Southern Chocolate Cobbler

When you imagine cobbler, the classic image of juicy, saucy fruit crowned with a sweet, biscuit-like topping likely comes to mind—chocolate cobbler might not be the first thing you think of. However, with its gooey, molten base and cakey chocolate top, this traditional Southern Chocolate Cobbler perfectly aligns with cobbler expectations. The texture remains similar; the only difference is the absence of fruit. Instead, you’re treated to an abundance of rich, decadent chocolate, which is always a delight.

You can think of this like an early answer to a molten lava cake, only it’s much easier to make! You start by melting butter in a baking dish in the oven…

You sprinkle the top with cocoa powder and sugar and pour boiling water over the entire thing (without stirring it!) and pop it in the oven, and while it bakes the layers naturally form. So you have a somewhat crispy, cakey top…

INGREDIENTS :

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
Vanilla ice cream, for serving