Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated steps—just mix, pour, and bake!
  • Rich Chocolate Flavor: With cocoa powder in both the batter and the topping, this cobbler delivers an intense chocolate taste that chocolate lovers will adore.
  • Decadent Sauce: The magic of this cobbler is how it creates its own gooey chocolate sauce underneath a tender cake-like topping as it bakes.
  • Great for Crowds: This recipe is made in a 9×13-inch baking dish, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to impress guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Butter: I use salted butter, but feel free to use unsalted if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Granulated Sugar: You can also use coconut sugar or your preferred sugar substitute.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
  • Self-Rising Flour: If you don’t have self-rising flour, use all-purpose flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt.
  • Milk: Whole milk is best, but low-fat, oat milk, or buttermilk also work.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a nice depth of flavor—use a good-quality vanilla for the best results.

For the Topping:

  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the rich chocolate sauce.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Creates that fudgy, chocolatey layer.
  • Boiling Water: Helps create the gooey sauce beneath the cobbler.

Directions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it in the oven to melt while the oven heats. Once the butter is melted, carefully remove the dish and set it aside.
  2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups self-rising flour, 1 cup whole milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Assemble the Cobbler: Spoon the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. DO NOT STIR—the batter should float on top of the butter.
  4. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
  5. Add Boiling Water: Slowly pour 3 cups of boiling water over the sugar and cocoa topping. Again, DO NOT STIR—this is crucial for creating the cobbler’s signature sauce.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and has a slight crust. The bottom will still be a little loose and saucy, which is exactly what you want!
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving. Scoop the warm cobbler into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
  • Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.
  • Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes.
  • Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes.

Variations

  • Nutty Addition: Fold in a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
  • Spiced Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a warm, spicy kick.
  • Mocha Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the boiling water before pouring it over the topping mixture to enhance the chocolate flavor with a hint of coffee.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the baked cobbler in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

What is a chocolate cobbler?

A chocolate cobbler is a classic Southern dessert featuring a cake-like topping with a rich, fudgy sauce underneath, similar to a molten lava cake but easier to prepare.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, if you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all-purpose flour combined with baking powder and a pinch of salt as a substitute.

How do I make self-rising flour at home?

To make self-rising flour, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

Yes, you can use your preferred sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar to suit your dietary needs.

Is it necessary to use boiling water in the recipe?

Yes, pouring boiling water over the topping mixture is crucial as it helps create the gooey chocolate sauce beneath the cake-like topping.

Can I add nuts to the cobbler?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor.

How should I store leftover chocolate cobbler?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze chocolate cobbler?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cobbler in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat chocolate cobbler?

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through, or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes.

What toppings go well with chocolate cobbler?

Serving the cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice

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Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this Southern Chocolate Cobbler! Featuring a tender, cake-like topping and a luscious, fudgy chocolate sauce, this crowd-pleaser is simple to make and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, pair it with vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.

 

Ingredients

  • For the Batter:
    • 1/2 cup salted butter
    • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
    • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 2 cups self-rising flour
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Topping:
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 3 cups boiling water

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven and Melt Butter:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it melt in the oven. Once melted, remove the dish and set it aside.
  • Prepare Batter:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, self-rising flour, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Spoon the batter over the melted butter without stirring.
  • Add Topping:
    In a separate bowl, mix sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter.
  • Add Boiling Water:
    Gently pour boiling water over the topping. Do not stir.
  • Bake:
    Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the top has a slight crust and the bottom is gooey. Let cool for 15-20 minutes.
  • Serve:
    Scoop into bowls while warm and serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Use all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt as a substitute for self-rising flour.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy chocolate kick or instant coffee for mocha flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

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