Southern Chocolate Cobbler 😋
This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a decadent, gooey dessert that combines a rich chocolate cake-like batter with a molten, syrupy topping. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert—warm, indulgent, and perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of luxury.
Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible Southern treat step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Chocolatey : A deep chocolate flavor with a gooey, molten topping that’s pure indulgence.
- Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Sharing : A crowd-pleasing dessert that’s great for potlucks, family dinners, or holidays.
- Customizable : Add nuts, spices, or serve with different toppings like ice cream or caramel sauce.
- Comfort Food at Its Best : Warm, gooey, and satisfying—a true Southern classic.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted 🧈
- 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 🥛
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2 cups granulated sugar 🍬
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
- 4 cups hot water 💧
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter , 1 1/2 cups sugar , and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder . Stir until smooth.
- Add the flour , baking powder , salt , milk , and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Tip : The batter will be thick, but don’t worry—it’s supposed to be!
Step 3: Spread the Batter in the Dish
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa powder .
- Sprinkle the sugar-cocoa mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- Note : This layer will create the gooey, syrupy topping as it bakes.
Step 5: Add the Hot Water
- Carefully pour 4 cups of hot water evenly over the entire surface of the cobbler. Do not stir! The hot water will combine with the dry topping during baking to form a rich, chocolate sauce.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes , or until the top is set and the edges are bubbly.
- Tip : The center may still look slightly jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.
Step 7: Serve
- Let the cobbler cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Scoop into bowls and serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder : High-quality unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Don’t Stir After Adding Water : The magic happens when the hot water combines with the dry topping during baking.
- Adjust Sweetness : If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the topping slightly.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . Reheat individual portions in the microwave before serving.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze portions of the baked cobbler (without ice cream) for up to 1 month . Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Perfect Pairings
This Southern Chocolate Cobbler pairs beautifully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream : A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly into the warm cobbler.
- Whipped Cream : Light and airy whipped cream adds a refreshing contrast.
- Caramel Sauce : Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
- Coffee or Tea : Pair with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing balance.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 8 servings)
- Calories : ~400 kcal
- Protein : ~4g
- Carbohydrates : ~80g
- Fat : ~8g
- Fiber : ~2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a rich, indulgent dessert that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. With its gooey, molten topping and tender chocolate cake base, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a family dinner, or just because, this cobbler is guaranteed to impress.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the sweetness, add mix-ins like nuts or spices, or pair it with different toppings to make it your own. So grab your cocoa powder, melt that butter, and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
