Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need:

To make this classic Southern treat, you will need:

For the Batter

• Butter: Salted butter works better for me, but use unsalted if that’s what you have.
• Granulated Sugar: Or coconut sugar or any sweetener of your preference.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This contributes a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Self-Rising Flour: Without self-rising flour, you can go with all-purpose + baking powder + a dash of salt.
• Milk: Whole milk is best, but low-fat, oat milk, or buttermilk are also fine.
• Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla adds delicious depth of flavor.

For the Topping

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the decadent chocolate sauce.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is what brings the fudgy, chocolatey layer.
• Hot Water: This is what makes the ooey-gooey sauce that is under the cobbler.

How to Make Chocolate Cobbler

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Butter

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Add the butter to a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven to melt while the oven preheats.
• Once melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Batter

• In a large bowl, combine:
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Stir until the mixture is smooth and incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

• Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish.
• DO NOT STIR—the batter should be floating on top of the butter.

Step 4: Make the Topping

• In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.

Step 5: Add Hot Water

• Slowly pour 3 cups of boiling water over the sugar and cocoa topping.
• DO NOT STIR AGAIN—this is critical for creating the cobbler’s signature sauce.

Step 6: Bake

• Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top has set and forms a slight crust.
• The bottom will still be slightly loose and saucy, and that’s exactly what you want!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

• Let the cobbler cool for 15 to 20 minutes so the sauce can thicken a little before serving.
• Serve the cobbler warm in bowls, topping each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recommendations for Serving

• Classic with Vanilla Ice Cream: You cannot go wrong with a scoop of cold ice cream and a dish of hot cobbler.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream makes each rich bite feel airy.
• Fresh Berries: For a touch of tartness to offset the sweetness, try piling fresh raspberries or strawberries on top.
• Drizzle of Caramel: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cobbler, which is topped with ice cream, for that extra indulgent touch.

Guidance on How to Store and Prepare Meals

Storing Leftovers

• Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• For reheating, microwave single servings for 20 to 30 seconds, or until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Tips

• This cobbler is best when freshly made, but the batter and topping mixture can be prepared ahead.
• Refrigerate them separately for up to a day, and simply combine them when ready to bake.

Freezing

• The baked cobbler can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
• To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes.

This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is that kind of recipe that warms your heart and has everyone coming back for more. I hope you enjoy it a fraction as much as we do!