Description of this recipe
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, deep flavors of chocolate with a warm, gooey, and moist texture. This dish features a luscious chocolate pudding-like base topped with a soft chocolate batter, resulting in a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any gathering or a warm night in.
Why you will love this recipe
This decadent dessert is incredibly easy to prepare and is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s a true comfort food that merges the simplicity of classic cobbler with the indulgence of chocolate. The rich chocolate flavor, paired with the gooey texture that forms while baking, makes it irresistible. Once served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it becomes a divine dessert experience that everyone will rave about.
Introduction
Imagine a dessert that melds the essence of rich chocolate cake with the warm, gooey goodness of a traditional cobbler. Enter the Southern Chocolate Cobbler—a comfort food classic that transcends ordinary desserts. This dish originates from the southern United States, where the culinary tradition of cobbling together ingredients in a single dish flourished. This recipe beautifully embodies that spirit, using simple, pantry-staple ingredients to create an amazing dessert that evokes nostalgia with every bite.
The aroma of melting butter, combined with the fragrance of cocoa powder, fills the kitchen, promising a delightful treat. With each spoonful, you are greeted by a warm, chocolatey pudding beneath a soft topping that will evoke the happiest memories of family gatherings and special occasions. Best of all, it doesn’t require any complex techniques—just straightforward mixing and baking, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients:
For The Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For The Topping:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups boiling water
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to allow your oven to reach the right temperature before your dessert goes in, ensuring even cooking and that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2:
Place the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the preheated oven. Allow the butter to melt completely—this creates a luscious base that adds moisture and flavor to the cobbler. Once melted, remove the dish from the oven and set it aside.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder, flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients together until smooth. This batter will be quite thick, which is completely normal for this recipe.
Step 4:
Carefully spoon the mixture into the baking dish over the melted butter. Do not stir; the layering of the batter over the butter is essential for creating the cobbler’s unique texture and flavor profile.
Step 5:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of sugar and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder for the topping. Once mixed, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish. Afterward, gently pour the 3 cups of boiling water over the topping, ensuring it is well-covered. Again, do not stir—this will allow the magic to happen during baking, creating that heavenly pudding-like base.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top has set and a skewer inserted into the cobbler comes out moist but not runny. The dish can appear a bit jiggly in the center; that’s perfectly okay since it will firm up as it cools.
COOKING Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Southern Chocolate Cobbler warm, straight from the oven, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrasting temperatures of the warm cobbler and cold ice cream create a delightful sensory experience that amplifies the flavor and texture of both elements.
Tips:
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a splash of coffee or espresso to the batter; it will enhance the chocolate richness.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an indulgent treat.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
35-40 minutes
Total Time:
55-60 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, serving size: 1/10 of the dish):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
Conclusion
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace of nostalgia, comfort, and indulgence. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people together, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll find it easy to whip up this delightful dish in no time at all. Once you take that first luscious bite, you’ll understand why this cobbler has remained a favorite through generations.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?
A1: Yes, you can use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the color and intensity of the final dish.
Q2: How do I store leftover Southern Chocolate Cobbler?
A2: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for best results.
Q3: Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
A3: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still yield a delicious result.
Q4: Can I make this cobbler in advance?
A4: While it’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prepare the batter and topping separately in advance. Just combine and bake when you’re ready to serve!
Q5: What would pair well with this dessert besides vanilla ice cream?
A5: Consider pairing it with whipped cream, salted caramel sauce, or fresh berries for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
