Name: Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 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; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 cups boiling water

Jump to Recipe

If you’re chasing a decadent dessert that hits all the sweet spots, look no further than Southern Chocolate Cobbler. This rich, gooey classic brings together warm chocolate cake and a luscious pudding-like sauce, all in one delightful scoop. It’s the kind of old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing recipe that calls for simple pantry staples, making it the perfect last-minute treat for any gathering or cozy night in. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to Southern classics, you’ll fall head over heels for every velvety bite of this irresistible cobbler.

Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Southern Chocolate Cobbler proves that with just a handful of humble, time-tested ingredients, you can whip up pure dessert magic. Each part plays a small but essential role, building the unmistakable flavor and dreamy texture that everyone loves.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible fudgy base.
Granulated sugar (divided): Sweetens both the cake and fudgy topping, balancing the intensity of chocolate.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (divided): Brings deep, bittersweet chocolate flavor to both the batter and sauce.
All-purpose flour: Gives the cobbler its tender, cakey structure.
Baking powder: Ensures your dessert rises to a light, fluffy finish.
Salt: Sharpens flavors and keeps the sweetness from overwhelming the dish.
Milk: Creates a smooth, pourable batter and moist crumb.
Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and rounds out the chocolatey goodness.
Boiling water: Activates the cocoa and magically transforms sugar into a thick, fudgy sauce beneath the cake.
Vanilla ice cream (for serving): Melts dreamily over warm cobbler, adding richness and a cool contrast.

How to Make Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating, place the unsalted butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Let the butter melt completely in the oven, then carefully remove the dish and set it aside. That melted butter will be the foundation of flavor and texture.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until a smooth, pourable batter forms. This mixture brings all those classic cake elements but trust the process: it’s about to become so much more.

Step 3: Layer Without Stirring!

Spoon the batter gently over the pool of melted butter in the baking dish, but resist the urge to stir! The separation of layers is key—it lets the cobbler form a crispy crust on top and a pudding-like chocolate river underneath.

Step 4: Make the Fudgy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 2 cups granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the dish for an extra cocoa punch and fudgy depth.

Step 5: Add Boiling Water

Now comes the magic—gently pour 3 cups of boiling water over the entire setup. Again, do not stir! It looks unusual, but this step is the secret to creating pockets of molten chocolate pudding beneath the soft cake top.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your Southern Chocolate Cobbler for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crackled, but the bottom is bubbling and gooey. After baking, let the cobbler cool for about 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, making serving a breeze.

How to Serve Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Garnishes

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a showstopper on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it into pure comfort territory. For an extra flourish, try a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to dial up the indulgence.

Side Dishes

All you need beside this rich dessert is a cup of strong coffee or a cold glass of milk. If you’re serving a Southern meal, it pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance out all that chocolatey richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving individual portions in small Mason jars or ramekins—just adjust the baking time accordingly. For a fun twist at parties, set up a “cobbler bar” with assorted toppings like crushed cookies, fresh berries, or flavored whipped creams and let everyone build their own dream dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cobbler left (which is a true test of willpower), let it cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and tastes just as decadent on day two.

Freezing

Southern Chocolate Cobbler can be frozen in portions. Once cooled, scoop leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings briefly in the microwave until warm and saucy again (usually 30–45 seconds does the trick). For larger amounts, warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes, covered loosely to retain moisture. Add a fresh scoop of ice cream and relive that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper, slightly smoother chocolate flavor. Just note that the color and taste will be a touch richer, but it won’t affect the cobbler’s rise or gooeyness.

Is there a way to make Southern Chocolate Cobbler gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Look for one designed for baking that contains xanthan gum for best structure. The result will still be decadently chocolaty and saucy.

Can I halve the recipe for a smaller crowd?

Yes, the recipe can easily be halved. Use a smaller baking dish—around 8×8 inches—and start checking for doneness after 30 minutes since it will bake a bit faster.

Why shouldn’t I stir the layers together?

Not stirring is crucial! It allows the batter to rise to the top and set into a soft cake while the cocoa and sugar mixture below turns into a luscious chocolate sauce. Stirring would blend everything together and lose that classic cobbler contrast.

What makes Southern Chocolate Cobbler different from brownies or chocolate cake?

Unlike regular brownies or cake, Southern Chocolate Cobbler bakes up with both a soft, cakey top and a thick molten chocolate sauce underneath. It’s more indulgent, with a spoonable texture that’s simply unmatched in the world of chocolate desserts.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Southern Chocolate Cobbler, you’re truly in for a treat—it’s simple, spectacular, and destined to be a family favorite. Give it a spot in your dessert rotation and don’t be surprised if your friends start requesting it over and over again!

Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Southern Chocolate Cobbler, a delightful dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put in oven. Once butter has melted, remove and set aside.
Stir together the dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Spoon into baking dish over melted butter, but do not stir.
Prepare the topping. In a separate bowl, mix together the 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa powder. Sprinkle over batter in pan. Pour boiling water over topping, but do not stir.
Bake the cobbler. Bake until top has set, 35-40 minutes. The bottom will be loose and a bit gooey.
Cool and serve. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern