As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s an undeniable craving for warm, comforting desserts that capture the very essence of autumn. Look no further than this Golden Harvest Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler – a truly delightful treat that combines the creamy spice of pumpkin pie with the homey charm of a buttery, pecan-studded cobbler topping. This article will guide you through creating an absolutely irresistible and easy pumpkin pecan cobbler recipe that promises to be a centerpiece at any fall gathering or a cozy indulgence on a quiet evening.
Why You’ll Love This Golden Harvest Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
This dessert isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. Here’s why the Golden Harvest Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is destined to become a beloved autumn tradition:
A Symphony of Autumn Flavors: The base is a lush, spiced pumpkin custard, redolent with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, reminiscent of your favorite pumpkin pie. It’s pure autumnal bliss in every bite.
Perfect Texture Contrast: Enjoy the luxurious contrast between the silky-smooth, creamy pumpkin filling and the tender, biscuit-like topping. The generous scattering of crunchy pecans throughout the topping adds an irresistible textural dimension.
Surprisingly Simple to Assemble: Despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, this cobbler is straightforward to prepare. Both the filling and the topping come together with minimal fuss, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s the quintessential warm dessert, radiating homemade comfort and aroma. Perfect for sharing, it embodies the spirit of cozy gatherings and celebratory meals.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crafting this cobbler requires a few key components that work in harmony to create its signature taste and texture:
For the Pumpkin Filling:
Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains spices and sweeteners. The pure form gives you control over the flavor profile.
Sugars (Granulated & Brown): A blend provides balanced sweetness and a subtle caramel note from the brown sugar.
Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Salt): This classic autumn spice medley delivers warmth and depth. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for even more complex notes, as suggested in the recipe notes.
Eggs, Milk, Vanilla Extract: These bind the filling, add richness, and ensure a smooth, custard-like texture.
For the Cobbler Topping:
All-Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt: These form the base of your biscuit-like topping, providing structure and leavening.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Crucial for a tender, flaky topping. The cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a light texture. Cubing it helps integrate it quickly without overworking.
Whole Milk: Adds moisture to form a soft, shaggy dough. Whole milk contributes to a richer flavor, but lower-fat milk can be used if preferred.
Chopped Pecans: The star of the topping! They add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Dividing them allows some to be incorporated into the dough and some to be sprinkled on top for visual appeal and concentrated crunch. For an enhanced nutty flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them.
Turbinado Sugar: A coarse sugar sprinkled on top, it provides a beautiful sparkle and a wonderful crunchy crust.
How to Make This Easy Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own irresistible Golden Harvest Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler:
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures a clean release and even baking.
Craft the Pumpkin Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, both granulated and brown sugars, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and smooth. Then, whisk in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is homogenous. Pour this vibrant, spiced pumpkin mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Assemble the Cobbler Topping: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the topping: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry flour mixture. Work quickly to prevent the butter from warming too much. The goal is a mixture resembling coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible – these pockets of butter will create a tender, flaky topping.
Incorporate Pecans and Milk: Stir in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans. Gradually add the whole milk, stirring gently just until a soft, shaggy dough forms. It’s crucial not to overmix here; overmixing can lead to a tough topping. While this cobbler is pure autumn comfort, sometimes a different sweet craving strikes, like for a rich Raspberry Chocolate Lasagna.
Top and Finish: Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping evenly over the pumpkin filling, leaving some gaps so the filling can peek through and bubble up. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and the turbinado sugar over the topping for added crunch and sparkle.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and cooked through, and the pumpkin filling is set and bubbly around the edges. A simple test: a toothpick inserted into the topping should come out clean.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This crucial cooling period allows the pumpkin filling to set further, achieving its ideal creamy consistency.
Tips for Success
Cold Butter is Key: Always use very cold butter for the topping. This creates pockets of steam during baking, leading to a light, flaky, and tender texture. If your kitchen is warm, you can even chill your flour mixture for 10-15 minutes before adding the butter.
Do Not Overmix the Topping: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, chewy topping. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and a shaggy dough forms.
Toast Your Pecans: For an extra layer of nutty depth, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the topping.
Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling: Double-check your can! Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the carefully balanced flavor of this recipe.
Allow Adequate Cooling Time: Resist the urge to dive in immediately. The 15-20 minutes of cooling time is essential for the pumpkin filling to firm up to its ideal custard-like consistency. It will still be wonderfully warm.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, the Golden Harvest Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler truly shines with a few thoughtful accompaniments:
Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream melting into the warm cobbler is an unbeatable combination of hot and cold, creamy and spiced.
Dollop of Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened homemade whipped cream offers a delicate counterpoint to the cobbler’s robust flavors.
Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, a warm drizzle of caramel sauce amplifies the brown sugar notes in the filling.
Aromatic Beverages: Pair with a hot cup of coffee, a spiced chai latte, or a comforting herbal tea for the ultimate cozy autumn treat.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Any leftover cobbler should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before covering and refrigerating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through. For a crisper topping, reheat the entire dish or larger portions in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
A: Yes, you can! Just ensure your fresh pumpkin is cooked and pureed until smooth, and that it has been drained of any excess moisture to prevent a watery filling. Measure out the same amount as canned puree.
Q: Why is my cobbler topping not as flaky as I’d like?
A: This is usually due to the butter not being cold enough, or the dough being overmixed. Remember to use very cold, cubed butter and mix the dough just until combined.
Q: Can I prepare the pumpkin filling ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the pumpkin filling up to 1 day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the topping fresh and assemble the cobbler as directed.
Q: What’s the difference between a cobbler and a crisp?
A: While both are baked fruit (or in this case, vegetable) desserts with a topping, a cobbler typically features a biscuit-like or scone-like topping that is dropped over the filling. A crisp, on the other hand, usually has a streusel-like topping made with oats, flour, sugar, and butter, which bakes to a crunchy finish.
The Golden Harvest Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty and the simple joy of homemade treats. With its creamy, spiced pumpkin base and tender, pecan-studded topping, it delivers a comforting culinary experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a warm, sweet indulgence, this easy pumpkin pecan cobbler recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Give it a try, and let the comforting aromas fill your home. If you adore the nutty crunch of pecans in this cobbler, you might also enjoy making some delightful Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies for another seasonal treat.
Golden Harvest Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Indulge in the ultimate taste of autumn with this warm and inviting Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler. A creamy, spiced pumpkin custard base, reminiscent of your favorite pie filling, is crowned with a tender, buttery biscuit-like topping studded with crunchy pecans. This dessert offers a delightful contrast of textures and a symphony of fall flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply to celebrate the season. It’s comforting, aromatic, and surprisingly easy to assemble, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of homemade warmth.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- FOR THE PUMPKIN FILLING:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- FOR THE COBBLER TOPPING:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined.
- Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the pumpkin mixture. Whisk until smooth and thoroughly incorporated. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cobbler Topping: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans. Gradually add the milk, stirring just until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping evenly over the pumpkin filling, leaving some gaps. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and the turbinado sugar over the topping.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and cooked through, and the pumpkin filling is set and bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the topping should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set further.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. For an extra nutty flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the topping. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the pumpkin filling for more complex spice notes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg