Why I Love This Recipe

This Old-Time Chocolate Cobbler is a true classic dessert that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious. What I love most about it is its simplicity—no fussing over complex steps or ingredients. The magic happens when the layers bake together, creating a gooey, fudgy chocolate sauce at the bottom and a rich, cakey top. It’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to potlucks and gatherings. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that will delight everyone!

Old-Time Chocolate Cobbler

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 300 kcal (may vary)

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 ¾ cups white sugar, divided
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
• 1 ½ cups boiling water

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Butter:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter into an 8-inch square baking dish and place it in the oven while it preheats, allowing the butter to melt.

2. Mix the Flour and Cocoa:

• In a medium bowl, sift together the self-rising flour, ¾ cup of sugar, and 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder.
• Add the ½ cup of milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.

3. Prepare the Sugar-Cocoa Topping:

• In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1 cup sugar and ¼ cup cocoa powder.

4. Assemble the Cobbler:

• Once the butter is melted in the baking dish, remove it from the oven.
• Pour the flour-sugar mixture over the melted butter, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the sugar-cocoa mixture on top of the batter, making sure to cover it as evenly as possible.
• Slowly pour the 1 ½ cups boiling water over the entire dish—don’t stir!

5. Bake:

• Place the dish back in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cobbler is set and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean (you may still see some fudgy sauce at the bottom).
• The cobbler will have a crispy top with a gooey, chocolatey sauce at the bottom.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips and Tricks

• Self-rising flour substitute: If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt to replace it.
• Make it richer: For an extra-rich cobbler, you can use whole milk instead of regular milk, or even add a splash of heavy cream for a decadent treat.
• Add-ins: You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even marshmallows to the batter for a fun twist on the classic.
• Don’t stir the water: The magic of this dessert comes from the way the layers bake, so it’s important not to stir the boiling water into the mixture. Let it do its thing in the oven!

Notes

• Serving suggestion: This dessert is best served warm. I recommend enjoying it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness.
• Make ahead: While this cobbler is best fresh, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. When ready to make it, just follow the directions starting from the melted butter stage.
• Texture: The cobbler has a delightful texture contrast—crispy on top, with a gooey, fudgy chocolate sauce at the bottom. The batter will rise while baking, but the chocolate sauce will remain at the bottom, making each bite a combination of cake and rich chocolate sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of sugar?
   Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for part or all of the white sugar if you prefer a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
2. Can I use a larger pan?
   If you use a larger pan, the cobbler may bake faster and be thinner. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size of your dish.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   While this cobbler is best served fresh, you can prepare it up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. It’s also delicious served cold!

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: While not ideal for freezing, you can freeze portions of the cobbler for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until warmed through.

This Old-Time Chocolate Cobbler is a perfect dessert for anyone who loves rich, indulgent chocolate treats. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, it’s a go-to recipe that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy dessert night at home, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!