If you love pecan pie but want something even more indulgent, this Gooey Pecan Pie Cobbler is the recipe for you. With layers of buttery crust, sweet caramel-like filling, and crunchy pecans, it bakes into a rich, gooey dessert that’s like pecan pie and pudding cake combined.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any Southern-inspired gathering, this cobbler is easy to make but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 2 cups light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until crumbly. Press half the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form a crust. Reserve the rest for topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream, remaining 2 eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
- Pour the pecan filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved cake mix mixture evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the center is mostly set but still slightly gooey.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Variation
- Chocolate Gooey Cobbler: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the filling.
- Bourbon Twist: Stir 1–2 tbsp bourbon into the pecan filling.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with walnuts or omit for a caramel cobbler.
- Salted Caramel Cobbler: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overbake—the cobbler should stay gooey in the center.
- For richer flavor, toast pecans before adding.
- The cobbler will firm up slightly as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with coffee for a perfect Southern-style dessert.
- Slice into small squares—it’s very rich!
Tips
- Line the pan with parchment for easy serving and cleanup.
- Let the cobbler rest before cutting to keep layers intact.
- Store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: 495
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 62g
- Fat: 26g
- Sodium: 380mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Gooey Pecan Pie Cobbler ahead of time?
- Yes, bake a day in advance and reheat before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze this cobbler?
- Yes, freeze cooled slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Q3: Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
- Yes, dark corn syrup will give the filling a deeper, richer flavor.
Q4: Do I need to use a cake mix?
- The cake mix makes it easier, but you can substitute with a homemade yellow cake base.
Q5: How do I keep it gooey but not runny?
- Bake until edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. It will firm as it cools.
Conclusion
This Gooey Pecan Pie Cobbler is a decadent Southern dessert that combines the best of pecan pie and cobbler into one indulgent dish. With its buttery crust, sweet caramel filling, and crunchy pecans, it’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you want a crowd-pleasing dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch it disappear fast!