Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
If there’s one dessert that feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy chocolate hug, it’s Chocolate Cobbler. This recipe creates the ultimate comfort treat: a gooey, self-saucing chocolate pudding with a cake-like top and rich, fudgy sauce hidden beneath. Imagine warm chocolate aromas filling your kitchen, and each spoonful delivering both melt-in-your-mouth cake and luscious sauce. Whether for a special gathering or a spontaneous craving, Chocolate Cobbler is pure, simple magic you’ll want to share with those you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chocolate Cobbler is in its simplicity—a handful of pantry staples combine to create deep, chocolaty goodness with minimum fuss. Each ingredient plays a special role, from texture to flavor to that signature saucy bottom.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting in the baking dish, it creates a rich, indulgent base and helps form the cobbler’s signature layers.
- Self-Rising Flour: Gives the cake its light, fluffy rise—absolutely essential for that soft, tender crumb.
- White Sugar: Sweetens the batter and forms that irresistible sauce—divided use means sweetness throughout.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Used in two spots for a double hit of chocolate—don’t skimp on quality here.
- Milk: Moistens the batter for a smooth, pourable mix, ensuring a luscious texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth that balances all that chocolatey richness.
- Boiling Water: The final touch that magically forms the fudgy sauce as the cobbler bakes—don’t skip or substitute!
How to Make Chocolate Cobbler
Step 1: Preheat & Melt the Butter
Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and place the unsalted butter right into an 8-inch square baking dish. Pop it in the oven as it heats so the butter can melt gently—this not only greases the dish but also sets the stage for those beautiful, buttery layers.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Grab a medium bowl and sift together self-rising flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 ½ tablespoons of cocoa powder. Sifting blends everything smoothly and guarantees no lumps. Add in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until you have a glossy, pourable batter.
Step 3: Prepare the Cocoa Topping
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. This dry mixture will soon transform into the cobbler’s signature molten chocolate sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Carefully remove the hot baking dish with melted butter from the oven. Pour the chocolate batter directly over the butter—do not stir! Evenly sprinkle your sugar-cocoa mixture over the batter. Finally, pour the boiling water slowly across the top. It may look strange at this stage, but trust the process—the magic happens as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Set
Place the dish back in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is just set but still jiggles slightly beneath—this keeps the sauce underneath gooey. The top should be cakey and slightly crisp, with bubbling chocolate aroma escaping every time you peek.
How to Serve Chocolate Cobbler

Garnishes
Chocolate Cobbler pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of good vanilla ice cream, or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a touch of elegance, shave a little dark chocolate or scatter some fresh berries over the top right before serving.
Side Dishes
With its rich chocolate flavor and saucy consistency, this dessert practically begs for something cool and creamy beside it. Try serving it with vanilla or coffee ice cream, or even a side of crème fraîche—the contrast is divine. For a little crunch, offer biscotti or shortbread on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
To make Chocolate Cobbler extra special, bake it in individual ramekins for personal-size portions—everyone loves their own mini dessert! Or, serve right from the dish family-style with a big serving spoon, inviting everyone to dig in. Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a fun twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chocolate Cobbler (a rare occurrence!), simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen beautifully as it sits.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze leftover Chocolate Cobbler. Scoop individual servings into freezer-safe containers, seal well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so it doesn’t dry out.
Reheating
Chocolate Cobbler is best enjoyed warm, so reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second bursts until just heated through. If reheating a large amount, cover with foil and warm in a 325 degree F oven until hot and saucy again—about 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?
Yes, you can make your own self-rising flour by adding 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt per cup of all-purpose flour. This will help the cobbler batter rise perfectly.
What type of cocoa powder is best for Chocolate Cobbler?
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder provides classic flavor and dark color, but you can experiment with Dutch-process for a mellower taste. Whichever you use, choose a high-quality one for the best chocolate experience.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake the Chocolate Cobbler in a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, but the results are equally delicious and perfectly shareable.
Why pour boiling water over the top?
The boiling water creates steam and helps form the gooey, self-saucing layer that makes Chocolate Cobbler so special. Don’t skip this step—the science truly works magic in the oven!
Is Chocolate Cobbler gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses wheat flour, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix that includes leavening agents for similar results. Make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a warm, bubbling dish of Chocolate Cobbler that calls everyone to the kitchen. I hope you’re as excited as I am to share this beloved dessert—don’t wait for a special occasion. One spoonful, and you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent Chocolate Cobbler, a delightful dessert that combines a warm, gooey chocolate base with a luscious cake-like topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Dry Mix:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat and Melt: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place butter in an 8-inch square baking dish and let it melt in the preheating oven.
- Create Dry Mix: Mix flour, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder in a bowl. Stir in milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Prepare Topping: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder in another bowl.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the dry mix over the melted butter in the baking dish. Sprinkle the sugar-cocoa mixture on top. Slowly pour boiling water over everything. Bake for about 30 minutes or until set.
Notes
- If doubling the recipe, use a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 319
- Sugar: 58g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Chocolate Cobbler, Dessert, Chocolate Dessert, Easy Recipe