Indulge in a warm, gooey chocolate dessert that’s a mix between a cake and a pudding—this chocolate cobbler is a true treat for any chocolate lover! Perfect for a family dessert or a special occasion, this dessert is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you serve it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this chocolate cobbler will be the highlight of your meal.
Ingredients with Quantity
For the Cobbler Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Sauce:
- 1½ cups boiling water
Directions and Preparation Method
Prepare the Batter:
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure the cobbler doesn’t stick during baking. Then, in a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well incorporated and the mixture appears evenly blended.
Next, stir in the wet ingredients. Add ½ cup of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a spoon or spatula, stir everything together until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick and pourable, but not too runny. This will form the base layer of your cobbler.
Add the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup of packed light brown sugar and ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. This will create the topping that provides a rich, decadent chocolatey flavor. Sprinkle this cocoa-brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the baking dish, ensuring it is well-distributed. This mixture will settle during baking and transform into a delicious sauce underneath the cobbler’s soft top.
Pour the Water:
Carefully pour 1½ cups of boiling water over the entire mixture. Do not stir the batter or the toppings once the water has been poured. The boiling water is key to creating the signature gooey chocolate sauce that forms beneath the cobbler. As the cobbler bakes, the water will interact with the dry ingredients and sugar to create a rich, molten chocolate sauce at the bottom while the top will remain firm, giving you the perfect combination of textures.
Bake the Cobbler:
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on the cobbler as it bakes. The top should become set and slightly cracked, while the edges should be bubbling with the molten chocolate sauce. If you see this happening, you know your chocolate cobbler is on the right track.
Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and let the cobbler cool for about 15 minutes. Allowing it to rest will help the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop. After cooling, the cobbler is ready to be served.
Serve:
When ready to serve, spoon generous portions of the warm chocolate cobbler into bowls. The gooey, chocolate sauce will be waiting underneath the cake-like topping, creating a rich and decadent experience. You can top the cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even some fresh berries for an extra layer of flavor. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, so it’s the perfect comfort food for cozy nights in or as a sweet finish to a family dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
While this chocolate cobbler is best served fresh and warm, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, we recommend adding the boiling water and baking it just before serving, so you get the perfect texture of the cobbler with the gooey chocolate sauce.
2. Can I substitute the milk for a non-dairy alternative?
Yes! You can use any non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, as a substitute for the whole milk in this recipe. The result will still be delicious and creamy.
3. Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! If you’d like to get creative with your chocolate cobbler, you can add chocolate chips, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even marshmallows to the batter before baking. These additions will melt into the cobbler, adding more depth and flavor.
4. How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a serving in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until warmed through.
5. Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, you can freeze the chocolate cobbler. Once it’s fully cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
6. Can I make the cobbler in a different size baking dish?
Yes, you can use a different size baking dish, but you may need to adjust the baking time. If you use a larger dish, the cobbler may bake faster, while a smaller dish will need a bit more time. Be sure to check for the bubbling edges and set top to know when it’s done.
Conclusion
Chocolate cobbler is one of those simple yet indulgent desserts that satisfies your sweet tooth without requiring too much time or effort. With a minimal list of ingredients, this recipe provides maximum flavor, texture, and richness. The combination of a fudgy, cake-like topping and a gooey chocolate sauce underneath makes it a crowd-pleaser at any dinner party or family gathering. Top it off with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence.