Southern Chocolate Cobbler

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Ingredients (Serves 10–12)

For the batter:

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the topping:

  • 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 ½ cups boiling hot water

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & prepare pan

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and slide it into the oven to melt while the oven heats. Remove once butter is melted.

Step 2: Make the batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Stir in milk and vanilla until smooth. Batter will be thick.
  3. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. (Do not stir—just let it float on top.)

Step 3: Add the topping

  1. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the dish.
  2. Carefully pour boiling hot water over the entire top. (Do not stir—this creates the gooey chocolate sauce underneath.)

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top looks set and slightly cracked, but the bottom is bubbling with chocolate sauce.

Step 5: Serve

  • Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes so the sauce thickens underneath.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra richness, add ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the batter.
  • Replace 1 cup of hot water with hot coffee for a mocha twist.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter before baking.

Benefits of Southern Chocolate Cobbler

  • Comforting & nostalgic: A true Southern classic, perfect for family gatherings.
  • Simple ingredients: Pantry staples—no special equipment required.
  • Two-in-one dessert: Cake on top, hot fudge sauce on the bottom.

Conclusion

Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a warm, gooey, and indulgent Southern dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. With its rich chocolate flavor and self-saucing magic, it’s the perfect finale for Sunday dinners, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet treat.

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