Oh my gosh, let me tell you about the *southern chocolate cobbler*! It’s this wonderfully rich and gooey dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I had it at my grandma’s house; she served it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting right on top. The way that chocolate center just oozes out when you dig in is pure bliss! It’s become a family favorite, and every time I make it, I’m transported back to those cozy evenings. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients for Southern Chocolate Cobbler
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base for our cobbler, giving it structure and that delightful texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! This will balance the rich chocolate flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star of the show! This adds that deep, chocolatey goodness we all crave.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps the cobbler rise, giving it that lovely cake-like topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the sweet flavors and brings everything together.
- 1 cup milk: This adds moisture to the batter, ensuring it’s rich and creamy.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Butter makes everything better! It gives our cobbler a rich flavor and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar: This is sprinkled on top and creates that gooey, caramelized layer when baked.
- 1 1/2 cups hot water: The secret ingredient that creates the magical gooey chocolate center! Just pour it over the top and let it work its wonders.
How to Prepare Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious southern chocolate cobbler! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a dessert that everyone will be raving about.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for baking, as it ensures that our cobbler cooks evenly and develops that beautiful top layer while keeping the center gooey. You want to make sure it’s nice and hot when you pop in your dish!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. I love using a whisk here to really incorporate everything well. You want to make sure there are no clumps of cocoa powder—trust me, it makes a difference in texture! Just mix it until it’s all combined, and you can see that lovely chocolaty color.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring the wet ingredients into play. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended, but don’t overdo it! You want a smooth batter that’s rich and inviting.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
Now comes the fun assembly part! Pour your batter into a greased baking dish—make sure it’s spread evenly across the bottom. Here’s the secret: sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the batter. This creates that amazing gooey layer. Finally, gently pour the hot water over everything, but don’t stir! Just let it sit there; the magic happens in the oven, creating that luscious chocolate center.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is set and slightly firm to the touch. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. This is key; it helps the layers settle a bit, and trust me, that first spoonful of warm cobbler is pure heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Indulgent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and a gooey center is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a homemade dessert that looks and tastes impressive!
- Warm and Comforting: There’s nothing like digging into a warm serving, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves eight, making it ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in with friends.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as is, or dress it up with toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or fresh berries for an extra special touch.
- Memories in Every Bite: It’s a nostalgic dessert that brings back fond memories of gatherings and celebrations.
Tips for Success with Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Alright, my friend, here are some pro tips to make sure your southern chocolate cobbler turns out perfectly every single time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your dessert to the next level.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a bit of a science, so precise measurements are key! Use a kitchen scale for the best results, especially with the flour and cocoa powder.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: If you can, let your milk and melted butter sit out for a bit before using. Room temperature ingredients mix together more smoothly, giving you a better texture.
- Don’t Skip the Greasing: Make sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent any sticky situations later! I like using a bit of butter or non-stick spray for this.
- Serve Warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm! The gooey chocolate center is so comforting, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Yum!
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate your cobbler to dessert royalty.
- Leftovers (if there are any!): Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave to bring back that gooey goodness!
Remember, the magic is in the details, so don’t rush through the process. Enjoy each step, and you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously indulgent treat that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to treating yourself to a slice of this delicious southern chocolate cobbler, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per serving (about one piece):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 30g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels for the most accurate information. But hey, it’s a sweet treat meant for enjoying, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—just savor every mouthful!
FAQ Section
Can I make southern chocolate cobbler ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and layer everything in the baking dish, then cover it and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses. For every cup of granulated sugar, add about a tablespoon of molasses and mix until it’s well combined. It gives that delicious caramel flavor we all love!
How do I know when my cobbler is done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is set and slightly firm to the touch. Just keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, but remember, the gooey center is part of the charm!
Can I freeze southern chocolate cobbler?
Yes! If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can freeze it. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I serve with southern chocolate cobbler?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I highly recommend serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce also make delightful additions. Just think of what makes your taste buds dance!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious southern chocolate cobbler, and you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers! Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy that gooey goodness again later.
First, let it cool completely in the baking dish. Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container if you prefer. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it sealed to maintain that lovely texture!
When you’re ready to indulge again, it’s time to reheat! Pop a slice in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds or until it’s warmed through. Don’t forget to check it; you want it warm but not scalding hot! If you’ve got a whole dish to reheat, cover it loosely with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated all the way through.
And there you have it! Enjoy your cobbler warm and maybe even with that scoop of vanilla ice cream on top again. It’s the perfect way to bring the cozy vibes back to your dessert experience!
Print
Southern Chocolate Cobbler: 5 Reasons to Love This Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and indulgent dessert with a gooey chocolate center and a cake-like topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter.
- Pour hot water gently over the mixture. Do not stir.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: southern chocolate cobbler, chocolate dessert, easy dessert
