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Old-fashioned chocolate cobbler baked in a white ceramic dish with a cracked chocolate topping and thick, fudgy chocolate sauce underneath, served with vanilla ice cream on the side

Chocolate Cobbler (Old-Fashioned, Gooey & Self-Saucing)

This old-fashioned Chocolate Cobbler recipe is a rich, self-saucing chocolate dessert that bakes into a soft, cake-like topping with a thick, fudgy chocolate sauce underneath. Made with simple pantry staples like cocoa powder, sugar, flour, butter, and milk, this easy chocolate cobbler comes together quickly and requires no mixer or special equipment. As it bakes, hot water poured over the batter creates a gooey chocolate sauce beneath the surface, making this dessert similar to a chocolate pudding cake but with a more cobbler-style texture. Perfect for weeknight desserts, holidays, and potlucks, this Southern-style chocolate cobbler is best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. If you’re looking for a classic, comforting chocolate dessert with sauce, this homemade chocolate cobbler delivers rich flavor, nostalgic appeal, and effortless preparation every time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

  • 8 X 8 - inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or Spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Saucepan or kettle for hot water

Ingredients
  

For the Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Sauce

  • 1½ cups hot water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter—do not stir.
  • Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the cobbler. Again, do not stir. This is what creates that rich chocolate sauce underneath.
  • Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top looks set and crackly but the center is still soft.

Notes

Nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 380IUCalcium: 75mgIron: 2.4mg
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