What is Southern Chocolate Cobbler?

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a rich, indulgent dessert that’s characterized by a fluffy, moist cake-like batter topped with a decadent chocolate layer. As it bakes, the dessert forms a pudding-like base with a fudgy, gooey topping, making it the perfect comfort food. The molten chocolate center gives it a satisfying, warm, and gooey texture, while the cake itself provides a delightful contrast. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser.

If you're a fan of molten lava cakes or chocolate fondants, you're going to fall head over heels for this Southern-inspired chocolate cobbler. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and it comes together in just a few simple steps.

 

Ingredients for Southern Chocolate Cobbler

To make this gooey chocolate cobbler, you’ll need the following ingredients for both the batter and the topping:

 

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

This simple list of ingredients combines pantry staples to create a rich, decadent dessert that's surprisingly easy to prepare.

 

How to Make Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Making Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a straightforward process that anyone can master, even if you're not an experienced baker. Follow these steps for a dessert that will make your taste buds dance:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a 9×13-inch baking dish inside the oven while it preheats, so that you can melt the butter directly in the pan.

2. Melt the Butter: Once your oven reaches the right temperature, place 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in the baking dish and allow it to melt. This takes only a few minutes, so keep an eye on it. Once melted, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside.

3. Make the Batter: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

4. Assemble the Cobbler: Spoon the batter into the baking dish over the melted butter. Do not stir the mixture, as the batter will naturally settle in the pan during baking.

5. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the pan. Finally, pour 3 cups of boiling water over the entire dish, but do not stir. The water will create the rich, gooey bottom layer while the top will form a fluffy cake.

6. Bake the Cobbler: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top has set and is golden brown, and the bottom is still slightly gooey. The edges of the cobbler will firm up, while the center remains molten.

7. Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set and for the dessert to firm up slightly. Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

 

Tips for the Perfect Southern Chocolate Cobbler

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When preparing the batter, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so stir the ingredients until just combined for the best results.

• Use the Right Pan: It’s essential to use a 9×13-inch baking dish for this recipe, as it allows the batter to bake evenly and gives enough room for the gooey chocolate sauce to form beneath the cake layer.

• Serve with Ice Cream: To take this dessert to the next level, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey chocolate cobbler, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

 

Caloric Content and Nutritional Information

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a rich dessert that’s best enjoyed in moderation. Depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used, a typical serving of chocolate cobbler (around 1/12 of the cobbler) can contain approximately 350-400 calories. This dessert is high in sugar and fat, so it’s best suited for special occasions or as a treat.

Serving Suggestion: This dessert is perfect for a celebratory occasion, such as birthdays, family gatherings, or holiday meals. It’s also a great option to bring to potlucks or get-togethers, as it can easily be made in advance and serves a crowd.

 

Considerations for Special Diets

While Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a delightful treat, it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:

• For Those Watching Their Sugar Intake: Due to its high sugar content, this dessert is not ideal for people with diabetes or those looking to reduce their sugar intake. If you're looking for a lower-sugar alternative, consider using sugar substitutes or reducing the sugar in the recipe.

• For Those on a Gluten-Free Diet: This recipe contains all-purpose flour, so it is not suitable for those following a gluten-free diet. You can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the results may vary slightly.

• For People with Dairy Sensitivities: This recipe uses butter and milk, so it may not be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. You can substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or plant-based butter for a lactose-free version.

 

How to Save Energy When Baking

To save energy while baking, consider the following tips:

• Preheat Efficiently: Only preheat the oven for the amount of time needed to get it to the right temperature (usually 10-15 minutes).

• Use Convection Mode: If your oven has a convection mode, use it! It circulates the hot air more efficiently, which can reduce baking time and lower energy usage.

• Turn Off Early: Once the dessert is nearly done, turn off the oven and let it sit inside for a few extra minutes with the oven door closed. This will allow the residual heat to finish cooking the cobbler without using additional energy.

 

In Conclusion

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is the ultimate comfort dessert. With its rich, gooey texture and decadent chocolate flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, whether casual or special, this easy-to-make cobbler will have your guests coming back for seconds. While it may not be the lightest dessert, it’s certainly one of the most satisfying. So go ahead, indulge in this heavenly treat, and enjoy the compliments that follow!