Southern Chocolate Cobbler

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a classic Southern dessert that’s sure to leave you craving more – Southern Chocolate Cobbler. This indulgent treat combines rich chocolate flavors with a warm, gooey texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a sweet escape, this dessert is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you longing for seconds.

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups boiling water
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Making the Batter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar and 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combining Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk, until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pouring the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Making the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the remaining granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
7. Adding Boiling Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the batter and cocoa mixture. Do not stir.
8. Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are bubbling.
9. Serving: Serve the Southern Chocolate Cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate indulgence.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For added richness, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Feel free to customize the dessert by adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, you can increase the amount of cocoa powder in both the batter and topping.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• While traditional Southern Chocolate Cobbler is not typically keto or low-carb friendly due to its high sugar and flour content, you can make some adjustments to create a version that fits your dietary needs.
• Substitute the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. You may need to adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
• Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower carb alternative. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different from the original recipe.
• Serve the keto or low-carb version of the cobbler with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream for a deliciously satisfying dessert.

In conclusion, Southern Chocolate Cobbler is a timeless dessert that never fails to delight the senses. With its rich chocolate flavor, tender cake-like texture, and gooey sauce, it’s the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it all to yourself, this dessert is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience pure chocolatey bliss with every spoonful.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions): Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: While you can use salted butter in a pinch, using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe more accurately. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the batter.

Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the batter and topping ahead of time and assemble the cobbler just before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cobbler ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving.

Q: Can I use hot cocoa mix instead of cocoa powder? A: While hot cocoa mix may contain sugar and other ingredients that could alter the texture and flavor of the cobbler, you can experiment with it if you’re in a pinch. However, using unsweetened cocoa powder will yield the best results.

Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Leftover Southern Chocolate Cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before serving.