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This easy Chocolate Cobbler is a classic Southern dessert recipe. With a delicious brownie-like topping over a rich fudge sauce, it’s like a lava cake but simpler to make.
Looking for more dessert cobbler recipes? You’ll love delicious recipes like Peach Cobbler, Strawberry Cobbler, and Blackberry Cobbler.
My Grandmother’s Southern Chocolate Cobbler is rich, chocolatey, delicious, and a Southern classic. It is a perfect combination of a dessert with a delightful brownie top over a rich fudge sauce. When you scoop a bit out, the fudge sauce is smooth and creamy and reminds me of a rich lava cake. But this is much easier to make! If you have chocolate lovers, you should make this for them soon.
I love it served with a big scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. That takes it right on over the top!
Southern Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
How to Make Chocolate Cobbler
This easy Chocolate Cobbler contains only six simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and makes a perfect dessert!
Ingredients
To make this cobbler recipe, you’ll need these ingredients:
- Butter – I use salted butter, but you can use unsalted if you wish.
- Granulated Sugar – you can use granulated, cane, coconut, or the appropriate amount for your preferred sugar substitute that works for baking.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Self-Rising Flour – If you do not have self-rising flour, you can easily use all-purpose flour and baking powder following my quick and easy tip. You can also easily substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour if you desire a gluten-free cobbler. [Resource: How to Make Self-Rising Flour].
- Milk– whole, low-fat, buttermilk, oat milk, or another dairy-free milk
- Vanilla Extract – It enhances the flavor. I use this homemade vanilla extract, but a quality pure store-bought vanilla is also acceptable.
- Chocolate Cobbler Topping – made from granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and boiling water
Step-by-Step Instructions
It’s easy to make with just a few steps!
Melt the butter. While preheating the oven, melt the butter in a 9×13 baking dish in the oven.
Mix the ingredients. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, milk, and vanilla extract to a mixing bowl and mix to form the batter. Spoon this batter over the melted butter, but do not stir.
Make the topping. Mix the sugar and cocoa powder and sprinkle over the top of the batter. Pour boiling water on top of the sugar and cocoa mixture. Do NOT stir.
Bake until the top is set. This should take about 35 minutes.
Let it cool. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Once baked, the bottom portion of the cobbler will still be loose but will set a bit more as it cools.
Serve and enjoy! Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to the top for the ultimate dessert! Enjoy!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cobbler
To store. Tightly cover the cooled chocolate cobbler with a food wrap or place it in an airtight storage container and place it in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To freeze. Place completely cooled cobbler in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating the next day.
To reheat. Once the cobbler is removed from the refrigerator, remove any plastic lids or food wrap and move it to an oven-safe dish if not in one already. Then cover with foil and gently reheat in the oven until heated for about 20 minutes.
The microwave can be used (with a microwave-safe container) to gently reheat until warm throughout.
More Favorite Desserts to Try
Here’s my Grandmother’s Chocolate Cobbler Recipe. I hope you love it!
Southern Chocolate Cobbler
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Cobbler Topping:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups boiling water
- vanilla ice cream for serving (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- Place butter into a 9×13 baking dish and into the oven to melt. Then, remove from the oven and set aside.
- Mix together the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, milk, and vanilla extract for the batter. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish on top of the melted butter. DO NOT STIR.
- In a separated bowl, mix 2 cups sugar and ½ cup cocoa powder. Sprinkle this topping mixture on top of the batter. Pour the boiling water over topping. DO NOT STIR.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until top is set. The bottom of the cobbler will still be a little loose. Cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Top with vanilla ice cream (optional) and serve.
Notes
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cobbler
To store. Tightly cover the cooled chocolate cobbler with a food wrap or place it in an airtight storage container and place it in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To freeze. Place completely cooled cobbler in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating the next day. To reheat. Once the cobbler is removed from the refrigerator, make sure to remove any plastic lids or wrap and move it to an oven-safe dish if not in one already. Then cover with foil and gently reheat in the oven until heated throughout for about 20 minutes. The microwave can be used (with a microwave-safe container) to gently reheat until warm throughout.Nutritional Information
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
From the Add a Pinch recipe archives. Originally published 2011.
Like it? No I absolutely love it!
This looks and sounds ridiculously delectable. If I could eat chocolate, I wouldn’t share….:)
Oh. My. Word. HELP ME LORD JESUS!
I LOOOOOOVE chocolate cobbler, but haven’t made it in so long. I think I’ll make one for Father’s Day!! Looks wonderful, Robyn 🙂
I think I just fainted!
This looks D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!
Forget all the other recipes on my list, im making this my first priority! haha
your recipes never dissapoint me! 🙂
Maggie said it all. DELICIOUS!!! This is going on my list of recipes to make!
I love this recipe – my grandmother always called it Newfoundland pudding cake 🙂
Sign me up for any recipe that begins with “Southern!”
Something chocolate I’ve never had! I’m so un-southern. 🙂 I can’t wait to make this, it looks delicious – thanks!
I don’t know how I could have gone so long without knowing about this fabulous dessert!
Delish! I could use some of this for breakfast right about now.
Can you believe that I have never heard of chocolate cobbler?! Must. Make. Today!
Melt a stick of butter…any recipe that starts that way is a winner in my book!
I have heard of chocolate cobbler…but without the fruit component it didn’t have the same appeal. Now that I’ve seen a picture of it? I take it all back! My daughter would die over this; can’t wait to surprise her!
So glad you shared, this looks so darn delicious! I’ve never heard of this dessert in the PacNW..we’ve apparently been deprived. Thanks.
Holy cow, this looks A-MA-ZING. Thank you for posting, I think we’ll try it this weekend. This might have to eventually become a farm favorite (whenever we get the farm up and running).
Keep up the good work, love your website.
Chocolate cobbler reminds me of Cracker Barrel. I worked there during college and it is the only place I have ever had chocolate cobbler! I think I was introduced to all cobblers while working there, among other yummies. This looks so rich and heavenly!
Oh my stars does this sound amazing!
Totally. Must. Try.
Yummy – I love chocolate and ice cream and gooeyness. This looks like it has all three!
Oh my goodness… This looks amazing! I love rich, chocolatey desserts. Have to make this very soon!
I love chocolate cobbler! Last time I made it I added some cinnamon and it was delicious all over again!
This looks and sounds ridiculously delectable. Delish!
This is going on my list of recipes to make! I love chocolate cobbler! Thank you for posting, I think we’ll try it this weekend. Delish!
OMG – this sounds sinful – sinfully delicious! AND easy to make – no excuses not to make this one!!!
Can I sub the butter for olive oil?
Hi Elsy,
I’ve never tried using olive oil in place of butter. I’m not sure it would taste as it should. Thanks!
My Mom made this for us a lot when we were growing up in Iowa. She called it Chocolate upside-down cake.
Delish!!! Thanks for the reminder of how good this is!!
That’s a neat name for it, Shirley! It is such a fantastic dessert! Thanks!!!
Looks wonderful, must try!!! Happy 4th of July!!!!
Hi Cindy!
I hope you enjoy it! It’s so good! Have a great summer!!! xo
I’ve never had chocolate cobbler before but this sure looks good! It reminds me of the chocolate gravy my granny made for us when I was growing up. I definitely need to give this a try!
Hi Amanda,
Oh my gosh, chocolate gravy is so amazing too! I hope enjoy this – don’t forget the scoop of ice cream!!! Thanks! xo
I love making cobblers. They are a quick easy dessert. This one will be a definite try! Never had a chcolate one before. I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Hi Cherie,
It’s a long time family favorite recipe, so I hope you enjoy it! Can’t wait to hear how you like it! Thanks!
OH. EM. GEE. This chocolate cobbler looks and sounds so delicious, Robyn!
Aww, thanks Kelly! I think you’d love it – it’s amazing! Thanks my friend! xo
I made this last night for a cook out and it was amazing!!!! Will be making it again for sure.
I’m so happy you liked it, Tammy! Thanks so much!!!
I’ve just printed this out. This isn’t exact but it’s so close to the one my mom used to make. I’ve wanted a recipe so I’m going to try yours. I can hardly wait to try it and bring back lava memories — thank you!
I hope you enjoy it, Diane! Thanks! xo
Was delicious, but my brownie part was a bit hard. .did I overcook at 30 min. ? Even while mixing 1 c milk seemed a bit less..was a stiff batter..? Overall we ate it all up..but I wld have liked the brownie part to b a bit more moust..any suggestions..? Thanx.
I’ve not had that happen, Sara. I’m not sure what caused it – it could have cooked a bit too long, but not sure. I’m glad you enjoyed it though! xo
When we make chocolate cobbler we never add cocoa to the cobbler part, only to the second, chocolate “gravy” part. You might try that, it may help.
This is an old recipe that was popular in the early 60s. Never heard this chocolate pudding cake called Southern Cobbler. My mother was making it back then in the Northeast.
Isn’t it interesting how different regions of the country name dishes a different name, Carol?! 😉
This is a recipe my grandmother made back as far as I can remember and we always called it Chocolate Cobbler. I love hearing what your mother called it years ago! Whatever the name, I’ve always loved it and think it’s delicious! Thanks for sharing!
I made this for a “get together” of 8 girlfriends and it was a huge hit. The cobbler is absolutely delicious! I served it with Breyer’s Natural Vanilla Ice cream and I can’t imagine a dessert any more delicious than this.
I’ve made this for several years now and it’s a five-star comfort dessert every single time! This gets two thumbs up, a “woo-HOO!” and a big southern hug. Yum!
Hi Lori!
I’m so excited that you love this Chocolate Cobbler! Isn’t it just amazing?! xo
Will this keep if made a day ahead?
I laughed my head off at some of the comments. Well, because I understood just exactly how good it must taste and I can’t wait to make it. Chocolate is the best.
oh My gosh, this recipe is fantastic, we loved it, and I will definitely make again!
Glad to hear that you liked it Ginger! Thanks!
Great recipe for chocolate cobbler! This is my daughter’s favorite cobbler. Love it with ice cream while hot
I’m so glad you and your daughter love this chocolate cobbler! It is an absolute favorite for my family as well! xo
Well Lady bug it’ s official, I’m a pig . lolol Don’t ask if I ate almost the whole pan. Um ,,,,yeah I did. It’s the very best
Awesome sauce!!! This is so easy and yet sooooo DIVINE!!! Love, love, love it!!! Will be making it many times more!!!
Wonderful, Sandi! So happy you enjoyed it too! xo
Hey Robyn: I have some family members who would LOVE to try this, but would you think it’s okay to substitute the sugar with Organic Stevia? Thought I would ask…..thanks for sharing your delicious recipes!!
Hi Debra,
I’m sorry but I have not tried making this with organic Stevia. If you try it, let me know how it turns out. Thanks!
This looks absolutely, insanely, gloriously delicious!!! Could I make this the day before and then take to dinner the next day? (Only missing 1 scoop? 😉) I am bringing dessert to a friend’s house for a luncheon after church, and I would LOVE to bring this Southern Chocolate Cobbler. Would it be okay made the day before then reheated and served? Would I need to keep it refrigerated in the meantime? Thanks for your help, advice, FUN stories and FABULOUS recipes!!! 👏👏👏
Hi Lisa,
You can make this ahead. I would refrigerate it and then reheat it if possible right before serving. To me, this dessert really tastes better warm and with ice cream! Thanks!
Hi Robyn,
Thank YOU so very much for your quick reply and help!!! I seriously cannot WAIT to make this and enjoy it!!! Blessings!!!
PS: I forgot to rate this recipe—definitely 5+ STARS!!! ☺️
Can this be made the day before it is served?
Can you sub 2% milk for whole milk? I don’t have whole milk….
Geri,
I haven’t made this cobbler with 2% milk but it should be fine. Thanks!
Wow, this looks fantastic. I had no idea chocolate cobbler was even a thing. But now I’m happy to know that such ta thing exists. It looks like a pretty simple to put together recipe, which is nice. I love chocolate so this is something I have to make. Definitely going on my need to try soon recipe list.
Hope you enjoy it, Sarah. It’s one of my favorite desserts from my childhood. Thanks.
Hey Robyn, I hope you read this.
I think this could be a recipes I have tried to find for about 20 years now.
A dessert that Cracker Barrel Gatlinburg had once served years ago. I have tried to replicate without luck and they don’t make anymore.
Is it?
It was fantastic and did have nuts though.
I will give it a whirl, look delish. I am pinning.
Thanks.
Hi Vickie,
I have never had chocolate cobbler at Cracker Barrel but they have made it. This is a recipe my grandmother made when I was a little girl so its been around a long time. Hope this is at least close to the one you have been looking for. Thanks!
OMG! Chocolate is all my life! I have to try this recipe!!
Hi Mary,
I hope you like the cobbler! Enjoy!
I did not know this kind of recipe exists! It looks like a lava cake that I can make for company…wow! Chocolate is the best! Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Thanks! Hope you enjoy the cobbler!
If you did not have self raising flour on hand can you use all purpose flour and baking powder or baking soda? and if so in what amounts?
Hi Jeff,
I have the instructions on my post, How to Make Self-Rising Flour to do just this. There is also a video on that post, too. Hope you enjoy the cobbler! Thanks!
Love this recipe….
Thank you, Sonja!
I made this last weekend for a dinner party and it was a huge HIT!!! Thank you for sharing this delicious and very simple dessert! 2 questions – 1) Curious if there is a way to make this in individual ramekins? 2) Can you add chips to recipe (chocolate or peanut butter)?
I haven’t tried making this cobbler in ramekins but I don’t see why you couldn’t. Also, I haven’t added chips to the recipe, Brooke.
Love, love this ooey, gooey chocolate dessert!! Made this and took to a friend’s pool party. It was all the rave, everyone loved it and asked me to bring it back on the 4th. Didn’t change a thing, except baked about 50 mins. Delicious! Thanks for sharing
Babbs, I’m glad everyone loved this dessert. It has been a favorite in my family for years.
Was I a huge hurry didn’t have milk,so diluted sour cream with water dissolving it then used said amount of fluid, was delicious
Linda, I’m so glad this substitution worked so well for you! Thanks!
Can you use powdered sugar with cocoa for topping
I haven’t tried using powdered sugar with cocoa topping for this cobbler, Pamela.
I made the desert exactly as the instructions, but it was still too loose. The fudge bottom was too loose Could I cut down on the boiling water to improve the consistancy or do you have another idea? I baked it for the 40 minutes and decided that I should remove it due to the top looking to brown (afraid it would burn).
The bottom of the cobbler will be loose when it finishes baking. It does set more and will be almost pudding-like after it cools. I have not tried making this with less water.
Easy & excellent recipe.
Thanks, Will.
I just made this delicious! I need to go get ice cream!
This is absolutely one of the best recipes I have ever made! I made 2 and took them to church. Everyone loved it! And the vanilla ice cream just adds to the flavor.
Thanks, Carol. This cobbler is one may family has loved for generations. I’m so happy you love it, too.
I made this gluten free using Bob’s Red Mill cup for cup, I added the zest of one large orange to the sugar and cocoa and used 3 cups of strong brewed coffee for the water. This is a new family favorite!
Thanks, Joni!
I made this last night and this recipe is perfection! Not too sweet like some chocolatey desserts. I baked it for 40 minutes and let it sit for 20 just as the recipe called for and the bottom was perfectly runny but not too runny if that makes sense. The only addition I made was I added 1 tsp of espresso powder to the batter mixture.
I’m so glad you liked this cobbler, Sharon. It has been a favorite for years in my family.
This is my granddaughter’s favorite Christmas dessert! She doesn’t like ordinary Christmas desserts but loves this.
What a great idea! I love this chocolate cobbler, too, but haven’t thought about making it for Christmas.
I love this so much!
I’m so glad you like this chocolate cobbler, Angela. It has always been a favorite of mine.
This is a great recipe, perfect chocolate cobbler!
I’m so happy you love this cobbler. This has been a favorite at my house for years, Carol.
Oh my what a wonderful chocolate dessert! My husband and I love this!!! Followed the recipe exactly. Ate some plain the first serving, added homemade vanilla ice cream with the rest of it. Perfection!!! Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much, Colleen. I love this cobbler plain but it is so good with vanilla ice cream, too.
Hi Robyn, I’m a retired widow and the recipe as it is would be too much for me. Do you think it would be okay to downsize it to half and still be okay? Thank you!
Yes, Molly, I think it would be fine to make half this recipe. I hope you enjoy.
How is it best stored?
Stacey, you can store this cobbler in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for about a week. Hope you enjoy.
I have this beautiful chocolate concoction in my oven rite now!! Ii was originally going in the kitchen to make your cinnamon roll biscuits but when i saw this Chocolate Cobbler recipe the biscuits dropped to #2 lol! It was very easy & quick to mix up and put together–it smells wonderful baking so I’m sure this is going to be a great winner! Thank you for doing what you do!
Thanks so much, Gina. Hope you enjoy the chocolate cobbler as much as I do.
SO GOOD THANK YOU FOR THE RECIPE. I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE GREAT…WHEN YOU SAID GRANMA MADE IT !!!!!! PEOPLE DON’T COOK LIKE US ANYMORE. I HAVE NEVER MADE IT UNTIL TODAY. THE BEST CHOCOLATE DESSERTS I HAVE EVER HAD AND I AM 54 YEARS OLD. BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS RECIPE FOR A WHILE. YOURS LOOKED SO GOOD WHEN I SAW HOW YOU GOT IT I HAD TO TRY TO MAKE IT. SO GLAD I DID.EASY TO MAKE IN NO TIME AT ALL. I WILL BE USING THIS RECIPE FOR YEARS TO COME.AGAIN THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Charlotte, I’m so glad you found this recipe and loved it. Thanks!
This was delicious! I didn’t use as much sugar and added chocolate chips. Easy to make, definitely a keeper!
Thanks, Haddie. I haven’t tried this cobbler with chocolate chips.
I have made this 3 times and everyone loved it.
Thanks, Donna, this has always been a favorite at my house.
I made this and it was delicious!
Thanks, Kim. So glad you enjoyed this delicious cobbler that is always a favorite at my house.
I know this dessert as American chocolate dessert. Have made it very often. Its delicious and surprises everyone when finding the sauce at the bottom. 💜
Thanks, Denise.
I know this dessert as American chocolate dessert. Have made it very often. Its delicious and surprises everyone when finding the sause at the bottom. 💜
I’m excited to try this recipe! Can it be made a day ahead of time and warmed up?
Daniela, yes, you can make this ahead and warm up before serving. Hope you enjoy!
I made this tonight and it was mouth watering delicious! Will now be one of my go to recipes for holidays….thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Susan. I’m glad you enjoyed this cobbler, too. It has been a favorite at our house for years.
Thankyou so so much I’ve been looking for a recipe that matched the one my mum uses to make for choc pud that my mum used to make way back in the 50’s and 60’s but none ever tasted or looked the same. However this one is so close it’s not funny. My heart just sang when it came out of the oven and when I served it up with ice cream and cream ( I know abit over the top) but who cares finally a Pud that took me back to child hood. Once again Many Many thanks. YUMMO !!!!!!!
Jane, I’m so glad this recipe is so close to the one your mother used to make for you. I love that feeling when a dish reminds me of my childhood, too. Thanks!
You mentioned warming the dessert again, if kept overnight. At what temp and how long?
Susan, you can reheat in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly or place in the microwave and reheat at 30 second intervals until heated throughout.
Would like to make in a large quantity do I double the recipe
Annie, if you double the recipe, I would make it in 2 9×13-inch pans. Hope you enjoy!
Confused. The recipe instructs: “Place butter into a 9×13 baking dish.” However, for the lady who wanted to double the recipe, the instructions were: “Annie, if you double the recipe, I would make it in a 9×13-inch pan. Is this a typo for the pan size in the regular or the double making?
Thanks for catching that, Betty, it was a typo. It should have been to place in 2 9×13 pans instead of trying to make in one pan.
I made this and we all loved it. I am wondering, however, if I could substitute milk for part of the boiling water to give it a creamier taste.
I’ve never tried substituting milk for part of the water, Sue, so I’m not sure how it would turn out. If you do try it, let me know how it works.
This is my go-to group dessert recipe! I always receive rave reviews. How do you adjust this recipe for high altitude? Thanks!
Brooke, I haven’t made this recipe at high altitude but the best site I have found for baking at high altitudes is the Colorado State University Extension. I hope this helps.
My family loved this cobbler. It was delicious…definitely a keeper.
Thanks, Charlotte. This has been a favorite of my family for years.
I love this recipe. how can I increase the amount of pudding. I never have enough!!