Gooey Pecan Pull-Apart Bake

Indulge in the heartwarming embrace of fall with our Pecan Pie Bubble Up – a truly effortless dessert that captures the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie in a fun, shareable format. This recipe transforms simple biscuit pieces into a gooey, sweet delight drenched in a luscious homemade pecan pie sauce, promising to become your go-to autumn treat!

The Irresistible Allure of Pecan Pie Bubble Up: A Decadent Fall Delight

Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite fall dessert: Pecan Pie Bubble Up. This dish is pure decadence, marrying the comforting flavors of traditional pecan pie with an incredibly easy-to-make presentation. As a devout pecan pie enthusiast, I can confidently say this “bubble up” rendition offers a new and exciting way to savor those beloved flavors. Each bite delivers tender biscuit pieces swimming in a rich, gooey pecan filling that caramelizes to perfection, creating an irresistible sauce that begs to be spooned over every serving. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to whip up, making it ideal for cozy family evenings or festive gatherings. The charm lies not just in its taste, but also in its playful name and inviting appearance – truly a feast for the senses.

A plate of Pecan Bubble Up, showcasing its gooey texture and golden-brown biscuits.

Demystifying the Bubble Up Phenomenon: What Makes This Dessert So Special?

If you’re new to the world of “bubble up” desserts, you’re in for a delightful discovery! The name perfectly describes what happens during baking: the biscuit pieces expand and “bubble up” as they cook, creating a wonderfully fluffy and tender texture amidst the rich sauce. This method is incredibly versatile and popular for good reason – it’s a fantastic shortcut to creating delicious, impressive desserts with minimal effort. Instead of rolling out dough or preparing a complex crust, you simply cut up canned biscuits and let them do the heavy lifting. The result is a comforting, rustic dessert that’s perfect for sharing, where every scoop offers a harmonious blend of soft dough and sweet, flavorful filling. It’s a creative way to enjoy pie-inspired flavors without the fuss, making it a cute and simple go-to for any occasion, especially during the autumn season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Bubble Up

Isn’t corn syrup the same as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)?

No, these are distinctly different ingredients, and it’s a common misconception that often leads to confusion. Many people seek substitutes for corn syrup due to this misunderstanding. Corn syrup, specifically light corn syrup as used in this recipe, is 100% glucose. It’s primarily used in recipes to prevent sugar crystallization and to add moisture and a smooth texture. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), on the other hand, undergoes a more extensive processing where some of its glucose is enzymatically converted to fructose. HFCS is typically found in many processed foods and soft drinks. They are not interchangeable in recipes requiring the specific properties of traditional corn syrup. If you absolutely need a substitute for light corn syrup, honey or maple syrup can offer a similar liquid texture, but be aware they are less sweet and have distinct flavors. They also tend to become more liquid when heated, which might affect the final consistency of your bubble up. Therefore, using light corn syrup is highly recommended for the best results in this recipe.

What should I top this delicious dessert with?

While our Pecan Pie Bubble Up is undeniably delicious on its own, with its rich, gooey sauce providing ample flavor, a few additional toppings can elevate it even further. For a classic touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dessert’s richness. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is another fantastic option, melting slightly into the warm bubble up for an indulgent experience. For a simple yet elegant finish, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation. Don’t hesitate to get creative; a drizzle of caramel sauce or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes could also be delightful additions, depending on your preference.

Do I need to bake this Pecan Pie Bubble Up covered or uncovered?

For optimal results, I strongly suggest baking this Pecan Pie Bubble Up uncovered. Baking it uncovered allows the biscuits to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust on top and helps the sauce caramelize and thicken properly along the edges, developing a richer flavor. However, if you notice the top browning too quickly during the last portion of the baking time, and the center still seems undercooked, you can lightly tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent further browning while allowing the inside to finish baking through evenly.

Could I incorporate some fall spices into this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding fall spices is an excellent way to introduce an extra layer of warmth and complexity to your Pecan Pie Bubble Up. Feel free to stir in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice blend or ground cinnamon into the pecan mixture along with the other wet ingredients. These spices perfectly complement the nutty and sweet notes of the pecan pie filling, enhancing that quintessential autumn flavor profile. You could also experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice for a truly unique twist, tailoring the flavors to your personal preference.

Can I prepare this Pecan Pie Bubble Up ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is wonderfully accommodating for make-ahead preparation, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weekdays. You can assemble the entire bubble up mixture in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours (one day) before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply pull it out of the fridge and bake as directed. Keep in mind that baking it from a cold state might require an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time to ensure it cooks through completely and achieves that perfect golden crust and bubbly edges.

How should I store leftover Pecan Pie Bubble Up?

Proper storage ensures your Pecan Pie Bubble Up remains delicious for days. Once cooled to room temperature, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’ve made a larger batch or want to enjoy it later, this dessert freezes beautifully. Simply wrap it securely in foil and then place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick treat, or for larger portions, place the covered dish in a preheated oven until warmed through, usually at around 300°F (150°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out.

A white dessert plate with a generous serving of Pecan Pie Bubble Up, garnished with powdered sugar.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Pecan Pie Bubble Up

Crafting this delightful Pecan Pie Bubble Up requires a handful of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and gooey deliciousness. Below, we delve into the details of what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and potential substitutions.

  • Light Corn Syrup: This is a key player in achieving the signature gooey, chewy texture of pecan pie filling, preventing sugar crystallization and adding body. As clarified in our FAQ section above, light corn syrup is not the same as high fructose corn syrup. For the best consistency and flavor, we recommend sticking to light corn syrup. If a substitution is absolutely necessary, honey or maple syrup can be used, but note that they will alter the flavor profile and might result in a slightly thinner sauce when heated.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Providing a subtle molasses flavor and contributing to the caramelization, light brown sugar is essential for the depth of the pecan pie sauce. Some bakers prefer dark brown sugar for a more intense, deeper molasses note, which you can certainly try if you enjoy a richer flavor. Always make sure to pack your brown sugar firmly when measuring to ensure accurate quantities.
  • Salted Butter: The butter adds a rich, luscious mouthfeel and contributes to the overall flavor of the sauce. For this recipe, the butter needs to be melted, which saves you the step of waiting for it to soften—a common requirement in many other baked goods. Just be sure to let the melted butter cool slightly before incorporating it into the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling. If you only have unsalted butter, you can use it, but consider adding an extra pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
  • Large Eggs: Eggs act as a vital binding agent in the pecan pie filling, helping the sauce to set and create that beautiful, smooth consistency. While the recipe calls for large eggs, if you only have medium or extra-large on hand, they can generally be substituted without a significant impact on the final outcome. The slight variation in size won’t drastically alter the dessert.
  • Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract is crucial for enhancing all the sweet and nutty flavors in the bubble up. Opt for a good quality pure vanilla extract for the best aromatic results. It provides a warm, inviting backdrop that complements the pecans perfectly.
  • Pillsbury Grands Homestyle Biscuits: These canned biscuits are the hero of the “bubble up” concept, offering a convenient and delicious base. Their flaky layers and tender crumb are ideal for soaking up the rich pecan pie sauce. We recommend using a total of 10 biscuits for this recipe to ensure the right ratio of biscuit to sauce. If you can’t find a can of exactly 10, you might need to combine an 8-count can with two biscuits from another. While you *could* technically use canned cinnamon rolls, be mindful that this recipe is already quite sweet, and cinnamon rolls might make it overwhelmingly sugary.
  • Chopped Pecans: It wouldn’t be Pecan Pie Bubble Up without the star ingredient! Chopped pecans provide the signature crunchy texture and distinct nutty flavor that defines this dessert. While you technically could omit them, we highly recommend keeping them for an authentic experience. We do not suggest substituting with walnuts, as their flavor profile is quite different and might not deliver the desired pecan pie essence. Lightly toasting your pecans before adding them can also deepen their flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for the simple, elegant glaze that finishes the dish. It dissolves easily to create a smooth, pourable icing.
  • Milk: A small amount of milk is whisked with the powdered sugar to create the glaze, adjusting its consistency to your liking. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
A vibrant collage of ingredients: light corn syrup, eggs, butter, milk, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, canned biscuits, chopped pecans, and powdered sugar, neatly arranged for baking Pecan Pie Bubble Up.

Crafting Your Perfect Pecan Pie Bubble Up: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this delightful Pecan Pie Bubble Up is a straightforward process that yields incredibly impressive results. Follow these simple steps to bring this fall favorite to life in your kitchen.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking dish by lightly spraying a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray. This crucial step will ensure your bubble up releases easily after baking, preventing any sticky situations. Set the prepared dish aside.

A collage showing two key steps: a small mixing bowl containing the wet ingredients (corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla) being whisked, and raw biscuits neatly cut into small, uniform pieces ready for the mixture.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the light corn syrup, packed light brown sugar, cooled melted butter, large eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. This forms the luscious, gooey sauce that will coat your biscuits. Next, take your canned biscuits and cut each one into eight equal pieces. Add these biscuit pieces directly into the bowl with your prepared sauce, along with the chopped pecans.

A collage illustrating two preparation stages: chopped pecans and biscuit pieces thoroughly coated in the rich pecan pie sauce in a mixing bowl, and the unbaked pecan pie bubble up mixture evenly spread in a baking dish, ready for the oven.

Using a spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together until every piece of biscuit and every pecan is thoroughly coated in the rich, sweet sauce. Take care not to overmix, as this can toughen the biscuits. Once everything is evenly coated, pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

A collage showing two stages: the freshly baked Pecan Pie Bubble Up in its baking dish, golden brown and bubbling, and a small mixing bowl containing powdered sugar and milk whisked together to form a smooth glaze.

Bake the Pecan Pie Bubble Up for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the edges are visibly bubbly. The center might still have a slight jiggle, which indicates a perfectly gooey interior. If you notice the top browning too rapidly before the cook time is complete, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This cooling period is important as it helps the rich pecan filling to set up, resulting in a cleaner, less runny dessert. While it cools, prepare your simple glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the milk amount slightly if you prefer a thicker or thinner glaze.

A full baking dish of golden-brown Pecan Pie Bubble Up, glistening with its rich, gooey topping.

Finally, generously pour the prepared glaze evenly over the warm Pecan Pie Bubble Up. Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, for an unforgettable fall dessert experience. Enjoy!

More Irresistible Bubble Up Recipes & Sweet Treats

If you loved this Pecan Pie Bubble Up, you’ll be thrilled to discover the versatility of bubble up desserts and other comforting sweets. Explore these other fantastic recipes that are just as easy and delicious:

  • Apple Pie Bubble Up
  • Peach Bubble Up
  • Blackberry Bubble Up
  • Blueberry Bubble Up
  • Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up
  • Cherry Pie Bubble Up
  • Cheeseburger Bubble Up
  • Bubble Up Pizza
  • Bubble Up Lasagna
  • Taco Bubble Up
  • Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up
  • Southern Pecan Pie
A serving of Pecan Pie Bubble Up being lifted from the baking dish, showcasing its gooey layers and golden-brown biscuits.
A serving utensil holding some Pecan Pie Bubble Up.

Pecan Pie Bubble Up

Pecan Pie Bubble Up is made with biscuit pieces covered in a homemade pecan pie sauce that will become a new (easy!) fall favorite dessert!

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Setting Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Brandie Skibinski
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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups light corn syrup
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup salted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 (6 ounce) cans Pillsbury Grands Homestyle biscuits
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it thoroughly with cooking spray and set it aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, light brown sugar, melted butter (ensure it’s slightly cooled), eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous.
    A small mixing bowl with corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
  • Unroll your biscuits and cut each one into 8 equal pieces. Add these biscuit pieces along with the chopped pecans into the bowl containing the wet mixture.
    A few biscuits cut into small pieces.
  • Gently fold all the ingredients together using a spatula, ensuring that the biscuit pieces and pecans are thoroughly coated in the rich pecan pie sauce. Be careful not to overmix.
    Chopped pecans and biscuits in the sauce in a bowl.
  • Pour the entire mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
    A baking dish with some unbaked pecan pie bubble up.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The center will still be slightly jiggly, which is normal for a gooey texture. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
    Fresh baked Pecan Pie Bublbe Up.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the bubble up to cool at room temperature on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This cooling period is essential for the filling to set up properly.
  • After the 20-minute cooling period, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable.
    Powdered sugar and milk in a small mixing bowl.
  • Drizzle or pour the glaze generously over the Pecan Pie Bubble Up.
    A baking dish full of Pecan Pie Bubble Up.
  • Serve warm and enjoy your decadent Pecan Pie Bubble Up!
    Some Pecan Pie Bubble Up being held above the baking dish.

Video

Notes

  • For more detailed information on ingredients, substitutions, and answers to common questions, please refer to our comprehensive FAQ’s and ingredient list above.
  • While canned cinnamon rolls can be used as an alternative to biscuits, please note that this recipe is already quite sweet. Using cinnamon rolls might make the final dessert overly sugary, so adjust to your taste preferences.
  • To store leftovers, cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container or wrapped well in foil. Reheat in the oven (covered with foil) or microwave until warmed through.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 884kcal | Carbohydrates: 134g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 39g | Sodium: 688mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 105g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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