Southern Chocolate Cobbler is the kind of irresistible dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day: rich, gooey chocolate sauce bubbling beneath a tender cake topping, all ready to be scooped straight from the dish. This beloved Southern treat combines the best parts of a chocolate cake and molten pudding, making it a dreamy crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re sharing it at a potluck or saving it for a special family dinner, this cobbler is proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most unforgettable memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for Southern Chocolate Cobbler is delightfully straightforward, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each one adds its own magic, from the tender crumb to that signature fudgy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need, along with my favorite tips to get the most delicious results every time:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cake layer and absorbs that luscious chocolate sauce underneath.
- Baking powder: Gives just the right lift, keeping the cake layer soft and pillowy rather than dense.
- Salt: A dash sharpens all the chocolate flavors and keeps the dessert from tasting flat or overly sweet.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the batter and the topping, balancing the cocoa bitterness perfectly.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Be sure to use real cocoa—this is where the true chocolate intensity shines.
- Milk: Brings moisture to the batter; whole milk is best for richness, but any variety will do.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the cake and helps keep it very tender—don’t substitute with oil!
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warmth and sophistication.
- For the topping—Granulated sugar: This helps create the crackly top as the cobbler bakes.
- For the topping—Brown sugar: Adds a luscious, almost caramel-like note to the chocolate sauce beneath.
- For the topping—Unsweetened cocoa powder: Doubles up on that chocolate punch in the gooey sauce.
- Boiling water: The real secret—it transforms the topping into a glossy, decadent chocolate pudding as it bakes. Don’t skip or substitute this step!
How to Make Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Step 1: Get the Oven and Pan Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s good and hot when your cobbler goes in. Give a 9×9-inch baking dish a thorough greasing with butter or nonstick spray—this ensures easy scooping later on, and nothing precious gets wasted.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. You’re creating the foundation of your cobbler, so make sure there are no lumps. Now stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a thick, rich batter forms—don’t overmix or the cake can turn tough.
Step 3: Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly so every corner is covered. It may look a bit thin, but trust the process—the magic happens in the oven.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder for the topping. Sprinkle this dry mixture all over the batter. Resist any urge to stir—layering is key for the gooey, self-saucing result.
Step 5: Add Boiling Water—No Stirring!
Carefully pour the boiling water directly over the sugar-cocoa layer, making sure to cover it evenly. This step might seem strange, but it’s what gives Southern Chocolate Cobbler its oozy, chocolate-lake center. Do not stir—the separation creates a cake topping floating above a molten fudge pool.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should look set and perhaps slightly crisp, while the bottom will be bubbling with glossy chocolate sauce. Let the cobbler cool just a bit before serving so those chocolate flavors deepen.
How to Serve Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Garnishes
A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream is the absolute must for Southern Chocolate Cobbler—the cold, creamy bite melting into the gooey sauce is unbeatable. But don’t stop there: consider a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for drama, toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of fluff.
Side Dishes
This cobbler deserves to be the star of the dessert table, but if you want to round things out, fresh berries or sliced bananas on the side will complement the deep chocolate. For a Southern-style dessert spread, pair it with a dish of seasonal fruit salad or a glass of sweet tea.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, portion the cobbler into small ramekins for individual servings—the bubbling chocolate sauce beneath adds a dramatic reveal when guests dig in. Another fun option is to drizzle some salted caramel or raspberry sauce over the top for extra flair. Even a dusting of powdered sugar can make this humble Southern Chocolate Cobbler look restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the cobbler to an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for up to 24 hours; after that, refrigerate for up to 4 more days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each bite even more chocolaty and decadent.
Freezing
Southern Chocolate Cobbler can be frozen, though the texture may change a bit after thawing. Cool the cobbler completely, then wrap it well or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the gooey, just-baked experience, reheat your cobbler in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil. Individual portions can be microwaved for about 40 seconds. If the sauce looks a bit thick, add a splash of milk before warming to revive that luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I double the Southern Chocolate Cobbler recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! You can double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. The baking time might be closer to 45 minutes—just keep an eye on it until the top is set and the sauce beneath bubbles up beautifully.
Do I have to use unsweetened cocoa powder, or can I substitute with hot cocoa mix?
Stick with unsweetened cocoa powder for the bold, rich chocolate flavor Southern Chocolate Cobbler is known for. Hot cocoa mix has added sugar and milk solids, which can alter both taste and texture.
Why can’t I stir after adding the boiling water?
Resist all temptation to stir! The separation of layers allows the top to form a cake while the water and sugar below transform into a luscious chocolate sauce. Stirring will ruin this signature two-texture effect.
Can I make Southern Chocolate Cobbler dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Swap the milk for your favorite dairy-free alternative and use plant-based butter. The cobbler turns out just as gooey and fudgy, though the flavor will shift slightly depending on your substitutions.
Should Southern Chocolate Cobbler be served hot or cold?
It’s at its absolute best served warm, right out of the oven, so every scoop is surrounded by molten chocolate sauce. If enjoying leftovers, a brief warm-up in the oven or microwave revives that fresh-baked magic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, showstopper dessert that never fails to delight, Southern Chocolate Cobbler is the answer. There’s something deeply nostalgic and joyful about this simple, fuss-free treat. Don’t wait for a special occasion—let yourself indulge and share the happiness a baking dish full of chocolate can bring!
Print
Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Southern Chocolate Cobbler, a decadent dessert that combines a tender cake layer with a gooey chocolate sauce. This easy-to-make treat is a perfect ending to any meal, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Main Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix the cake batter: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a thick batter forms.
- Prepare the dish: Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter without stirring.
- Add boiling water: Carefully pour boiling water over the top without stirring.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is set and the bottom is bubbling with chocolate sauce.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving, best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Do not stir after adding the boiling water to allow the formation of the fudgy chocolate sauce.
- You can double the recipe for a larger crowd by using a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
