Southern Chocolate Cobbler

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If you’re craving a dessert that hits all the right notes—warm, chocolatey, and ooey-gooey—this Southern Chocolate Cobbler is for you. With a brownie-like topping and a rich molten fudge sauce underneath, it’s a simple Southern classic that feels like a warm chocolate lava cake—but even easier to make.

This cobbler is a must for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy nights in with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, fudgy texture with a molten chocolate bottom
• Easy pantry ingredients and minimal prep
• Perfect for feeding a crowd—makes a big 9×13 pan
• No fancy tools required
• Delicious warm or cold—especially with ice cream

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Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 12)

For the Base:

• ½ cup (113g) butter
• 1½ 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 Topping:

• 2 cups (396g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (42g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups (681g) boiling water

Optional for Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream

How to Make Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Step 1: Preheat and Melt Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven until melted. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, cocoa powder, self-rising flour, milk, and vanilla extract.
Spoon the batter gently over the melted butter in the dish. Do not stir—this layering creates the cobbler’s fudgy layers.

Step 3: Add the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the 2 cups of sugar and ½ cup of cocoa powder.
Sprinkle this dry topping evenly over the batter in the pan. Again, do not stir.

Step 4: Add Boiling Water

Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of everything.
This might look like a chocolate mess, but it’s the magic that forms that gooey fudge sauce.

Step 5: Bake

Place the cobbler in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is just set. The bottom will still be molten and saucy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let it cool for 15–20 minutes to set slightly.
Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Southern comfort dessert.

Tips for Success

• Don’t stir anything after adding the batter and topping layers—it creates the gooey bottom
• Use self-rising flour to get the perfect cobbler texture
• Make ahead tip: Prep everything early and bake just before serving
• Double the recipe if serving a larger crowd—this dish disappears fast

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?
Yes, just add 3 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt to 2 cups of all-purpose flour.

Does it have to be served warm?
Warm is best for gooey texture, but leftovers are still delicious cold or gently reheated.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce by about ¼ cup in each layer, but keep enough for that fudgy consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is the kind of dessert that brings everyone to the table. It’s simple, soul-satisfying, and bursting with rich cocoa flavor and melty sweetness. Whether for holidays or just because, this is one chocolate treat you’ll make again and again.

Share Your Creation

Whipped up a batch of Southern chocolate goodness? Tag #ChocolateCobblerLove on Instagram or Pinterest so we can drool over your gooey masterpiece!