonds and walnuts also work wonderfully, adding a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements pumpkin flavors

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pumpkin filling is set. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin and spices. As soon as my husband walked into the house, he took a deep breath, smiled, and said that it smelled amazing.

Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dessert is delicious on its own, but it reaches a new level of yum when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips and Variations for Best Results

Toppings. I normally prefer whipped cream or ice cream as a topping. However, it’s also good with melted caramel sauce drizzled over the top.

Make it your own. Feel free to mix and match the types of nuts used, or even add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the pumpkin mixture for a bit of tartness. Someone at church said it would also be good with chocolate chips. That sounds really good to me!

Storing leftovers. Pumpkin xobbler can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave before serving to enjoy that freshly-baked taste.

What to Serve it With

Pumpkin pecan cobbler is a delicious dessert that goes with any meal, especially in the fall and winter. I like to relax with a cup of coffee and a bowl of cobbler, either for dessert or an afternoon snack. It’s also delicious with a glass of milk.

More Pumpkin Recipes

It’s no secret that I love the flavor of pumpkin. These Pumpkin Bars are a family favorite that’s easy to make when you want a delicious fall dessert. We also enjoy these super easy but yummy Mini Pumpkin Pies that you can eat with a fork or your fingers. For the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack, set out dishes of these Pumpkin Spiced Pecans.

Please feel free to share!