Description
This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a decadent, warm dessert that combines a rich chocolate cake base with a luscious, fudgy cocoa topping. Baked to perfection with a gooey center and a slightly crisp top, it’s served best with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter
- 1/2 cup butter
Batter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups boiling water
Optional
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to prepare for baking the cobbler.
- Melt butter: Place 1/2 cup butter in a 9×13 inch baking dish and put it in the oven until melted. Remove from oven and set aside carefully.
- Make batter: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 cups self-rising flour, 1 cup milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed to form a smooth batter.
- Assemble batter: Spoon the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir; leave it layered.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups granulated sugar with 1/2 cup cocoa powder to create the topping mixture.
- Add topping and water: Sprinkle the sugar and cocoa topping mixture evenly over the batter layer. Slowly pour 3 cups boiling water over the topping. Do not stir.
- Bake cobbler: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is set and the edges are bubbling. The center will remain slightly loose.
- Cool: Allow the cobbler to cool for 15 to 20 minutes to set further.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream for added richness and contrast, if desired.
Notes
- Do not stir once the boiling water is added; this ensures the classic cobbler texture with a gooey topping.
- Use self-rising flour for the best texture—if unavailable, use all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- The cobbler can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven before serving for best results.
- Vanilla ice cream is optional but highly recommended to complement the warm chocolate flavors.
- Ensure the boiling water is poured slowly to avoid mixing the layers.
