If you’ve never tried chocolate cobbler, you’re in for a decadent treat. This dessert is a Southern classic that’s part cobbler, part molten cake, and 100% delicious. With its rich chocolate sauce at the bottom and a tender, cake-like crust on top, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream. The best part? It’s easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight desserts or special occasions.
Imagine spooning into a warm, gooey chocolate cobbler, the rich sauce pooling around each bite. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers effortless preparation with minimal prep and simple ingredients, letting you whip it up in under an hour. The combination of warm chocolate cobbler and cold vanilla ice cream is a dessert lover’s dream. For added customization, you can incorporate nuts, cinnamon, or espresso powder for unique flavor variations. It’s a perfect dessert for anyone who loves rich, indulgent chocolate dishes.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cobbler
the Batter:
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup – Provides richness and helps create the cobbler’s signature crust.
- Granulated Sugar: 1½ cups – Sweetens the batter and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 4 tablespoons – Gives the cobbler its deep chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – Forms the structure of the cake-like topping.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – Helps the cobbler rise as it bakes.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Milk: 1 cup – Adds moisture to the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Complements the chocolate and adds warmth.
the Topping:
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups – Combines with cocoa to create the chocolate sauce.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ½ cup – Adds richness to the sauce.
- Boiling Water: 3 cups – Activates the cocoa and sugar, forming a luscious sauce beneath the crust.
Serving (Optional):
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing with warm chocolate cobbler for a perfect balance of flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and the perfect gooey center. Place ½ cup of unsalted butter in a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Put the dish in the preheated oven and let the butter melt completely. Once melted, remove the dish from the oven and set it aside. Be careful not to let the butter brown, as it could alter the flavor of the dessert.
Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Add 1 cup of milk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until a smooth batter forms, making sure there are no lumps.
Assemble the Cobbler Layers
Pour the prepared batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir; the batter will naturally rise above the butter during baking, creating a rich crust.
In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of granulated sugar and ½ cup of cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish. Again, do not stir. Carefully pour 3 cups of boiling water over the top of the mixture in the baking dish. The water will combine with the cocoa-sugar mixture during baking to form a luscious chocolate sauce beneath the cobbler 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 has a cake-like texture. The bottom will remain gooey, forming the rich chocolate sauce.
Cool and Serve
Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve the cobbler warm by spooning it into bowls. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. The combination of warm chocolate cobbler and cold ice cream is truly irresistible!
Tips for Success
Use boiling water to ensure the gooey chocolate sauce develops properly. Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender crust, and refrain from stirring the layers once assembled to preserve the cobbler’s signature texture. For added flavor, try sprinkling cinnamon or espresso powder into the batter or incorporating chopped nuts for texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~80g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Cholesterol: ~30mg
- Sodium: ~200mg
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~60g
- Calcium: ~100mg
- Iron: ~2mg
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the cobbler in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination or add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate for an elegant presentation. Serve with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
Recipe Variations
For a Mocha Chocolate Cobbler, add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-infused twist. Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch, or sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the cocoa mixture for a subtle heat.
Conclusion
Chocolate Cobbler is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Its gooey, rich chocolate sauce paired with a tender cake-like crust makes it a dessert that stands out. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a gathering with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be the star of the table.
One of the best things about this dessert is how simple and versatile it is. With basic pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a show-stopping treat in under an hour. Plus, it’s easily customizable—add nuts for crunch, a hint of cinnamon for warmth, or espresso powder for a mocha twist.
Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the rich chocolate sauce. The combination of hot and cold, gooey and creamy, is pure perfection. And if you’re looking to impress your guests, Chocolate Cobbler never fails to deliver that “wow” factor.
This recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers and anyone craving a little indulgence. So, why not give it a try? Share your experience in the comments below, along with any creative variations you came up with. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious creations! Let’s make dessert memorable, one gooey bite at a time. 🍫🍨
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Chocolate Cobbler: A Southern Classic Dessert
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Cobbler is a decadent Southern dessert featuring a tender cake-like crust and a gooey chocolate sauce. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food treat.
Ingredients
- For the Batter: Unsalted butter (½ cup), granulated sugar (1½ cups), unsweetened cocoa powder (4 tbsp), all-purpose flour (2 cups), baking powder (2 tsp), salt (¼ tsp), milk (1 cup), vanilla extract (2 tsp)
- For the Topping: Granulated sugar (2 cups), unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup), boiling water (3 cups)
- For Serving (Optional): Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sugar, cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add milk and vanilla to form a batter.
- Pour batter over melted butter (do not stir).
- Mix topping sugar and cocoa; sprinkle over batter. Pour boiling water over the top (do not stir).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is set. Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream.
Notes
- Use boiling water to activate the sauce.
- Customize with nuts, cinnamon, or espresso powder for unique flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern