Thereâs something uniquely nostalgic and soul-satisfying about a southern pecan pie cobbler. It reminds me of long Sunday dinners with my family in Georgia, where dessert was always something warm and comforting, served straight from the baking dish. This recipe came from my grandmother, who swapped her traditional pie crust for a buttery cobbler-style base that let the brown sugar and pecans melt and caramelize into pure bliss. Itâs been passed down through generations and remains the one dessert that never fails to make people close their eyes after the first bite.
Why Youâll Love This Southern Pecan Pie Cobbler
This southern pecan pie cobbler recipe checks every box: it’s rich, gooey, buttery, nutty, and incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional pie, there’s no dough to roll out just simple layering in a casserole dish. The base becomes tender and cake-like while the pecan topping turns golden and crisp, all baked together into a bubbling masterpiece. If youâre a fan of desserts that bring people back for seconds (and thirds), this oneâs for you. Similar to the best easy pecan cobbler recipe, it takes whatâs best about pie and makes it better.
Pure Comfort
Thereâs a reason this southern pecan pie cobbler always makes an appearance at holidays and family reunions. Itâs not just dessertâitâs an experience. Served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it wraps you up like a cozy blanket and brings instant joy. This dish has the power to make you feel at home, no matter where you are.
Ingredients for Southern Pecan Pie Cobbler

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups hot water
Pinch of salt
What You Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Two mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Kettle or saucepan for hot water
Cooling rack
Time to Cook Southern Pecan Pie Cobbler
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 50 minutes
Cooling Time: 10â15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yields: 8 to 10 servings
Steps to Make It
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, granulated sugar, and milk. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3
Gently pour the batter over the melted butter in the dish. Do not stir.
Step 4
In another bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Step 5
Evenly sprinkle the pecan mixture over the batter. Again, do not stir.
Step 6
Slowly pour the hot water over everything in the baking dish. It will look unusual, but trust the layering it bakes perfectly.
Step 7
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 8
Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Make It Perfect
To achieve the ultimate texture in your southern pecan pie cobbler, donât skip the rest time after baking. It allows the syrup to settle and thicken beneath the cobbler layer. Also, using hot water not warm or cold is critical for activating the caramelization process. For more baking insights, read how to perfect your brownie baking techniques and apply similar principles to cobblers.
Mix It Up
Feeling creative? Swap pecans for walnuts or add a touch of cinnamon to the pecan mixture for a warm spice twist. For a richer dessert, stir a few mini chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle the finished dish with maple syrup. Take it a step further and serve it with a side of Reeseâs Cheesecake Delight to wow your guests.
Perfect Partners
This southern pecan pie cobbler pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce. It’s a natural complement to creamy desserts like pecan pie brownies or a fruity trifle, making it a great addition to any holiday dessert table.
Busy Day Hero
Need a quick and impressive dessert for last-minute guests? This cobbler is your best friend. It uses pantry staples, takes just 10 minutes to prep, and bakes while you enjoy dinner. Itâs as stress-free as dessert gets.
Work Ahead
Make the pecan topping a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate it separately. When ready to bake, just assemble and go. The southern pecan pie cobbler delivers maximum payoff with minimal effort.
Save Some For Later
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or place the full dish in a 300°F oven for 10â15 minutes. This cobbler also freezes well wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Everyoneâs Happy
This southern pecan pie cobbler is a crowd-pleaser through and through. It satisfies pecan pie purists, cobbler lovers, and even those who claim theyâre not dessert people. Itâs sweet but not cloying, crunchy yet gooey, and always disappears fast.
Good For You Too
While itâs definitely a treat, this cobbler contains heart-healthy pecans packed with antioxidants and good fats. So go ahead have a slice and call it balanced indulgence.
Easy Clean Up
Youâll love how few dishes this recipe requires. Just two bowls, one pan, and one whisk. Since the cobbler is baked in the same dish it’s served from, cleanup is refreshingly simple.
Switch It Up
Want a gluten-free version? Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend. Want to make it vegan? Swap butter for plant-based margarine and milk for almond or oat milk. This southern pecan pie cobbler is flexible and forgiving.
Simply Perfect

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most special. This southern pecan pie cobbler proves that comfort and elegance can exist in the same dish. Itâs a timeless Southern dessert that never fails to satisfy and one youâll come back to again and again.
FAQs for Southern Pecan Pie Cobbler
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?
Yes. Just add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt to every cup of all-purpose flour.
Can I make this in a smaller pan?
You can, but the layers may be thicker and need longer baking time. Use a toothpick to test for doneness.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
Itâs optional, but toasting brings out a deeper flavor and adds extra crunch.
Whatâs the best way to serve it?
Warm with ice cream or whipped cream is ideal.
Can I use less sugar?
Yes, but it may change the gooey texture. Try cutting 1/4 cup from the brown or white sugar, not both.
Conclusion for Southern Pecan Pie Cobbler
This southern pecan pie cobbler recipe is pure Southern hospitality in a dish. With gooey, nutty layers and a buttery, soft topping, itâs the kind of dessert that makes memories. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just because, this cobbler promises to warm hearts and fill bellies every single time.
Happy cooking with Rita chef â¤ď¸!
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Southern Pecan Pie Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Southern pecan pie cobbler features buttery batter, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and vanilla for the ultimate gooey dessert.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups hot water
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour melted butter into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together self-rising flour, granulated sugar, and milk until smooth.
Pour batter over melted butter in the dish. Do not stir.
In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Evenly sprinkle the pecan mixture over the batter. Do not stir.
Carefully pour hot water over the top. Do not stir.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
If you donât have self-rising flour, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and Âź teaspoon salt. For deeper flavor, toast the pecans lightly before using. This cobbler is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: southern pecan pie cobbler, easy pecan dessert, baked southern cobbler, pecan pie casserole