Southern Chocolate Cobbler

If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts that are both comforting and irresistible, then Southern Chocolate Cobbler is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the perfect marriage of gooey chocolate cake and decadent fudgy sauce, all baked into one warm, melty, and satisfying dessert. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—rich, chocolaty, and deeply satisfying.

This dessert is the epitome of Southern comfort food, and let me tell you, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’ll definitely steal the show!

Why You’ll Love Southern Chocolate Cobbler

This dessert is so much more than just a chocolate treat—it’s about creating memories and moments that everyone will cherish. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Warm and Comforting

There’s something about a warm, fudgy dessert that just feels right, especially when it’s chocolatey goodness that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert you crave on a cozy night in.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You won’t need to go searching for exotic ingredients—this recipe uses simple pantry staples, but the result is a dessert that’s as rich and decadent as anything you’d find at a fancy bakery.

Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few minutes of prep and minimal effort, you’ll have this dessert baking away in the oven. It’s so easy, even novice bakers can make it with confidence.

Perfectly Gooey

The magic of Southern Chocolate Cobbler is in its texture. The batter creates a crust that forms on top while the hot, gooey chocolate sauce bubbles up from beneath, making each bite an irresistible blend of cakey and fudgy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Southern delight:

  • Sugar: For sweetness and to help create that rich, fudgy sauce.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds that deep, chocolate flavor that’s essential to this dish.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cobbler that gives it structure and helps form the cake-like topping.
  • Baking Powder: Provides the lift for the batter to form that perfect cobbler crust.
  • Salt: To balance out the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create that gooey sauce when combined with the sugar and cocoa powder.
  • Butter: A key ingredient for richness and flavor. Plus, it adds to that comforting, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth to the overall flavor of the cobbler.
  • Boiling Water: This may seem odd, but trust me—it’s the secret to creating that luscious, fudgy sauce beneath the cake layer.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps that will bring this Southern Chocolate Cobbler to life!

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that the cobbler bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the cobbler from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture is the foundation for the chocolatey goodness that’s coming.

Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is combined into a thick, smooth batter.

Spread the Batter in the Dish

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Don’t worry about it looking perfectly smooth—it’s supposed to look a little rustic!

Pour Over the Boiling Water

Now comes the secret step. Pour the boiling water evenly over the batter. It may look a bit odd, but trust the process! This will form the rich chocolate sauce beneath the cobbler’s crust.

Bake the Cobbler

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The cobbler will develop a beautiful golden crust with a gooey, chocolate sauce at the bottom.

Let it Cool Slightly

Once out of the oven, let the cobbler sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to settle, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve this warm and decadent cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 375
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 49g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 39g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Southern Chocolate Cobbler

This dessert is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more indulgent:

  • Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing. Scoop a generous serving of vanilla ice cream on top for a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, fudgy cobbler.
  • Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream is the perfect topping for this rich dessert.
  • Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
  • Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra layer of gooey chocolate goodness.

Additional Tips

  • Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just add the wet ingredients and bake when you’re ready!
  • Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar slightly. The chocolate sauce will still be rich and flavorful.
  • Try It with Different Ice Cream Flavors: Don’t just stop at vanilla—chocolate, caramel, or even cinnamon ice cream would be delicious on top of this warm cobbler.
  • Store Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds for the best experience.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of sweetened cocoa powder?

A1: Yes, but you’ll need to add more sugar to balance the flavor. Use about 1 cup of sugar if you use unsweetened cocoa powder.

Q2: Can I make this in a larger pan?

A2: Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on it. You may need to bake it a little longer.

Q3: Can I substitute the milk for a non-dairy alternative?

A3: Yes! Feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice.

Q4: Can I freeze this cobbler?

A4: While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the cobbler for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick dessert fix.

Q6: Can I add nuts to this dessert?

A6: Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and flavor to the cobbler. Add them to the batter before baking.

Q7: How can I make the cobbler extra gooey?

A7: To make it extra gooey, bake it for a slightly shorter time—about 30-35 minutes—and serve while it’s still soft and warm.

Q8: Can I make this in individual servings?

A8: Yes! You can bake this cobbler in ramekins for single-serving portions. Just adjust the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

A9: Absolutely! Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and keep an eye on the baking time.

Q10: What’s the best way to serve this dessert at a party?

A10: Make it in individual ramekins for easy serving. Top with whipped cream or ice cream for a show-stopping dessert everyone will love.

Conclusion

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is one of those desserts that will steal your heart with its warm, gooey, chocolatey goodness. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dessert that feels like it came from grandma’s kitchen but with a modern twist. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dessert is bound to impress—and disappear in record time!

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Southern Chocolate Cobbler


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a rich, decadent dessert with a gooey, fudgy chocolate center and a crispy, cake-like topping. This indulgent treat is a perfect combination of warm chocolate goodness and comfort, making it ideal for any occasion. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible, it’s a dessert that will please any sweet tooth!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
  3. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the hot water and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the batter (do not stir). The liquid will create the sauce that forms during baking.
  6. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the batter if using.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are lightly golden, but the center is still slightly gooey.
  8. Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving.
  9. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

  • This dessert is best served warm and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • If you want an extra chocolatey experience, increase the amount of cocoa powder or add more chocolate chips.
  • You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and can be reheated in the microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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