Old-Fashioned Southern Chocolate Cobbler  A Rich & Gooey Dessert Favorite

If you’re a fan of molten lava cakes or warm chocolate puddings, then this Old-Fashioned Southern Chocolate Cobbler will be your new obsession! This vintage dessert is a Southern classic, combining a fluffy, cake-like topping with a hot, fudgy, molten center. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make—perfect for both weeknight indulgence and special occasions.

With rich cocoa flavor, a perfectly crisp top, and a warm, gooey chocolate sauce underneath, this chocolate cobbler is truly a showstopper. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got yourself a heavenly dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Batter (Cake Layer):

• ½ cup unsalted butter – Creates a rich, buttery base that enhances the flavor.

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the chocolatey richness.

• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder – The key ingredient for a deep, chocolate flavor.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and a soft texture.

• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cobbler rise and become light and fluffy.

• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

• 1 cup milk – Keeps the batter moist and creamy.

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.

For the Topping (Chocolate Sauce Layer):

• 2 cups granulated sugar – Creates the signature caramelized, gooey texture.

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Doubles down on the rich, chocolate flavor.

• 3 cups boiling water – Magically transforms the topping into a hot fudge sauce as it bakes!

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream – The perfect complement to the warm, gooey chocolate!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Place ½ cup butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven. Let the butter melt completely, then remove the dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar (1 ½ cups), cocoa powder (4 tablespoons), flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Stir in milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.

3. Spoon the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish—but do NOT stir! The layering effect is key to getting that gooey cobbler texture.

Step 3: Make the Topping

1. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar (2 cups) and cocoa powder (½ cup).

2. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add Boiling Water – The Magic Touch

1. Carefully pour 3 cups of boiling water over the entire mixture. Again, DO NOT STIR! The water will sink through, creating a fudgy sauce as the cobbler bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and a crust has formed.

2. The bottom will remain slightly gooey—this is exactly what you want!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the cobbler cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the molten chocolate to settle slightly while keeping its fudgy texture.

2. Scoop into bowls, making sure to get both the crispy topping and gooey chocolate sauce from underneath.

3. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience!

Why This Chocolate Cobbler is a Must-Try

Easy to Make – No fancy equipment required—just mix, layer, and bake!
Rich, Gooey, and Chocolatey – The contrast between the crispy top and fudgy bottom is irresistible.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert – Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a special treat for yourself!
Better Than Lava Cake – You get all the gooey goodness of a lava cake but in a fuss-free, shareable dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cobbler

Use real butter – Margarine won’t give the same rich flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the batter – Stir just until combined for a soft, tender crumb.
Resist the urge to stir the layers – The magic happens when they remain separate!
Test for doneness carefully – The top should be set, but the bottom should be gooey.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Combo: Top with vanilla ice cream to balance the rich chocolate flavor.
Perfect Pairing: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk for a comforting treat.
Add Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a timeless, easy-to-make dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving a warm, chocolatey treat, this recipe delivers rich, gooey, and absolutely irresistible results.

So go ahead—grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds)!