Name: Chocolate Cobbler
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup flour.; 2 tsp baking powder.; 1/2 tsp salt.; 2/3 cup sugar.; 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa.; 2 tbsp butter, melted.; 1/2 cup milk.; 1 tsp vanilla.; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional).; 1/4 cup sugar.; 1/2 cup brown sugar.; 1/4 tsp salt.; 1 tbsp cocoa.; 1 cup water, boiling.

This Chocolate Cobbler is a warm, gooey dessert that creates its own sauce as it bakes. With a soft cake on top and a rich chocolate pudding underneath, it's a perfect ending to any meal. Top it with a scoop of ice cream to elevate the indulgence. This recipe comes together quickly and is ideal for a cozy night in or when you need to satisfy a chocolate craving.

Chocolate Cobbler is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining a soft cake on top with a rich, gooey chocolate pudding layer underneath. It's simple to prepare and perfect for any chocolate lover.

Before diving into the method, let's first take a look at the ingredients that make this dessert so indulgent.

INGREDIENTS

Main Batter: Start with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, mixed with 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2/3 cup of sugar. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of cocoa for that deep chocolate flavor. Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. For an optional crunch, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
Topping: Combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. This will be sprinkled over the batter to create a crispy, sugary crust.
Boiling Water: To activate the magic of this cobbler, pour 1 cup of boiling water over the entire mixture before baking. This ensures a rich chocolate sauce forms beneath the cake.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish or square baking pan to ensure the cobbler doesn’t stick.
Step 2:: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cocoa. Stir until evenly mixed. Add in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix well until a smooth batter forms.
Step 3:: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Set the dish aside while you prepare the topping.
Step 4:: In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this dry mixture evenly over the batter. Do not stir the topping into the batter—this is crucial for the cobbler's texture.
Step 5:: Carefully pour 1 cup of boiling water over the top of the batter and topping. Again, do not stir. The boiling water will create a sauce as it bakes, leaving you with a gooey pudding-like texture under the cake.
Step 6:: Bake the cobbler in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is nearly set and the cake has risen above the pudding layer. The top should look firm but still soft in the center.
Step 7:: Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast to the rich chocolate.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the Chocolate Cobbler warm for the best contrast between the gooey pudding layer and the soft cake.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream adds a creamy element that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before serving to enjoy that warm, gooey texture again.

Helpful Notes

You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor.
For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.

If you want a bit more sweetness, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top before serving.

Tips from well-known chefs

Mary Berry: Use the best quality cocoa powder you can find for a richer flavor.
Nigella Lawson: Always serve chocolate cobbler warm to fully appreciate the contrast between the cake and pudding layers.