Chocolate Cobbler is a decadent, gooey dessert that’s perfect for any chocolate lover. This indulgent dish features a rich, chocolatey cake-like topping with a luscious, fudgy sauce underneath. It’s a wonderful treat to serve warm, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting dessert, Chocolate Cobbler is a sure way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Its simplicity in preparation and impressive result make it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
For the Cobbler:
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cobbler.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the dessert.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cobbler base.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives a deep chocolate flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cobbler rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a slight caramel note.
- 3 cups boiling water: Creates a fudgy sauce as the cobbler bakes.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Place an unwrapped stick of butter in a 13×9 inch baking dish and allow it to melt completely in the oven while it preheats. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in 1 cup of whole milk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the dry mixture until a thick, cookie dough-like consistency forms. The mixture should be smooth and well-blended.
- Prepare the Topping Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ cup of light brown sugar. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Once the butter has melted in the baking dish, remove it from the oven. Spread the dough mixture evenly over the melted butter without stirring.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the dough in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage.
- Pour Boiling Water:
- Carefully pour 3 cups of boiling water over the topping mixture without stirring or mixing. This will create a rich, fudgy sauce as the cobbler bakes.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and cracked, with a slightly jiggly center.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the Chocolate Cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving. For an extra indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving
Chocolate Cobbler is best served warm, right out of the oven. The contrast between the warm, gooey cobbler and the cold ice cream or whipped cream makes for a truly indulgent dessert experience. This cobbler serves 12, making it perfect for gatherings and family dinners. Simply scoop out portions onto dessert plates or bowls, making sure to get some of the fudgy sauce with each serving.
Notes
- Butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.
- Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can also be used for a richer taste.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for a richer texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
- Boiling Water: The boiling water is essential for creating the fudgy sauce underneath the cobbler. Pour it carefully to avoid splashing.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a warm treat.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dry and wet mixtures separately ahead of time. Combine and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need a gluten-free option, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins? Yes, you can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the batter for additional texture and flavor. Fold them into the batter before spreading it over the melted butter.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar? You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar or an equivalent amount of granulated sugar. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan? To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine, the milk with a plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk), and ensure your sugars are vegan-friendly.
Why do I need to pour boiling water over the topping? The boiling water helps create the rich, fudgy sauce underneath the cobbler as it bakes. This step is crucial for achieving the correct texture.
How do I know when the cobbler is done? The top of the cobbler should be set and cracked, and the center should be slightly jiggly. The edges should be firm, and the cobbler will continue to set as it cools.
Can I use a different baking dish size? If you use a different size baking dish, you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller, deeper dish will take longer to bake, while a larger, shallower dish will bake more quickly.
Can I freeze the cobbler? It’s best to enjoy this cobbler fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may affect the texture, especially of the fudgy sauce. However, if you do freeze it, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What if my cobbler is too runny? If your cobbler is too runny, it may need more baking time. Ensure it’s baked until the top is set and the center is only slightly jiggly. Letting it cool for 15 minutes before serving also helps it set.
Can I use a sugar substitute? You can use sugar substitutes, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and sweetness. Follow the substitution guidelines on your specific sweetener package for best results.
In conclusion, Chocolate Cobbler is a rich and decadent dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any chocolate lover. Its combination of a cake-like topping with a fudgy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy this warm, gooey treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. Happy baking!