Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cobbler from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• Stir in ½ cup whole milk, ⅓ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be smooth but slightly thick.
• Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom of the dish entirely.

Step 3: Add the Topping

• In a small mixing bowl, combine:
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Stir the dry topping ingredients until well-mixed. Sprinkle the cocoa-sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Hot Water

• Carefully pour 1 ½ cups of hot water over the entire dish. The water may seem strange at first, but it’s essential for creating the sauce layer. Do not stir after adding the water. The water will sink through the dry topping during baking, forming the chocolate sauce beneath the cakey layer.

Step 5: Bake the Cobbler

• Bake the cobbler in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is firm and golden-brown. The center should be jiggly, indicating the chocolate sauce is bubbling underneath. If the top is set but the center still jiggles, the cobbler is ready.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly while remaining gooey and rich.
• To serve, spoon the cobbler into bowls, making sure to scoop up both the cakey top and the molten chocolate sauce at the bottom.
• Garnish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or sprinkle with powdered sugar for extra sweetness. You can also serve with fresh berries for a touch of tartness that complements the rich chocolate.