Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires no fancy equipment or complicated steps—just mix, pour, and bake!
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder in both the batter and the topping delivers an intense chocolate taste.
- Decadent Sauce: As it bakes, the cobbler creates its own gooey chocolate sauce beneath a tender cake-like topping.
- Great for Crowds: Baked in a 9×13-inch dish, it’s ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family desserts.
Ingredients
- For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole or your preferred type)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups boiling water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven and Melt Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it melt in the oven. Once melted, remove the dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish without stirring.
- Add the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Gently pour the boiling water over the topping; do not stir.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is set and has a slight crust, while the bottom remains gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for 15-20 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 8-10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder into the batter for added depth.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover the cooled cobbler and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
FAQs
What is Southern Chocolate Cobbler?
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a traditional Southern dessert featuring a cake-like topping with a rich, fudgy sauce beneath, similar to a molten lava cake but easier to prepare.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour by omitting the baking powder and salt. For gluten-free options, use a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
Is it necessary to use boiling water?
Yes, pouring boiling water over the topping helps create the gooey chocolate sauce beneath the cake layer.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Folding in chocolate chips can enhance the chocolate flavor and add texture.
How should I serve chocolate cobbler?
It’s best served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
You can omit it or substitute with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this cobbler dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives.
Why is my cobbler too runny?
The cobbler should have a gooey sauce, but if it’s excessively runny, it may need additional baking time. Ensure you allow it to cool slightly to let the sauce thicken.
Southern Chocolate Cobbler
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in Southern Chocolate Cobbler, a classic dessert with a rich, fudgy sauce beneath a tender, brownie-like cake. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting treat for chocolate lovers, this easy-to-make recipe is ready in about an hour and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole or preferred type)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat and Melt Butter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it melt in the oven. Remove and set aside. - Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, mix sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour batter over melted butter without stirring. - Add the Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Gently pour boiling water on top; do not stir. - Bake:
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is set and slightly crusted while the bottom remains gooey. - Cool and Serve:
Allow cobbler to cool for 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Variations:
- Add nuts (pecans or walnuts) for crunch.
- Spice it up with cinnamon or espresso powder for a richer flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
