If you have a serious sweet tooth or simply adore chocolate in any form, this Chocolate Cobbler Recipe will become your new go-to dessert. It’s an irresistible combination of rich cocoa flavor and a unique, pudding-like sauce that magically forms beneath a tender cake topping. What’s so wonderful about this dessert is that it’s deceptively simple to make but delivers incredible warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether for an after-dinner treat or a cozy weekend indulgence, this Chocolate Cobbler Recipe is pure chocolate bliss waiting to happen.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in creating the signature texture and taste of this dish. From the melted butter that lends richness to the fluffy batter to the cocoa powder that infuses deep chocolate flavor, every item is essential and easy to find.
- 6 Tbsp butter (melted): This adds a luxurious richness and keeps the cobbler moist and tender.
- 1¾ cups sugar (divided): The sugar balances the bitterness of the cocoa and sweetens the cobbler perfectly.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake-like topping of the cobbler.
- 1½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cobbler rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- ½ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the batter.
- 6 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (divided): The key to the deep chocolate flavor found in both the topping and the sauce.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity to the chocolate notes.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cobbler.
- 1½ cups boiling water: Poured over the top to create the signature sauce under the cake layer.
How to Make Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350ºF. A perfectly preheated oven ensures the cobbler cooks evenly, giving that ideal balance of a set top and luscious chocolate sauce underneath.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Stir just until combined—the batter should be smooth but don’t overmix, or the texture might end up dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan with Butter and Batter
Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking pan, making sure it’s evenly spread. Then, gently pour the batter over the melted butter without mixing them. This layering is what creates that magical, fudgy sauce as it bakes.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sugar, cocoa powder, and mini chocolate chips. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter. This step adds bursts of sweet chocolaty goodness that melt beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Pour Boiling Water
Slowly and carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the cobbler. Don’t stir it in! The boiling water reacts with the butter and cocoa to create the rich chocolate sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Until Set
Bake the cobbler for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re aiming for a top that looks set without overcooking, because if it bakes too long, you’ll lose the gooey sauce that makes this Chocolate Cobbler Recipe so special.
How to Serve Chocolate Cobbler Recipe

Garnishes
Chocolate cobbler is delicious on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream makes it even more decadent. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some finely chopped nuts or fresh berries on top to add a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Although this dessert is the star, pairing it with a light, crisp salad or fresh fruit salad can balance the meal. A cup of steaming coffee or a smooth glass of milk also complements the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cobbler in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation or use a decorative baking dish to make a cozy, family-style dessert. For a fun twist, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle edible gold flakes for celebrations. The velvety chocolate sauce pools beautifully with every serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chocolate cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so it’s perfect if you want to enjoy it cold or reheat it later for that freshly baked feeling.
Freezing
You can freeze the cobbler in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. Freezing is a great option if you want to prep ahead for a special occasion.
Reheating
To revive your chocolate cobbler’s warm and gooey goodness, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Alternatively, warm the entire dish in a 325ºF oven covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep that perfect sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped dark chocolate works wonderfully in this Chocolate Cobbler Recipe. It may change the sweetness slightly but will add a rich, intense chocolate flavor.
Is it possible to make this cobbler gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy this dessert without gluten. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free for best results.
What happens if I stir the boiling water into the batter?
Stirring the boiling water in will mix the layers, preventing the signature separation between cakey top and gooey sauce that makes this Chocolate Cobbler Recipe so delightful. It’s best to pour it on top without stirring.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
You can try using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips, but keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ slightly from the traditional version. Experiment to find your perfect vegan version.
Why does my cobbler come out dry sometimes?
Dry cobbler usually means it was overbaked or the water wasn’t poured over evenly. Make sure to follow baking times closely and pour the boiling water gently over the top to maintain that luscious sauce beneath the cake.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cobbler Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a little piece of chocolate magic everyone should try. From the moment the warm, fragrant dessert comes out of the oven to the first bite of its rich, saucy goodness, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for so many. Give it a go and share the joy of this wonderful chocolate treat with your friends and family.
Print
Chocolate Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and gooey Chocolate Cobbler is a delightful dessert featuring a moist, cocoa-infused batter topped with a luscious chocolate sauce created by pouring boiling water over the batter before baking. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this easy-to-make cobbler offers a comforting treat with a balance of cake-like texture and melted chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp butter (melted)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups boiling water
Dry Ingredients
- 1¾ cups sugar (divided)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (divided)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) to prepare for baking the cobbler.
- Mix Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined to form the batter.
- Prepare Pan: Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s evenly coated, then pour the prepared batter over the melted butter without mixing them.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of sugar, 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and mini chocolate chips, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter layer in the pan.
- Add Boiling Water: Slowly and carefully pour the boiling water over the entire top of the cobbler; this creates the signature chocolate sauce that will form during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top of the cobbler is set but still moist underneath. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey chocolate sauce.
Notes
- Be careful when pouring boiling water over the batter to avoid splashing.
- Use an 8×8-inch pan for best results to ensure proper thickness and cooking time.
- Do not overbake as the dessert should remain gooey with a chocolate sauce underneath.
- The mini chocolate chips add texture and enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing and better flavor.

