Dessert

Chocolate Cobbler Recipe

ByHarry Bern October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

Chocolate Cobbler is a comforting dessert that combines a rich cocoa cake with a luscious, pudding-like bottom. Its simple layers and warm, chocolatey flavor make it perfect for cozy evenings or casual get-togethers.

A dessert with three layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a moist, dark brown chocolate cake with a crumbly texture. The middle layer is a thick, glossy dark chocolate sauce generously poured over the cake, covering it and pooling slightly on the plate. The top layer is a smooth scoop of creamy white vanilla ice cream placed right in the center, with several thin dark chocolate syrup lines drizzled on it, adding contrast and shine. In the background, slightly blurred, there is a glass baking dish with more cake inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup boiling water

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder. Stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla until just combined. Add the chopped walnuts if you like.
Step 3: Spread this batter evenly into a greased 1.5-quart casserole dish or square pan. Set aside.
Step 4: In another small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup sugar, brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder. Sprinkle this sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Do not stir.
Step 5: Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the batter and sugar mixture. Again, do not stir.
Step 6: Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top looks almost set. During baking, the cake will rise and form a chocolate pudding layer underneath.
Step 7: Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with chocolate chips.
You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.
Using whole milk or adding a tablespoon of sour cream can make the cake even richer.
Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries for extra freshness.

Storage

Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or in a 350-degree oven covered with foil for about 10 minutes. This dessert is best enjoyed warm.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl containing two food layers side by side: on the left, a smooth, creamy white scoop of vanilla ice cream with a soft texture, and on the right, a rich, dark brown chocolate dessert with a sticky, gooey texture and some chunky bits visible, covered in thick chocolate sauce that glistens under light. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and topping ahead, then refrigerate the unbaked dish for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the boiling water and bake when ready.

What causes the pudding to form at the bottom?

The boiling water poured over the sugar and batter creates a separation during baking. The batter rises to the top while the water mixes with the sugar and cocoa to form a rich, chocolate pudding layer underneath.