Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or another similarly sized casserole dish. For convenience, line the dish with parchment paper, making cleanup easier later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir until the ingredients are evenly blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Batter

Add the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a smooth batter forms, ensuring no lumps remain. Next, spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Pecan Topping

Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the batter. Then, mix the brown sugar and granulated sugar in a small bowl, and sprinkle the mixture on top of the pecans.

Step 5: Create the Caramel Sauce

Heat the water until it’s hot but not boiling, and stir in the melted butter. Pour this mixture carefully over the batter in the dish, ensuring even coverage. Do not stir; the liquid will sink through the sugar and batter layers during baking, forming a luscious caramel sauce at the bottom.

Step 6: Bake the Cobbler

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. During baking, the batter will rise to the top, creating a golden cake-like layer. The caramel sauce will thicken and settle at the bottom, creating the cobbler’s signature texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cobbler cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm, scooping each portion to include both the soft cake layer and the caramel sauce. For a special treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.