Description
This easy chocolate cobbler recipe features a crisp, fudgy chocolate crust with a molten, gooey chocolate sauce underneath. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients—perfect for chocolate lovers and busy families alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% preferred, but any milk works)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water (for sauce)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 2-quart (2-liter) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. Batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup cocoa powder for the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the batter. Do not stir.
- Carefully pour 1 1/4 cups boiling water over the entire surface. Do not stir.
- Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is puffed and set but the cobbler jiggles slightly when moved.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Scoop into bowls, making sure to get both the crust and the gooey sauce. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and margarine. Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or a pinch of espresso powder can enhance flavor. Serve warm for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the microwave. Letting the cobbler rest after baking helps the sauce thicken. Bake on a rimmed sheet pan to catch any bubbling over.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 to 1/8 of the cobbler
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: chocolate cobbler, easy chocolate dessert, Southern dessert, molten chocolate, comfort food, homemade cobbler, chocolate pudding cake, quick dessert, crowd-pleaser, potluck dessert