This pumpkin cobbler is a cozy fall dessert that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a soft, cake-like topping. It’s like a hug in a dish!
I’ll let you in on a little secret: the best part is the way it fills the house with that delicious, sweet smell. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Using canned pumpkin puree is super convenient! If you prefer fresh, you can roast and puree a pumpkin instead. Just remember to strain it a bit to avoid extra water.
Sugars: The combination of granulated and brown sugar gives great depth. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can cut back on both by 1/4 cup or try a sugar substitute like stevia.
Spices: Pumpkin spice is fantastic, but if you don’t have all the exact spices, you can use store-bought pumpkin pie spice instead. It covers all those warm flavors!
Butter: For a lighter option, melted coconut oil works well in place of butter. It adds a hint of tropical flavor too!
Pecans: If nuts aren’t your thing, feel free to skip them or use chopped walnuts or almonds instead. You can also add chocolate chips for a fun twist!
What’s the Best Way to Pour the Batter?
One tricky part of this recipe is layering the batter with melted butter. Here’s how to do it properly:
- First, pour the melted butter evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish.
- Next, slowly pour the pumpkin batter right on top of the melted butter without stirring. This layering is critical as it creates that delicious cobbler texture.
- Watch the bake time carefully! Depending on your oven, it may take a bit longer to cook. Use a toothpick to check for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
This helps ensure your cobbler has that delightful combination of a soft pumpkin center and a slightly crispy top. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pumpkin cobbler requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes for baking. You’ll want to let it cool slightly after baking before serving, so plan for about an hour total before it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will help your cobbler come out beautifully.
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is nice and smooth. This is where the warm, sweet pumpkin flavor begins!
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This dry mix adds that delightful spice blend that will make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Bringing It All Together:
Take your dry ingredients and gradually add them to the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix; we want it fluffy and light!
5. Assembling the Cobbler:
Now, pour the melted butter into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, pour the pumpkin batter directly on top of the melted butter. Don’t stir—just let it all sit there as it is. This unique layering is what gives the cobbler its delicious texture!
6. Adding Toppings:
If you’re using chopped pecans, sprinkle them over the top of the batter now. They add a nice crunch to balance the soft pumpkin filling.
7. Baking to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake it for about 40 to 45 minutes. It’s done when the top is set, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as every oven varies a little!
8. Enjoying Your Creation:
Once baked, remove your pumpkin cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will make it easier to cut into portions. Serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate treat!
Enjoy this comforting pumpkin cobbler with its moist, spiced pumpkin filling and buttery, slightly crunchy top. You’ll love every bite!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can roast a fresh pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Just make sure to strain it to remove any excess moisture for the best texture in your cobbler.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing some spices, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead, which combines all those warm flavors into one convenient mix. Just use about 2 teaspoons to replace the individual spices.
How Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
To make this cobbler gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking powder is gluten-free as well, and you’ll still get a delicious result!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or oven, and serve it with more ice cream for a tasty treat!
