Ingredients:

For the Cobbler:

• Pecan Halves: 2 cups
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Milk: 1 cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Syrup:

• Corn Syrup: ¾ cup
• Boiling Water: 1 ½ cups

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Butter the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and stir until you have a smooth batter.
3. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Pecans and Sugar Mixture

1. Add the Pecans: Scatter the pecan halves over the batter, ensuring even distribution.
2. Sprinkle the Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the packed brown sugar over the pecans and batter, creating a sweet layer that will caramelize during baking.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Syrup

1. Combine Corn Syrup and Boiling Water: In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup and boiling water until fully mixed.
2. Pour the Syrup Over the Batter: Carefully pour the hot syrup mixture over the pecan and batter mixture in the baking dish. Don’t stir, as the syrup will settle during baking to create a luscious, caramel-like layer.

Step 5: Bake the Cobbler

1. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. The top should be golden, with a bubbly, caramelized syrup around the edges.
2. Cool Slightly: Allow the cobbler to cool for about 10-15 minutes so that the flavors can set and the syrup thickens.

Step 6: Serve

1. Scoop and Serve: Serve warm, scooping up the gooey syrup from the bottom of the dish with each serving. This cobbler is excellent on its own but becomes truly indulgent with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 10 servings):

• Calories: ~350
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portions.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
A: Yes, walnuts or almonds can work as substitutes, but pecans are traditional for this southern-inspired dish and offer a rich, buttery flavor.

Q: Do I have to use corn syrup in this recipe?
A: Corn syrup is essential for achieving the gooey, caramel-like consistency in the syrup. You could try substituting with maple syrup or honey, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

Q: Can I prepare the cobbler ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cobbler in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving. However, it’s best served warm to fully enjoy the gooey texture.

Q: How do I know when the cobbler is done?
A: The cobbler is ready when the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbling. You should also notice a cake-like texture on top with a soft, syrupy layer underneath.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pecan Cobbler:

1. Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh pecans have a richer taste and better texture. If you’re using older pecans, consider toasting them briefly to enhance their flavor.
2. Avoid Stirring the Syrup: When adding the boiling syrup mixture, don’t stir it with the batter. This allows the layers to form during baking, giving you that characteristic cobbler texture.
3. Serve Warm: Pecan cobbler is best enjoyed warm, allowing the syrup to be gooey and luscious. If it’s cooled completely, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds.
4. Enhance with Spices: For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. These spices pair beautifully with the pecans and brown sugar.

Storage Tips:

• At Room Temperature: The pecan cobbler can be kept at room temperature, covered, for up to two days. However, for optimal freshness, it’s best stored in the refrigerator after the first day.
• In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the entire dish in a low oven (about 300°F) until heated through.
• In the Freezer: Pecan cobbler freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.

Serving Suggestions:

Southern Pecan Cobbler is perfect for serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream balances the warm, rich cobbler beautifully. For an extra touch, drizzle caramel sauce on top or sprinkle a dash of cinnamon.

Conclusion:

This Southern Pecan Cobbler recipe is a true comfort dessert, offering layers of gooey, buttery, nutty goodness with every bite. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for impressing family and friends or simply treating yourself. Whether served at a holiday dinner, a potluck, or just because, this dessert is bound to be a hit. Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of southern hospitality with this classic pecan cobbler recipe!