Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe: A Gooey, Rich Southern Delight
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a rich, gooey, and comforting dessert that marries the sweetness of chocolate with the warm, tender texture of a cobbler. With a unique twist of creating its own sauce while baking, this dessert is a must-try for chocolate lovers. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night at home, this indulgent dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re searching for an easy yet impressive dessert, look no further—this Southern Chocolate Cobbler is your answer.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Chocolate Cobbler
This cobbler is not your average dessert. As it bakes, a magical transformation happens: the batter rises to form a cake-like top, while underneath, a rich, decadent chocolate sauce develops. It’s like enjoying a chocolate cake and hot fudge all in one bite! If you love the idea of molten chocolate desserts, this Southern Chocolate Cobbler will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients for Southern Chocolate Cobbler
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cobbler.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelizes during baking.
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cobbler its deep chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cobbler base.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the batter rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and creamy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
For the Topping:
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Contributes to the sweetness and helps create the chocolate sauce.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor of the sauce.
- 3 cups boiling water: Helps create the luscious sauce beneath the cake-like top.
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream: The cool creaminess balances the warm, rich cobbler for the perfect bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to preheat your oven, so the cobbler bakes evenly.
Melt the Butter
Place 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven to melt. Once the butter is completely melted, remove the dish and set it aside.
Prepare the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 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, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish, but do not stir. This will allow the butter to form a delicious, crispy crust during baking.
Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
Add Boiling Water
Carefully pour 3 cups of boiling water over the sugar and cocoa topping. Again, do not stir. While it may look odd, trust the process—the boiling water will sink through the layers, creating a gooey chocolate sauce at the bottom as it bakes.
Bake the Cobbler
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is firm but the bottom remains a bit gooey. The cobbler should have a golden, crisp top, while underneath, you’ll find a molten, pudding-like chocolate sauce.
Cool and Serve
Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the chocolate sauce to thicken slightly but still remain molten. Serve the cobbler warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Southern dessert experience.
Baking Tips for Southern Chocolate Cobbler
- Do Not Stir: After adding the boiling water, resist the urge to stir. The layering is essential for creating the distinct cake and sauce separation.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: For the best flavor, use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to intensify the richness of the chocolate.
- Check for Doneness: The cobbler is ready when the top is set and golden, but the bottom should still be gooey. A good test is to gently shake the pan—there should be a bit of jiggle beneath the firm top.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the cobbler to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving will help the chocolate sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for Southern Chocolate Cobbler?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make the cobbler gluten-free. However, the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is best served warm, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time. If making it ahead, warm it up in the oven for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?
If you only have sweetened cocoa powder, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance out the sweetness. However, using unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
While this recipe relies on cocoa powder, you can experiment by adding chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey twist.
PrintSouthern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a classic dessert that combines a soft, cake-like top with a rich, gooey chocolate sauce underneath. As it bakes, the cobbler creates its own molten sauce, making it an irresistible dessert for chocolate lovers. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 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
- 3 cups boiling water
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Melt the Butter:
Place 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the oven until the butter is completely melted. Remove the dish from the oven and set it aside. - Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 1 cup of milk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish, but do not stir. - Add the Topping:
In another bowl, combine 2 cups granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish. - Pour Boiling Water:
Carefully pour 3 cups of boiling water over the sugar and cocoa topping. Do not stir. - Bake the Cobbler:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is set but the bottom remains gooey. - Cool and Serve:
Let the cobbler cool for 15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Do not stir after adding the boiling water—this is what helps form the rich chocolate sauce at the bottom of the cobbler.
- Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
- This cobbler is best served warm, but leftovers can be reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe