Introduction
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a warm, gooey, rich dessert that’s part cake, part pudding, and 100% comfort food. It’s a magical dish where a simple batter bakes into a soft, fudgy bottom and a tender, cakey top—all with a luscious chocolate sauce that forms as it bakes. It’s the Southern answer to a chocolate lover’s deepest craving.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Cobbler has deep roots in Southern cooking, traditionally made with fruits like peaches or berries. However, Southern bakers are known for creative twists, and the chocolate cobbler was born out of that ingenuity. It blends the old-fashioned cobbler concept with the beloved richness of chocolate, often passed down through generations as a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients Quantity
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the topping:
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups boiling water
Optional Additions
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking. Add a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder for extra depth of flavor.
Tips for Success
Do not stir once you layer the topping—this is key to forming the gooey sauce beneath the cake layer. Pour the boiling water slowly and evenly over the top. Use a deep baking dish to avoid overflow and to hold all the molten chocolate sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stick of butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and melt it in the oven while preheating.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and vanilla extract to form a batter.
- Once the butter is melted, carefully pour the batter evenly over the butter—do not stir.
- In a separate bowl, mix the topping ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the boiling water gently over the topping—again, do not stir.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top looks set and slightly crisp, but the cobbler is bubbling around the edges.
- Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. The chocolate sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Description
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a chocolate lover’s dream. It features a fluffy, cakey top and a thick, molten fudge sauce underneath. As it bakes, the layers flip, and the magic happens—creating a beautifully rich and comforting dessert with textures that melt in your mouth.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving, 10 servings)
Calories: 350
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Sugar: 40g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Conclusion
This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is the perfect ending to any meal. It’s rustic, indulgent, and satisfying with every bite—guaranteed to impress guests and comfort your soul.
Recommendation
Serve warm, right out of the oven, topped with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. It’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or just a night in with something sweet.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Southern Chocolate Cobbler isn’t about counting calories—it’s about embracing joy. With its gooey chocolate center and soft cake topping, it proves that a little indulgence now and then is a beautiful way to celebrate life’s simple pleasures.