Southern Chocolate Cobbler

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Imagine scooping into a warm, bubbling dish of chocolate heaven, where a crisp brownie-like crust floats over a molten chocolate sauce. That’s exactly what you get with Southern Chocolate Cobbler — a classic dessert that feels like home with every bite. It’s a magical combination of textures and flavors that comes together effortlessly in one baking dish.

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is especially loved across the South, where comfort food is a way of life. Whether served at family reunions, Sunday suppers, or holiday potlucks, this dessert always disappears quickly. With pantry staples and minimal prep, it delivers big-time indulgence without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Chocolate Cobbler

This cobbler is rich, gooey, and incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional fruit cobblers, it leans into its pudding-like center and crisp top for a truly unique experience. You mix everything in layers, pour hot water over the top, and let the oven do the rest. What comes out is nothing short of a chocolate miracle.

If you’re craving something nostalgic, warm, and chocolatey, this is the recipe to turn to. And the best part? You don’t even need frosting or fancy toppings — it’s that good on its own.

What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For the best flavor, go with unsweetened natural cocoa powder. It gives that deep, bittersweet kick that balances perfectly with the sugar in the recipe. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used too if that’s what you have on hand, but it will create a smoother, milder chocolate flavor. Either way, the result is irresistibly rich and satisfying.

Ingredients for the Southern Chocolate Cobbler

This Southern Chocolate Cobbler is built from simple ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular. Each one plays a key role in building the rich texture and decadent flavor that makes this dessert so unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Brown sugar
• Hot water

The all-purpose flour provides the structure to the cobbler, forming the base of the cake-like topping.

Granulated sugar adds the necessary sweetness, while unsweetened cocoa powder delivers that bold chocolate flavor we all crave.

Baking powder ensures a soft rise in the batter, helping it puff beautifully around the gooey center.

A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract bind the batter together and give it a rich, homemade taste.

Brown sugar adds a deeper molasses note that melts beautifully into the sauce, and finally, hot water is poured on top to create the signature fudgy layer that bubbles underneath the baked top.

How To Make the Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This size ensures the cobbler bakes evenly and gives enough room for the bubbling sauce.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth batter. Pour this into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 3: Add the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar with the remaining cocoa powder and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter. Don’t stir.

Step 4: Pour Hot Water Over the Top

Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the brown sugar and cocoa layer. Again, don’t stir. This step creates the luscious chocolate sauce on the bottom during baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top has formed a crust and the edges are bubbling. The center should look set but jiggly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cobbler sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to thicken and ensures each scoop holds its shape. Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve and Store Southern Chocolate Cobbler

This recipe serves about 8 generous portions, making it ideal for family dinners, small gatherings, or even as a weeknight treat that will stretch across a couple of nights. Serve the cobbler warm for the full experience, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream melting into that gooey chocolate sauce.

Storing leftovers is easy. Once it has cooled completely, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, pop individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through. It won’t be quite as saucy on day two, but it’s still absolutely indulgent.

What to Serve With Southern Chocolate Cobbler?

Vanilla Ice Cream

There’s just nothing like classic vanilla ice cream melting over warm chocolate cobbler. It’s creamy, cool, and pairs perfectly with the fudgy sauce.

Whipped Cream

If you prefer something a little lighter, freshly whipped cream adds a fluffy, airy finish that balances the rich chocolate.

Fresh Berries

Brighten things up with a handful of raspberries, strawberries, or even cherries. The tartness cuts the sweetness and adds a fresh contrast.

Chopped Nuts

Toasted pecans or walnuts give the cobbler a lovely crunch and complement the Southern vibe.

Espresso or Coffee

A cup of strong coffee or espresso heightens the chocolate flavor and makes this dessert feel extra special.

Mint Garnish

For a touch of elegance and a pop of color, a sprig of fresh mint on top does wonders.

Chocolate Drizzle

If you’re serving this at a dinner party, a quick drizzle of melted chocolate over each serving makes it feel gourmet.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Adding a swirl of warm salted caramel brings another layer of depth and sweetness for those who just can’t get enough.

Want More Chocolate Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Southern Chocolate Cobbler, you’re in for a treat with these other delicious chocolate dessert recipes from Mia Plates:

• Try the Ooey Gooey Bars for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Craving a classic? These Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are deeply satisfying.
• Don’t miss the Irresistible Peanut Butter Truffles for a no-bake chocolatey fix.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes — a fun twist on chocolate and spice.
• For a fall-inspired indulgence, the Butter Pecan Pound Cake hits all the right notes.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it with ice cream or keep it simple? Did you try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

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