Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
Introduction
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a comforting dessert featuring a rich chocolate sauce layered beneath a tender cake. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for cozy nights and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (Use real butter for the best flavor.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar (Divided use; some for sprinkling on top.)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (Use a good quality cocoa powder.)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (A pinch of salt enhances flavors.)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (For additional flavor.)
- 1 cup hot water (Poured over the cobbler before baking.)
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (To serve on top.)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (Optional for added crunch.)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Melt the butter in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish by placing it in the oven while it heats.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 4: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until you have a smooth batter.
- Step 5: Carefully pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish, but do not stir.
- Step 6: Sprinkle some sugar and cocoa powder over the batter evenly.
- Step 7: Pour the hot water gently over the top without stirring to create the chocolate sauce underneath.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-40 minutes until the edges are set and the middle is slightly jiggly.
- Step 9: Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use real butter for a richer flavor and better texture in the cake.
- To add crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before serving.
- For extra moisture, try substituting half the milk with buttermilk.
- If you want a deeper chocolate taste, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave to maintain the gooey texture. For best results, reheat with a damp paper towel over the dish to keep moisture in. Serve warm with fresh ice cream.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and baking dish up to a day ahead, then refrigerate before baking. Just bring the batter close to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Is Southern Chocolate Cobbler gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
PrintSouthern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a moist chocolate batter baked over melted butter, then topped with hot water to create a luscious chocolate sauce beneath a tender cake layer. Served warm with vanilla ice cream and optional toasted nuts, this comforting cobbler is perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a deliciously simple homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (Use real butter for the best flavor.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar (Divided use; some for sprinkling on top.)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (Use a good quality cocoa powder.)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (A pinch of salt enhances flavors.)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (For additional flavor.)
- 1 cup hot water (Poured over the cobbler before baking.)
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (To serve on top.)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (Optional for added crunch.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish and melt it in the oven, ensuring it’s fully melted before proceeding.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent and cocoa.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, mixing until you achieve a smooth, uniform batter with no lumps.
- Assemble Cobbler: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir; the butter will mix with the batter during baking to create a rich base.
- Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle remaining sugar and cocoa powder on top of the batter, then gently pour the hot water over everything without stirring, creating the distinct cobbler layers.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The cobbler is done when the edges are set and appear firm, but the center remains slightly jiggly to ensure moistness.
- Serving: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and, if desired, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Use real butter for best flavor and proper texture.
- Do not stir after pouring batter into the melted butter; this layering is crucial for the cobbler’s characteristic texture.
- Ensure the hot water is poured gently and evenly to create the chocolate sauce underneath.
- Optional toasted nuts add delightful crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free dessert.
- Serve warm to enjoy the contrast between the warm cobbler and cold ice cream.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
Keywords: Southern Chocolate Cobbler, chocolate dessert, cobbler recipe, easy chocolate cake, baked chocolate dessert, comfort food dessert

