Southern Chocolate Cobbler – A Classic Southern Dessert Recipe

If you’ve never tried Southern Chocolate Cobbler, you’re in for a real treat. This old-fashioned dessert is rich, gooey, and full of decadent chocolate flavor. It’s a Southern classic that combines a fudgy pudding-like sauce on the bottom with a tender chocolate cake on top. Perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream, this dessert will become a family favorite!

In this post, you’ll learn:

What makes Southern Chocolate Cobbler special
Ingredients you’ll need
Step-by-step instructions
Expert tips for success
Variations and serving ideas
Storage and reheating tips

Let’s dive in!

What Is Southern Chocolate Cobbler?

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a vintage dessert that’s been passed down through generations in the South. It’s often called a “self-saucing pudding” because as it bakes, it creates its own rich chocolate sauce underneath a soft, cake-like top. This recipe is simple, uses pantry staples, and comes together in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cobbler Recipe

Easy to make: No special equipment required.
Budget-friendly: Uses basic ingredients you likely have at home.
Perfect for gatherings: Serves a crowd and impresses guests.
Irresistible flavor: Deep chocolate taste with a gooey sauce layer.
Comfort food at its finest: Warm, rich, and served with ice cream.

Ingredients for Southern Chocolate Cobbler

You’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the batter and one for 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

How to Make Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Follow these easy steps to make this classic Southern dessert:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish

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

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine:

1 1/2 cups sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Add the milk and vanilla extract and stir until smooth. Spoon the batter into the baking dish over the melted butter—do not stir.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix:

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add Boiling Water

Pour 3 cups boiling water over the topping. Again, do not stir. This is the secret to creating that rich chocolate sauce on the bottom.

Step 5: Bake the Cobbler

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top has set. The bottom will be gooey and saucy, which is exactly what you want.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cobbler cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Southern dessert experience.

Tips for Making the Perfect Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Don’t stir after layering: The magic of this dessert happens when the layers stay separate.
Use real butter: For the richest flavor, stick with unsalted butter.
Boiling water is key: It creates the pudding-like sauce at the bottom.
Don’t overbake: The cobbler should have a gooey bottom. Overbaking will dry it out.
Serve warm: The contrast of warm cobbler and cold ice cream is unbeatable.

Variations on Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
Mocha twist: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the cocoa for a deeper flavor.
Extra chocolatey: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter.
Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

What to Serve with Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing for chocolate cobbler.
Whipped cream: For a lighter topping option.
Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fresh contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Cobbler

Store: Cover leftovers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Freezing: This dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the sauce texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Southern Chocolate Cobbler ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and topping separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.

2. Why is my cobbler dry?

Overbaking or not using enough boiling water can cause dryness. Make sure to follow the measurements and bake time.

3. What’s the difference between chocolate cobbler and chocolate pudding cake?

They’re very similar, but cobbler typically has a softer, more cake-like top and a richer sauce.

Final Thoughts on Southern Chocolate Cobbler

This Southern Chocolate Cobbler recipe is the perfect combination of nostalgia and indulgence. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to impress family and friends. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll understand why this dessert has been a Southern favorite for generations.