Ingredients
For the Cobbler Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish or an 8×8-inch square baking pan. This step ensures that your cobbler won’t stick to the pan, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Cobbler Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Mix thoroughly to distribute the dry ingredients evenly. Next, stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms. If you’re a fan of texture, fold in the chopped walnuts at this stage. Pour the batter into the greased dish and spread it evenly.
3. Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the topping ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Carefully sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the dish. Resist the temptation to stir; this step is crucial for the cobbler’s signature layers.
4. Add the Magic Touch
Slowly pour the boiling water over the entire dish. Again, do not stir. The water helps create the rich pudding layer as it bakes, working its magic to transform into a decadent dessert.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The top should be almost set but still slightly jiggly. This ensures the cake is fully baked while keeping the fudgy pudding layer intact.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the cobbler to cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out portions and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: The longer the cobbler bakes, the less pudding you’ll have. For a rich, gooey bottom layer, take it out of the oven as soon as the cake layer is set.
Double the Recipe: If serving a crowd, double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
Add Some Crunch: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch that complements the soft, gooey texture of the cobbler.
Make It Extra Chocolatey: For an even deeper chocolate flavor, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips to the batter or topping.
Adjust for Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or topping slightly. This won’t affect the consistency but will create a more balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian