Recipe Ideas

Pumpkin Cobbler

Okay, so you know how sometimes you just need a hug in dessert form? That’s exactly what this pumpkin cobbler is for me. It’s the kind of dessert that takes me back to crisp autumn days, the smell of woodsmoke in the air, and cozy evenings curled up with a good book. Honestly, I’ve tried a lot of pumpkin desserts over the years, and while Pumpkin Pie is a classic, this pumpkin cobbler? It’s in a league of its own. It’s got that wonderful, comforting texture and a flavor that’s just perfectly spiced. It’s easier than you think and always, *always* a crowd-pleaser. Forget complicated tarts; this is pure, unadulterated deliciousness that you can whip up without breaking a sweat. If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice everything, you’re going to fall head over heels for this!

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What is a pumpkin Cobbler?

So, what exactly is pumpkin cobbler, you ask? Think of it as a warm, hug-in-a-dish dessert that combines the rich, spiced goodness of Pumpkin Pie filling with a tender, cake-like topping. It’s not quite a pie, and it’s not quite a cake, but it’s the perfect blend of both worlds. The name “cobbler” usually refers to a fruit dessert with a biscuit or scone-like topping, but this pumpkin version takes that idea and runs with it in the most delicious way. We’re talking about a smooth, creamy pumpkin base swirled with a sweet, slightly spiced batter that bakes up into this wonderfully rustic, golden-brown perfection. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and it’s the ultimate treat for anyone who loves that classic pumpkin spice flavor, but wants something a little more… well, cozy and less fussy than a traditional pie.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this pumpkin cobbler has become my go-to recipe, and I just know you’re going to adore it too. First off, the flavor profile is just divine. You get that deep, earthy sweetness from the pumpkin, perfectly balanced with a warm hug of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s like autumn in every bite! But it’s not just about the taste; it’s also ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, you can have this in the oven in under 20 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when a sweet craving strikes. And the cost? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now! It’s incredibly budget-friendly. Plus, it’s so versatile. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream, but it’s equally delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream. What I love most about this recipe is that it feels special enough for guests but comforting enough for a quiet evening. It’s a step up from a simple cake, but so much less stressful than a layered dessert. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and ease, and that’s hard to beat!

How do you make a pumpkin Cobbler?

Quick Overview

This pumpkin cobbler is all about simple layering and baking. We’ll start by getting our pan ready and then mix up a quick batter that’s going to form the delicious topping. Next, we’ll prepare the smooth, spiced pumpkin filling. The magic really happens when we layer these two components together and swirl them just a bit for that beautiful, rustic look. Then, into the oven it goes for a bake until golden and bubbly. Finally, a quick glaze to add an extra touch of sweetness and shine before it’s ready to be devoured. It’s a straightforward process that yields absolutely incredible results, and it’s surprisingly forgiving, which is always a win in my book!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached, it gives a better texture)
* 1 cup granulated sugar (you can adjust slightly based on your sweetness preference)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh!)
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (I find unsalted gives me more control over the salt)
* ½ cup milk (whole milk makes it richer, but 2% works great too!)

For the Filling:
* 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling – we want pure pumpkin goodness!)
* ½ cup packed light Brown Sugar (this adds a lovely caramel note)
* 2 large eggs (room temperature is best for easy mixing)
* ¼ cup evaporated milk (this is my secret for a super creamy filling!)
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:
* ½ cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (start with 2 and add more for thinner consistency)
* ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but nice)

★★★★★
“I don’t know if I’ve ever eaten a better Pumpkin Cobbler. The rub alone is wonderful, but the sauce??? Over the top!”
KEVIN

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to lightly grease mine with butter or non-stick spray, just to make sure nothing sticks. It’s a small step, but it ensures your beautiful cobbler slides right out!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined. You want to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed so you get a nice, even rise. The spices here are key to that cozy fall flavor!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and milk. It’s important that your butter isn’t piping hot, just melted. If it’s too hot, it can start to cook the milk. Just a gentle whisk will do the trick.

Step 4: Combine

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until *just* combined. Don’t overmix this! A few lumps are totally fine; in fact, overmixing can make your topping tough. We want a tender, cake-like texture, so a light hand is best here.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, Brown Sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it! If you like it spicier, now’s your chance to add a little more pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. This filling is what gives our cobbler its rich, custardy texture.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Now for the fun part! Pour about two-thirds of the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, carefully spoon the pumpkin filling over the top of the batter. Dollop the remaining batter over the pumpkin filling. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; you’re going to gently swirl the two together with a knife or a skewer. Just a few swirls are enough to create a pretty marbling effect. This is where the rustic charm comes from!

Step 7: Bake

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cakey parts comes out clean. The pumpkin filling might still be a little soft in the center, but it will set up as it cools. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cobbler cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This allows it to set up nicely. While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If it’s too thick, add another tablespoon of milk until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle this glaze over the warm cobbler. It adds a lovely touch of sweetness and makes it look so pretty!

★★★★★
“Made the Pumpkin Cobbler tonight and wow — perfect weeknight dinner. Will definitely make again!”
NOAH

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once it’s cooled a bit and glazed, slice it up into squares. It’s absolutely divine served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, spiced cobbler with cold ice cream is just heavenly!

What to Serve It With

This pumpkin cobbler is so wonderfully versatile, it fits in with almost any meal or occasion. For a cozy breakfast, I love serving a small piece with my morning coffee. It’s a comforting start to the day, especially when the weather is a bit chilly. For a more elegant brunch, you can serve it in individual ramekins with a dusting of powdered sugar and perhaps a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a mimosa or a spiced latte. As a dessert, it’s a showstopper. It’s perfect after a hearty dinner, especially alongside roasted meats or a creamy pasta dish. A scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream or a swirl of homemade whipped cream is traditional and, in my opinion, unbeatable. For those late-night cravings or a casual afternoon snack, it’s just perfect on its own. My family loves it as an after-school treat, and honestly, I’ve been known to sneak a piece with my tea in the afternoon. It’s truly a dessert for all seasons and all reasons!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pumpkin Cobbler

I’ve made this pumpkin cobbler more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. When it comes to the pumpkin, always, always use pure pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that will throw off the balance of this recipe. You want that pure, concentrated pumpkin flavor. For the batter, the key is not to overmix. Seriously, stop stirring as soon as you don’t see streaks of dry flour. A few small lumps are your friend here, ensuring a tender texture. If you overmix, you’ll end up with a tough topping, and nobody wants that! When it comes to swirling, don’t go crazy with it. Just a few gentle passes with a knife are enough to create beautiful patterns. Over-swirling will muddy the flavors and colors. For ingredient swaps, I’ve experimented a bit. If you’re out of evaporated milk, you can substitute with heavy cream for a richer filling or whole milk, but it might be slightly less creamy. For the spices, you can totally adjust them to your liking. If you love ginger, add a little more! If you’re not a huge fan of nutmeg, reduce it slightly. I’ve also found that using good quality spices makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor. Regarding baking, make sure your oven is accurately preheated. If your oven tends to run hot, you might want to reduce the temperature by 10-15 degrees and bake for a few extra minutes. Use the toothpick test as your guide; it should come out clean from the cakey portions. For the glaze, consistency is key. Start with less liquid and add more gradually until it’s perfect for drizzling. If you accidentally make it too thin, just whisk in a bit more powdered sugar. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk. These little adjustments will ensure your pumpkin cobbler is absolutely perfect every single time!

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this pumpkin cobbler is how well it stores, making it perfect for leftovers (if you even have any!). If you’re planning to enjoy it within a day or two, you can keep it right on the counter, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil. It stays wonderfully moist this way. For longer storage, tuck it into the refrigerator. Make sure it’s cooled completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen over time, so sometimes it’s even better the next day! If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so before adding the glaze. Let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap it tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or bake larger portions in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through. If you freeze it unfrosted, you can add the glaze after reheating. For refrigerated leftovers, I usually just pop a slice in the microwave or enjoy it cold – it’s still amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can make this gluten-free by using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the batter. You might need to add an extra tablespoon or two of milk to the batter, as gluten-free flours can sometimes absorb more liquid. The texture might be slightly different, perhaps a bit more tender, but it will still be delicious! Just ensure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum, or add it yourself according to package directions.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
Wait, zucchini? Oh, I think there might be a mix-up! This is a pumpkin cobbler, not a zucchini bread or cake. This recipe doesn’t use zucchini at all. My apologies if that caused any confusion! For this pumpkin cobbler, we’re focusing purely on the deliciousness of pumpkin and spices.
Can I make this as muffins instead?
Yes, you totally can! This recipe adapts beautifully to muffins. Line a muffin tin with liners and fill them about two-thirds full with the batter and pumpkin filling mixture. You might need to swirl a little less aggressively in muffin cups. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They’ll be wonderfully moist and perfectly portioned!
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
You can certainly adjust the sweetness! For a less sweet cobbler, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the batter by ¼ cup and the brown sugar in the filling by 2 tablespoons. You can also rely more on the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute that bakes well, following the substitution guidelines on the product packaging. The glaze can also be made with less powdered sugar or omitted entirely if you prefer.
What can I use instead of the glaze?
If you’re not a fan of the glaze or want a different finish, you have options! A simple dusting of powdered sugar right before serving looks lovely. You could also make a caramel sauce to drizzle over the top, or serve it with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. Some people even like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the top before baking for a slight crust.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite pumpkin cobbler recipe! It’s the kind of dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table, and I truly hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. It’s proof that sometimes, the most delicious things are also the simplest. The combination of the tender, spiced topping and the smooth, rich pumpkin filling is just pure magic. It’s perfect for those crisp autumn evenings, holiday gatherings, or honestly, any time you need a little bit of cozy sweetness. If you love this recipe, I think you might also enjoy my spiced apple crumble or my classic pumpkin bread. They share that same comforting, home-baked feel. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this pumpkin cobbler! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or any variations you try. And if you share a photo, be sure to tag me – I’d love to see your creations! Happy baking, and enjoy every single delicious bite!

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Pumpkin Cobbler

Pumpkin Cobbler

A warm and comforting pumpkin cobbler, perfect for fall gatherings. This easy recipe features a spiced pumpkin filling topped with a buttery biscuit crust.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin Filling

  • 1 can pumpkin puree 15 oz
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream

Cobbler Topping

  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes
  • 0.5 cup milk

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the heavy cream until well combined.
  • Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt for the topping.
  • Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the topping dough evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

This cobbler is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

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