Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pecan Cobbler
This Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pecan Cobbler is irresistibly soft and gooey, featuring a sweet potato cake with crunchy pecans and a rich, gooey bottom layer. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this comforting fall dessert is full of cozy flavors.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted butter
Pecans
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Cinnamon
Optional: pumpkin pie spice
Granulated sugar
Milk of choice
Sweet potato puree (canned or homemade - see notes section in the recipe card below for homemade version)
Brown sugar, light or dark
Hot water
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Why You’ll Love a Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pecan Cobbler:
Perfectly Gooey Texture: This cobbler offers the best of both worlds—a soft and gooey bottom layer that pairs beautifully with the tender sweet potato cake on top, giving you a rich, satisfying bite every time.
Warm, Cozy Fall Flavors: With earthy sweet potatoes, nutty brown butter, and crunchy pecans, this cobbler captures all the comforting flavors of fall in one delicious dessert.
Brown Butter for Added Depth: The brown butter gives the cobbler a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the sweet potatoes and pecans, making it an indulgent treat.
Crunchy Pecan Topping: The pecans add a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the gooey and soft textures of the cobbler, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Served Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: When served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cobbler transforms into a decadent dessert, with the cold ice cream melting into the hot, gooey layers.
Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor, this cobbler is simple to prepare, making it a go-to dessert for holiday gatherings or cozy fall evenings.
Unique Take on a Classic: Combining sweet potatoes and pecans in a cobbler gives this dessert a unique twist on the traditional fruit cobbler, offering something different and exciting.
Comfort Food at Its Best: This cobbler is the ultimate comfort food, with its warm, soft, and gooey layers that will have you craving seconds.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner, a weekend dessert, or just to satisfy your fall cravings, this cobbler is sure to impress.
Great Use of Sweet Potatoes: If you love sweet potatoes, this cobbler gives you a delicious way to use them in a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Tips for Making a Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pecan Cobbler:
Brown the Butter for Rich Flavor: Brown the butter slowly over medium heat until golden brown with a nutty aroma. This step enhances the richness of the cobbler and adds depth to the sweet potatoes and pecans.
Mix the Batter Gently: Avoid over-mixing the batter when combining the ingredients. Over-mixing can result in a denser cake. You want a soft, tender cake layer that balances the gooey bottom.
Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the cobbler brings out their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch to the topping, making the cobbler even more delicious.
Pour Hot Water Over the Batter: After layering the batter and sprinkling the brown sugar topping, pour hot water evenly over the entire cobbler. This step is essential for creating the gooey bottom during baking as the water interacts with the brown sugar and butter.
Don’t Stir After Adding Water: Once you’ve poured the hot water over the batter, resist the urge to stir. This will allow the water to sink through the layers, forming the gooey, caramel-like base as it bakes.
Bake Until Set but Gooey: Bake the cobbler until the top is golden brown and set, but the bottom remains soft and gooey. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cobbler and reduce its gooey texture.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly after baking. This helps the layers set while still maintaining the warm, gooey consistency that pairs perfectly with ice cream.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve the cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the gooey, warm cobbler layers.
Add Spices for Warmth: Enhance the flavor by adding warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato batter. These spices complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and the nutty flavor of the pecans.
Make It Ahead: Prepare the cobbler in advance and reheat it before serving. Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven to retain its soft and gooey texture.
Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: For the best flavor, use fresh sweet potatoes. They lend a natural sweetness and smooth texture that perfectly complement the brown butter and pecan topping.
How to Store a Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pecan Cobbler:
Room Temperature (Same Day): If you plan to enjoy the cobbler on the same day, you can store it covered at room temperature for up to 6-8 hours. Reheat it slightly before serving to maintain the warm, gooey texture.
Refrigeration (Up to 4 Days): Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or microwave to bring back its soft and gooey consistency.
Freezing (Up to 2 Months): For longer storage, freeze the cobbler in individual portions or as a whole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Reheating for Best Texture: To reheat, warm the cobbler in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30-45 seconds. Reheating in the oven will help restore the gooey texture of the bottom layer and keep the top crisp.
Store Without Ice Cream: If serving with vanilla ice cream, store the cobbler separately. Only add the ice cream when ready to serve to maintain the contrast between the warm cobbler and cold ice cream.
Store the Cobbler in Layers: If freezing or refrigerating, store the cobbler in individual servings or layer with parchment paper between pieces to avoid sticking. This makes it easy to reheat individual portions without losing the cobbler’s shape or texture.
Reheat and Add Fresh Toppings: After reheating, consider adding a fresh drizzle of brown butter or a sprinkle of toasted pecans to enhance the flavor and texture before serving.
Avoid Storing in the Baking Dish: If you’ve made the cobbler in a large baking dish, transfer leftovers to an airtight container for better storage and to prevent it from drying out.
Serving After Storing: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cobbler warm after reheating. This will restore the soft, gooey bottom layer and ensure that each bite is full of flavor.
Revive Sogginess with the Oven: If the cobbler becomes slightly soggy after storing, pop it in the oven uncovered to help crisp the top while maintaining the gooey bottom layer.
FAQs:
Q: What makes the cobbler have a gooey bottom?
A: The gooey bottom layer is created by pouring hot water over the top of the batter and brown sugar before baking. This step allows the water to seep through the batter, mixing with the butter and sugar to create a caramel-like, gooey base.
Q: Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the cobbler ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Q: How do I store leftover cobbler?
A: Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cobbler for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: How do I reheat the cobbler without losing the gooey texture?
A: Reheat the cobbler in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30-45 seconds. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the gooey bottom and crisp the top slightly.
Q: Can I freeze the cobbler?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cobbler for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I add other spices or flavors to the cobbler?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of ginger to the sweet potato batter to enhance the warm, cozy flavors.
Q: Should I toast the pecans before adding them to the cobbler?
A: Toasting the pecans is optional but highly recommended. It enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delicious crunch that complements the gooey cobbler.
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
A: While fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and mash them before adding to the batter.
Q: How should I serve the cobbler?
A: This cobbler is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot, gooey cobbler and the cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
Q: Can I make this recipe without nuts?
A: Yes, you can omit the pecans if you prefer or have a nut allergy. The cobbler will still have a delicious soft and gooey texture with a sweet potato cake base.
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