Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dish
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place butter in the baking dish and slide it into the oven until melted.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cocoa. Stir in milk and vanilla until smooth. Pour batter into the dish over melted butter (don’t stir!).
Step 3: Add the Topping
Mix sugar and cocoa in a separate bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the batter. Pour boiling water on top—again, do not stir.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
Bake 35–40 minutes until the top looks set. The bottom will still be gooey (that’s the magic!).
Cool for 15 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream.
What to Serve with Chocolate Cobbler
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A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream (melts into the gooey sauce—perfection).
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Fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
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Whipped cream for an airy touch.
Tips for Success
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Don’t stir once the layers are added—the magic happens in the oven!
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Let it rest before serving; the sauce thickens slightly as it cools.
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Use good-quality cocoa for the richest flavor.
Storage Instructions
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Store leftovers covered at room temp for 1 day.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days (reheat before serving).
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Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the bottom so gooey?
That’s the self-saucing effect—the water and sugar mixture sinks during baking, creating a fudgy chocolate sauce.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, just bake in a smaller dish and check a little earlier.
Can I make it ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can bake a few hours ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is pure comfort in a pan—rich, gooey, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or just to treat yourself on a weeknight, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
