Step into a world of rich, chocolatey goodness with “Decadent Deep South: Southern Chocolate Cobbler.” This dessert combines the gooey, melty appeal of a molten chocolate cake with the rustic, comforting texture of a traditional cobbler. Perfect for chocolate lovers and dessert aficionados alike, this Southern chocolate cobbler offers a warm, indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Ideal for special occasions, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this dessert is a delightful twist on classic Southern baking.
Why You’ll Love Southern Chocolate Cobbler:
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Deep, intense chocolate taste that makes it a hit with all chocolate enthusiasts.
- Gooey Texture: The molten center paired with a crusty topping creates a perfect contrast in textures.
- Easy to Prepare: Surprisingly simple to make with basic ingredients, allowing even novice bakers to create a show-stopping dessert.
- Comforting and Warm: Best served warm, making it a comforting treat for cooler evenings or anytime you need a chocolate fix.
Ingredients Notes For Southern Chocolate Cobbler:
- Cocoa Powder: Provides the deep chocolate flavor essential to the cobbler.
- Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar are used for sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter forms the base of the rich, tender crust.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best to create the structure for the topping.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, helping to create a smooth consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Complements the chocolate with a hint of vanilla.
- Boiling Water: Poured over the batter pre-baking, this helps create the molten lava-like bottom.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Batter: Mix the dry ingredients—flour, one portion of the sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to form a thick batter.
- Spread in Baking Dish: Grease a medium baking dish and spread the batter evenly across the bottom.
- Create the Chocolate Topping: Combine the remaining sugar and cocoa powder, and sprinkle over the batter.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully pour boiling water over the cocoa and sugar layer, covering the entire surface. Do not stir; this will form the “lava” as it bakes.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes or until the center is set but still soft beneath the crust.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in the microwave.
How to Make Southern Chocolate Cobbler At Home
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Fudge Layer:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 3/4 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Make the Fudge Layer:
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
- Sprinkle this cocoa-sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- Gently pour the hot water over the top. Do not stir; the water will sink down and form a fudge sauce during baking.
- Bake the Cobbler:
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top has a firm crust.
- The cobbler will create a sauce on the bottom during baking, so don’t overcook it, which could cause the sauce to be absorbed fully.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
