I am excited to share my tempting Southern Chocolate Cobbler recipe that brings together melted unsalted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and large eggs with fragrant vanilla extract. The blend of whole milk and all-purpose flour creates an irresistible base that stands out among good chocolate desserts, inviting curiosity with every bite.

Jump to Recipe

I was excited to try out this Southern Chocolate Cobbler recipe because it’s like nothing I’ve made before. I mixed 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to get this rich chocolate base going.

Then I added 4 large eggs at room temp, 1 cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract which really gave the batter life. The twist comes with the topping made from 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup milk and an extra 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter.

It all ties together into a dessert that redefines good chocolate desserts in my book. I kept the instructions simple so it’s one of the easiest fall cobbler recipes I’ve ever made.

It might look like a basic chocolate casserole at first glance, but trust me, the finish is just amazing.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that perfect mix of rich chocolate flavor with a sweet, buttery topping that really hits the spot. I also really like how simple it is to make – even when I’m a bit rushed, the steps are clear and I can put it together without too much hassle. Another reason why I dig this recipe is its comfort factor; every time I bake it, it reminds me of warm family gatherings and moments hanging out with friends. Lastly, I appreciate how forgiving it is – even if I mess up a step or two, it still comes out delicious and that’s just awesome.

Ingredients

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Unsalted Butter gives richness; offers smooth texture with essential fat; yum but use moderation.
Granulated Sugar sweetens the cobbler; tasty but lacks nutrients, making it extra sweet energy source.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder adds deep chocolate flavor with antioxidants and slight fiber boost.
Eggs deliver protein, help binding ingredients and structure, enhancing overall texture and taste.
Whole Milk provides creaminess, calcium and light protein support, making cobbler extra moist.
All Purpose Flour gives structure and tenderness; primarily carbohydrates that hold everything together.
Vanilla Extract highlights sweetness and aroma, bringing warm flavor notes to light.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

4 large eggs, at room temp

1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk (for topping)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with a little butter.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth.

3. Crack in 4 large eggs (make sure they are at room temperature) and mix in 1 cup whole milk along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

5. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined – try not to overmix.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

7. For the topping, mix 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar together until well blended; then carefully drizzle it evenly over the batter.

8. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

9. Let the cobbler cool for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.

10. Dig in while warm and enjoy your delicious Southern Chocolate Cobbler!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven to preheat and bake the dish
2. A 9×9 inch baking dish that you can grease with butter
3. A large bowl for mixing the melted butter, sugar and cocoa powder
4. A whisk for combining the wet ingredients smoothly
5. A separate bowl for sifting and combining the flour, baking powder, and salt
6. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts for each ingredient
7. A mixing spoon or spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter
8. A toothpick to test if the cobbler is done by checking if it comes out clean

Hope this list helps you prep everything before you start baking the Southern Chocolate Cobbler!

FAQ

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

A: I'd really recommend using unsalted butter because it helps balance the sweetness. Using salted butter might make the cobbler too salty.

Q: What if I don't have whole milk?

A: Sure, you can use a lower fat milk, but it might not have as rich a taste as whole milk does.

Q: Why should the eggs be at room temperature?

A: Room temp eggs mix in better and help prevent the batter from curdling when combined with the butter and cocoa.

Q: How do I know when the chocolate cobbler is done?

A: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. That means it's perfectly baked.

Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

A: It's best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a day or two if needed.

Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter instead but cut back on the extra salt in the recipe
You can swap out the granulated sugar with light brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-y flavor though the texture might change a bit
If you run out of unsweetened cocoa powder, you could try using Dutch process cocoa powder, just keep in mind it might slightly alter the tang of the cobbler
Whole milk can be substituted with 2% milk or even unsweetened almond milk if you’re looking for a dairy alternative
For the all purpose flour, if you need a gluten free option, a good gluten free blend should work fine, just be careful as it might absorb liquids differently

Pro Tips

1. Make sure all your ingredients – especially the eggs and milk – are at room temp before you start. It helps everything mix together much smoother and makes the texture come out better.

2. When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, stir just until they’re combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher dessert then you really want.

3. Always sift the flour and baking powder together. It may seem like a small step but it really helps get rid of any clumps and spreads everything out evenly.

4. Keep an eye on the oven a few minutes before the timer goes off. Every oven heats a bit differently and you dont want your cobbler to dry out if it bakes too long.