Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
If you’ve never experienced the delight that is Southern Chocolate Cobbler, you’re in for a truly decadent treat! This classic dessert bakes up like a rich, self-saucing chocolate cake with a gooey molten fudge sauce bubbling underneath. Each scoop is blissfully warm and oozy, the very definition of Southern comfort. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday supper or just want to spoil yourself on an ordinary weeknight, Southern Chocolate Cobbler is irresistibly simple to make and even easier to fall in love with.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Southern Chocolate Cobbler plays an important role, from the tender, cakey batter to the luscious chocolate sauce that magically forms as it bakes. Don’t let the grocery list fool you — even the pantry staples deserve their place here, contributing flavor, moisture, or that irresistible fudginess.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the batter, giving the cobbler its classic cake-like texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the cobbler rise, ensuring a soft, airy crumb above the fudgy sauce.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (divided): Sweetens both the cake and the chocolate sauce layers — don’t skip the division!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for batter): Delivers that deep, irresistible cocoa flavor in every bite.
- Milk: Moistens the batter so it bakes up tender and luscious.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds a rich, buttery backdrop that ties all the flavors together.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate notes and adds warmth to the dessert’s aroma.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Lend a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, perfect if you like texture.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel richness to the bubbling chocolate sauce.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping): Intensifies the fudgy base for an ultra-chocolatey finish.
- Boiling water: The magic ingredient that creates the dreamy chocolate sauce beneath the cakey top as it bakes.
How to Make Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C), ensuring it’s ready for action when your batter is mixed. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray for easy serving and cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is just blended and silky-smooth. If you love a little crunch, gently fold in those pecans or walnuts now. Pour this luscious batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Layer the Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Sprinkle this layer evenly over the top of the batter. It may look like a lot, but trust the process — that’s where the magic happens!
Step 4: Pour on the Water
Carefully drizzle the boiling water all over the cobbler. Don’t stir — the water should just sit right on top of the sugar-cocoa layer. This step feels a little strange, but as the dessert bakes, the water mixes with the sugars beneath to create that dreamy chocolate sauce underneath the cake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 35–40 minutes. The top will be set, slightly crackly, and puffed up, while the bottom remains molten and glossy. Once it’s ready, let it cool for 10 minutes before diving in, spooning that rich sauce from the bottom over every serving.
How to Serve Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Garnishes
When it comes to serving Southern Chocolate Cobbler, you can’t go wrong with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream—the contrast between warm cobbler and icy cream is pure dessert harmony. Sprinkle a few toasted nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra flair, or add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This showstopper is best enjoyed as the grand finale of a Southern-inspired meal, but if you want to add a bit of freshness, try serving it with sliced strawberries or raspberries on the side. A little bit of tang from fresh fruit balances the richness of the chocolate sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a playful twist to tradition by baking Southern Chocolate Cobbler in individual ramekins for personal servings—everyone loves their own mini dessert! Or, dress things up by layering warm cobbler with ice cream and berries in parfait glasses for a visually stunning treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer any remaining cobbler to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days—the sauce will thicken a bit but will still taste amazing.
Freezing
While best served fresh, you can freeze Southern Chocolate Cobbler for up to 2 months if you need to plan ahead. Let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30–40 seconds, or cover the whole baking dish with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through. A splash of milk can help loosen up the sauce if it’s become too thick.
FAQs
Can I make Southern Chocolate Cobbler without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are totally optional and can be omitted if you prefer a nut-free dessert or have allergies—your cobbler will still bake up rich, gooey, and delicious.
Why do I pour boiling water on top and not stir it?
This unique step is what gives Southern Chocolate Cobbler its signature self-saucing quality. As the cobbler bakes, the water combines with the sugars beneath it and creates a fudgy chocolate sauce at the bottom, while the batter rises to the top and forms a cake-like layer.
Can I use a different size pan?
You can! If you only have an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan, the cobbler will be a little thicker, and you might need to bake it for a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on it so the top doesn’t overbake before the sauce forms.
How do I know when it’s done?
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is finished baking when the top is mostly set with a slight jiggle underneath, and you see a luscious chocolate sauce bubbling up around the edges. A gentle shake of the pan should show both a firm top and molten base.
Is Southern Chocolate Cobbler best served warm or cold?
This dessert is at its gooey, saucy best when served warm, especially with ice cream or whipped cream. That said, some folks love it chilled the next day—the sauce thickens up but the flavor remains utterly decadent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fail-proof, soul-satisfying dessert, Southern Chocolate Cobbler is guaranteed to become a new favorite. There’s something magical about the way it bakes up, and every bite is pure Southern bliss. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so extraordinary!
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Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Southern Chocolate Cobbler. This old-fashioned dessert bakes up a moist, chocolaty cake with a decadent chocolate sauce beneath. Serve warm for a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for batter)
Liquid Ingredients:
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, 1 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp cocoa.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in nuts if desired.
- Layer Batter: Spread batter in the baking dish evenly.
- Prepare Topping: Mix ½ cup sugar, brown sugar, and ¼ cup cocoa. Sprinkle over batter.
- Add Water: Carefully pour boiling water over the top without stirring.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until set with a sauce underneath.
- Serve: Spoon warm cobbler with sauce over each serving.
Notes
- This dessert creates its own chocolate sauce while baking.
- Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cobbler
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
