Name: Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¾ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups boiling water

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There’s chocolate cake, and then there’s chocolate cobbler. If you’ve never had this Southern classic, you’re in for a treat—literally. Imagine a rich, gooey, molten layer of chocolate hiding beneath a soft, cake-like topping. It’s like magic in a baking dish, where the ingredients transform into something warm, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. This is the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes with that first bite and say, “Oh wow.” Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just need a quick and impressive sweet fix, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Southern Chocolate Cobbler

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this dish fits the occasion perfectly. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it warm with ice cream, drizzle it with caramel, or eat it straight from the dish—no rules here!

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples, so you don’t have to make a special grocery run.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Customizable: Add nuts, a hint of espresso, or even a splash of vanilla to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. This dessert is pure comfort food, and everyone will be coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Here’s the magic of this dessert—it’s made with basic ingredients, yet the result is rich and decadent. Let’s break it down:

Flour: The base of the cake layer, giving structure and texture.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and enhances the deep chocolate flavor.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The key to that rich, chocolatey goodness.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend everything together.

Vanilla Extract: A little splash goes a long way in enhancing the flavors.

Butter: Melted butter gives the cobbler a rich, buttery finish.

Brown Sugar: Creates a caramelized, gooey layer underneath the cake.

Boiling Water: The secret ingredient that turns this dessert into a self-saucing masterpiece.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and the perfect consistency for your cobbler.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This creates a well-balanced base for your dessert.

Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth, but don’t overmix.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier.

Spread and Layer

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle brown sugar and additional cocoa powder evenly over the top. Do not stir—it’s supposed to look messy!

Add the Magic Touch

Slowly pour boiling water over the top of the batter. It might seem strange, but trust the process—this is what creates the gooey chocolate sauce underneath.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set but the bottom is still slightly gooey. The magic happens while it bakes, forming a luscious chocolate sauce beneath the cake.

Let It Cool

Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly while keeping that irresistible molten texture.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out a generous portion while it’s still warm, and serve with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, the combination of warm chocolate and cold ice cream is pure bliss.

Notes

Servings: 6-8

Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 kcal (varies based on ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Southern Chocolate Cobbler

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

With Ice Cream: Vanilla is a classic choice, but caramel or coffee-flavored ice cream would also be amazing.
With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cobbler.
With Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries bring a hint of tartness to balance the chocolatey sweetness.
Drizzled with Caramel: A little drizzle of caramel sauce takes this dessert over the top.
With Espresso or Coffee: The bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor.

Additional Tips

Don’t stir the layers! The magic of this cobbler happens when the batter, sugar, and water are layered properly.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
Serve it warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave for a quick dessert fix.
Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted chocolate twist.

Faq’s

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! While it’s best served fresh, you can make it a few hours in advance and reheat before serving.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Yes, but the flavor might be slightly different. Natural cocoa powder gives a deeper, more traditional taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend.

Why do I need to pour boiling water over the top?
This creates the gooey chocolate sauce underneath—it’s what makes this dish a cobbler rather than just a cake.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Can I add nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch.

Can I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, non-dairy milk works just fine!

What if my cobbler is too dry?
It’s likely overbaked. Try reducing the baking time by a few minutes next time.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I freeze this?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions in airtight containers and reheat later.

Conclusion

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is the ultimate comfort dessert—simple, rich, and totally indulgent. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just because you need a chocolate fix, this recipe is a surefire winner. So go ahead, grab a spoon, and dig in. You deserve it!

Southern Chocolate Cobbler

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a rich and decadent dessert with a fudgy, molten chocolate sauce beneath a soft, cake-like topping. This classic Southern treat is perfect when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir in milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter.
Add the hot water: Gently pour the boiling water over the batter and topping. Do not stir—this will create the gooey chocolate sauce as it bakes.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is set and slightly crisp but the bottom remains gooey.
Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. The cobbler will have a soft, pudding-like layer underneath the cake. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

For extra richness, use dark cocoa powder.
Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated.