Here is your complete and polished recipe profile for Southern Chocolate Cobbler, with all requested sections and the wide line removed:
Southern Chocolate Cobbler
A Rich, Gooey, Old-School Dessert with a Molten Chocolate Center and a Buttery, Crisp Top
Introduction
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is the kind of dessert that brings comfort with every bite. Imagine a cross between a brownie, a chocolate pudding cake, and a lava cake—all baked into one magical dish. It’s rustic, rich, and made from simple pantry staples. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the kind of Southern tradition that turns an ordinary night into something special.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Chocolate cobbler is a beloved dessert across the Southern United States, where cobblers of all kinds—fruit, biscuit, and pudding—are staples of homestyle cooking. Unlike traditional fruit cobblers, this version uses cocoa powder and sugar to create a self-saucing pudding cake. The magic lies in layering: the batter floats to the top as it bakes, while the chocolate sauce settles to the bottom. It’s a sweet reminder of how humble ingredients can create deeply satisfying, time-honored desserts.
Ingredients Quantity
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
For Serving (Optional):
- Vanilla ice cream
Optional Additions
- Espresso powder (1 tsp) in the batter for deep chocolate flavor
- Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the top for crunch
- Mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a s’mores effect
- Dash of cinnamon or cayenne for a Mexican hot chocolate twist
- Sea salt flakes sprinkled over the finished cobbler for a sweet-savory edge
Tips for Success
- Don’t stir after layering the batter, cocoa-sugar topping, and boiling water—the layering is key to forming the sauce.
- Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even baking and best visual results.
- Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any possible overflow.
- Let the cobbler cool for 10–15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.
- Use good-quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven. Once melted, remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, 4 tbsp cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish—do not stir.
- In another bowl, mix together 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa powder, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Carefully pour the boiling water over the top, covering the mixture—again, do not stir.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set and firm, but the bottom is still gooey and saucy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Scoop and serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the full experience.
Description
This dessert boasts a crisp, cakey crust that gives way to a luscious, hot fudge-like sauce underneath. The edges have a caramelized bite, while the center stays molten and deeply chocolatey. Each spoonful is a warm, indulgent mix of textures and flavors, especially when served with cold vanilla ice cream melting into the gooey chocolate.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving, based on 12 servings without ice cream)
- Calories: ~370
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Sugar: 47g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
Values will vary based on toppings and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Southern Chocolate Cobbler is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s warm, rich, and baked with love. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to wow guests without much fuss. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something extraordinary.
Recommendation
Pair with:
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- A drizzle of cream or caramel sauce
- Toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar
Make ahead: Prepare the batter and topping in advance, then add hot water and bake just before serving.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
If you’d like to enjoy this treat with a lighter touch:
- Use plant-based milk or reduced-fat milk
- Swap half the sugar for coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- Use whole wheat pastry flour for a little extra fiber
- Reduce the butter slightly and add Greek yogurt for moisture
- Serve smaller portions alongside fresh berries
With thoughtful swaps and mindful serving sizes, you can indulge in this Southern classic without compromise.
Let me know if you’d like a gluten-free, dairy-free, or mug-cake version of this cobbler!