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Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Caroline

Southern Chocolate Cobbler

A classic Southern dessert with a rich, fudgy chocolate base that creates its own gooey sauce as it bakes. This warm chocolate cobbler is best served fresh with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
  • 3 cups boiling water
  • vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place butter in the baking dish and allow it to melt in the oven.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Stir in milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Spread the batter evenly over the melted butter in the dish—do not stir.
  5. Mix sugar and cocoa powder in a separate bowl, then sprinkle over the batter.
  6. Pour boiling water evenly over the topping—again, do not stir.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is set but the bottom is gooey.
  8. Rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
  9. Scoop into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • This recipe creates its own sauce; don’t worry if it looks unusual before baking.
  • Best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce thickens over time.
  • For a lighter version, reduce the sugar in the topping by ½ cup.