Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
If you’re craving a decadent, old-fashioned dessert that wraps you up in pure Southern comfort, look no further than Southern Chocolate Cobbler. This beloved recipe creates a magical marriage of tender cake and molten chocolate sauce—all in one baking dish! The cobbler boasts a deep cocoa flavor with a touch of caramel from brown sugar, and every spoonful is guaranteed to bring back childhood memories or instantly create new ones. Whether you serve it for Sunday suppers, holiday tables, or anytime you need a bit of chocolatey bliss, this is a dessert that’ll always steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is delightfully simple, relying on pantry staples you likely have on hand. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of fudgy cake and gooey sauce, so don’t be tempted to skip or swap!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake layer, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Lifts the batter, for a light contrast to the rich sauce beneath.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens every flavor and amplifies the chocolate’s depth.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the crackly top for a pleasing crunch.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Choose a good-quality cocoa for full-bodied, intensely chocolatey flavor.
- Whole milk: Keeps the batter moist, and brings a touch of richness to the party.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds that unmistakable buttery touch to bring everything together.
- Vanilla extract: A finishing note of warmth and classic comfort.
- Brown sugar (for topping): The secret to the cobbler’s gooey, caramelly bottom layer.
- Boiling water: Pour it over the top to magically transform the dry topping into a luscious chocolate sauce as it bakes.
How to Make Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this will help your cobbler come out with those coveted soft, saucy corners. Set the dish aside and get ready for a little kitchen sorcery!
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until they’re evenly combined. Blending the dry ingredients first ensures you won’t end up with bitter cocoa lumps or uneven cake texture in your Southern Chocolate Cobbler.
Step 3: Mix In the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together until the batter is nicely smooth and glossy. Don’t overmix—just combine until there are no dry patches. The batter will be fairly thick, and that’s exactly what you want for a plush, cakey top.
Step 4: Spread the Batter in the Pan
Transfer the batter to your greased baking dish and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. This forms the signature cake portion of Southern Chocolate Cobbler, which will float to the top as it bakes.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Topping
In a small bowl, mix the remaining granulated sugar, brown sugar, and additional cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter as evenly as possible, coating the entire surface. Resist the urge to stir—it’s crucial for the signature sauce formation!
Step 6: Pour Over the Boiling Water
Slowly pour the boiling water over the top of the whole dish. It will look strange (and yes, it’s supposed to float on top at first), but trust the process. Do not stir. This step creates that dreamy, self-saucing chocolate pudding layer under the cake.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set and crackly but the bottom bubbles with a luscious chocolate sauce. Don’t overbake—you want that irresistible gooeyness! Let your Southern Chocolate Cobbler cool for 10 minutes before diving in; this helps the sauce thicken slightly for the best texture.
How to Serve Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Garnishes
The classic way to finish Southern Chocolate Cobbler is with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, which slowly melts into the warm sauce for a rivers of chocolate and cream in every bite. You could also sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Fresh berries bring a pop of color and balance beautifully with the richness, too.
Side Dishes
Because this cobbler is so rich, it pairs well with light, refreshing sides. Serve with sliced strawberries, a fruit salad, or even just a handful of toasted pecans. If you want to lean into indulgence, add a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a spoonful of tangy crème fraîche on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, make individual Southern Chocolate Cobbler portions in small ramekins or oven-safe mugs—perfect for dinner parties! Try layering in a few chocolate chips or chopped pecans for added texture. Or, top each square with a tiny scoop of peanut butter ice cream for a Southern-meets-classic-diner mashup that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers (lucky you!)? Let the cobbler cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken but remains spoonable and delicious.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Southern Chocolate Cobbler. Cool it completely, then wrap tightly in a double layer of plastic and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that gooey, just-baked texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave (about 30 seconds) or pop the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different size baking dish?
Yes, you can use a 9-inch square or an equivalent size, but keep in mind the cobbler will be slightly thinner and may bake a bit faster. Just watch carefully so you don’t overbake!
Why can’t I stir after adding the boiling water?
This is the magic behind Southern Chocolate Cobbler! The dry cocoa-sugar layer and the hot water create a self-saucing effect as the cobbler bakes. Stirring would disrupt those gorgeous layers and prevent the signature gooey chocolate sauce.
Can I use non-dairy milk or gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or oat for a dairy-free version. A good 1:1 gluten-free baking blend will also work well for those who are gluten-sensitive—just keep in mind slight texture differences may occur.
Is it very sweet?
It’s definitely a sweet treat, as any classic Southern Chocolate Cobbler should be! The balance comes from the bittersweet cocoa and the contrast with cool vanilla ice cream. Feel free to reduce the sugar a little if you prefer desserts on the less-sweet side.
How do I know when it’s finished baking?
The top should look matte and set, while the bottom bubbles with thick sauce. When you gently shake the dish, the cake should barely wobble and the edges will pull away from the pan. Don’t test with a toothpick—the goal is gooey, not dry!
Final Thoughts
This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is pure dessert nostalgia in every spoonful—fudgy, saucy, and just the right amount of indulgent. If you haven’t tried this classic treat yet, now’s the time to experience a true taste of Southern hospitality. Grab those simple ingredients, bake up a pan, and get ready to win rave reviews at your next gathering!
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Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent goodness of Southern Chocolate Cobbler. This easy-to-make dessert features a gooey chocolate base with a luscious sauce topping, creating a heavenly treat for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Main Batter:
- 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 whole milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the batter: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the batter: Spread the batter in the prepared dish.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle over the batter.
- Add boiling water: Carefully pour boiling water over the mixture. Do not stir.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is set but the bottom is gooey.
- Cool and serve: Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- The chocolate sauce thickens as it cools slightly.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain the cobbler’s gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
