Southern Chocolate Cobbler – A Decadent, Gooey Dessert That Will Satisfy Every Chocolate Lover’s Dre

Get ready for the ultimate dessert indulgence with this Southern Chocolate Cobbler! This cobbler is like a mix between a rich chocolate cake and a molten lava brownie, with a buttery, slightly crisp topping and a gooey, luscious chocolate sauce underneath. Best served warm and paired with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is a chocolate lover's fantasy come to life.

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

Photo bypinterest

The Inspiration Behind Southern Chocolate Cobbler

This cobbler is the Southern answer to the chocolate lava cake—big, bold, and filled with comforting chocolate goodness! In Southern cuisine, cobblers are traditionally made with fruit, but this chocolate version takes things in a whole new direction. The magic happens in the oven, where the rich batter transforms into a baked layer on top, while the sugar and cocoa powder topping melts into a thick, irresistible chocolate sauce underneath. If you’ve never experienced the joy of a chocolate cobbler before, get ready to fall in love!

Why Southern Chocolate Cobbler Will Become Your Favorite Chocolate Dessert

What makes this dessert so special is the incredible contrast of textures—the slightly crisp and buttery top gives way to a rich, velvety sauce that bubbles up from the bottom as the cobbler bakes. The chocolate flavor is intense yet balanced, and when you serve it warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, you get that perfect combination of hot and cold, creamy and crunchy. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Sugar: 55g

This cobbler is rich and indulgent, so a little goes a long way. But hey, sometimes dessert is worth every single calorie!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is best served warm, straight from the oven, with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melts into the hot cobbler, creating a luxurious dessert experience with each bite. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top or sprinkle a few chocolate chips for added texture. Serve this cobbler after a hearty Southern meal like fried chicken, BBQ, or a savory pot roast, and watch your guests rave about dessert.

Photo bypinterest

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a serving into the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through. If you’re reheating a larger portion, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but reheating does help maintain the gooey chocolate sauce and soft topping.

Fun Fact: The Magic of Chocolate Cobbler

The beauty of this Southern Chocolate Cobbler lies in the way the ingredients interact during baking. As the cobbler bakes, the sugar and cocoa powder topping melts into the boiling water, creating a rich chocolate sauce that bubbles up from the bottom. The flour in the batter forms the cakey, crispy top. It's a dessert where the science of baking comes to life right before your eyes—and your taste buds!

Cooking Tips

• Don’t Stir: It’s important not to stir the batter once you pour the boiling water over it. This helps the layers form properly, with the gooey chocolate sauce at the bottom and the crispy top.
• Boiling Water: Make sure the water is boiling when you pour it over the batter and topping. This helps the chocolate sauce form while the cobbler bakes.
• Serve Fresh: This dessert is best served fresh and warm from the oven. Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes so that the sauce thickens slightly but is still wonderfully gooey.

Optional Variations

• Extra Chocolatey: For an even more intense chocolate flavor, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter before baking for a delicious crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate sauce.
• Caramel Delight: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the cobbler before serving for a luxurious twist on this classic dessert.

Photo bypinterest

Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) butter
• 1 1/2 cups (297g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons (16g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (226g) self-rising flour
• 1 cup (227g) whole milk
• 2 teaspoons (9g) vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Cobbler Topping:

• 2 cups (396g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (42g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups (681g) boiling water

Optional Topping:

• Vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put the dish in the oven to melt the butter. Once melted, remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Spoon the batter into the baking dish over the melted butter. Do not stir.
3. Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of sugar and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
4. Add the boiling water: Carefully pour the 3 cups of boiling water over the top of the batter and topping. Do not stir.
5. Bake the cobbler: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set. The bottom of the cobbler will still be loose and saucy.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is the epitome of Southern comfort food. It’s rich, gooey, and bursting with intense chocolate flavor in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying this dessert on a special occasion or just because, it’s bound to be a favorite with family and friends. Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream—it’s the perfect complement to this warm, chocolatey treat!