Print

Lighter Pecan Pie Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

lighter pecan pie cobbler - featured image

A lighter version of classic pecan pie cobbler with a gooey caramel-like bottom and golden crisp topping, served with vanilla ice cream. This dessert feels indulgent but doesn’t leave you feeling heavy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup milk (2% or any milk)
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your 8×8-inch baking dish inside while the oven heats up.
  2. Toast the pecans: Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. Set aside to cool.
  3. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Fold in the applesauce until fully incorporated.
  4. Stir in the pecans: Add the toasted pecans to the filling mixture and stir until every piece is coated.
  5. Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir just until combined (a few lumps are fine).
  6. Assemble the cobbler: Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Pour the pecan filling into the dish and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the topping batter over the filling, leaving some gaps.
  7. Bake: Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  8. Cool slightly: Let the cobbler rest on a cooling rack for at least 10-15 minutes.
  9. Serve warm: Scoop into bowls and top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Don’t skip toasting the pecans for best flavor. Let the cobbler rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie cobbler, lighter dessert, pecan dessert, cobbler, vanilla ice cream, Thanksgiving dessert, easy dessert