1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for baking the cobbler evenly and allowing the caramel sauce to form.
- Choose an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides to prevent bubbling over during baking. A dish with high sides also helps maintain the dessert’s signature layers.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These dry ingredients form the foundation of the cobbler, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a smaller bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and vanilla extract until smooth. The pumpkin puree not only adds flavor but also keeps the cake moist.
4. Create the Batter
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until a thick, cohesive batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
5. Assemble the Cobbler Base
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared casserole dish, ensuring it reaches all corners.
6. Prepare the Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. This sweet and nutty mixture will form a delightful crust on the cobbler.
- Sprinkle the sugar-pecan mixture evenly over the batter.
7. Add the Magic Ingredient
- Carefully pour the very hot water over the entire surface of the cobbler. It’s essential not to stir this step, as the water helps create the gooey caramel sauce during baking.
8. Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the center is just set. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should be bubbling with caramel.
9. Cool and Serve
- Allow the cobbler to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period lets the layers set while keeping the dessert warm and inviting. Serve with extra pecans and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.