If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting warmth of a southern classic, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Pecan Cobbler Recipe. It’s a luscious, gooey chocolate dessert that perfectly balances the deep, rich cocoa flavor with the crunchy, buttery pecans nestled right on top. Each bite offers a lovely dance between a cake-like texture and a velvety chocolate sauce beneath, making it utterly irresistible. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a family dinner or a show-stopping treat for guests, this recipe brings all the warmth and joy in one delightful dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role, from the rich butter that adds moisture to the cocoa powder that delivers the intense chocolate punch.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts to create a rich, buttery base for the cobbler.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the tender cake-like structure that holds everything together.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides the perfect rise for a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter without overpowering.
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (divided): Packed with deep chocolate flavor, split between the batter and topping.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that enhance the chocolate.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty contrast on top.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness in the topping.
- 1 1/4 cups hot water: Poured over the top to create the signature gooey chocolate sauce beneath the cake layer.
- Vanilla ice cream (optional): The perfect cooling complement for warm servings.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, place the butter in a 9-inch square baking dish and let it melt in the oven. This sets the stage for that buttery base that the batter will rest on. It’s an essential trick that makes the cobbler wonderfully moist and adds a subtle richness.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. This combination builds the foundation for the cake-like layer. Then stir in the milk and vanilla extract just until everything is combined—avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and tender.
Step 3: Pour Batter Over Butter
Carefully remove the hot baking dish with the melted butter. Pour the batter gently on top of the butter and resist the temptation to stir. This layering method is crucial for that beautiful cobbler effect, where the cake will bake on top and the chocolate sauce will settle beneath.
Step 4: Add Pecans and Cocoa-Brown Sugar Topping
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the batter. They add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the chocolate. Then, in a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar with the remaining 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the pecans. This topping will meld into the gooey sauce as it bakes.
Step 5: Pour Hot Water and Bake
Slowly pour the hot water over the entire dish — again, do not stir. This step creates the signature pudding-like chocolate sauce beneath the cobbler’s top layer. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is set and bubbling around the edges. A warm aroma of chocolate and toasted pecans will soon fill your kitchen.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the chocolate sauce to thicken slightly. This resting time makes serving easier and enhances the dish’s texture. Then scoop generous portions into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream if you like. The contrast of warm gooey cobbler and cool creamy ice cream is pure bliss.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
While the cobbler shines on its own, simple garnishes can elevate the experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic choice that balances the richness with creamy coolness. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top offers an elegant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This cobbler stands out as a dessert, but it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries to add a hint of tartness. For a cozy occasion, serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate to echo the dessert’s warm chocolate tones.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try individual servings in ramekins or clear glass jars so everyone can admire the layers. For a rustic vibe, serve it straight from the baking dish with a big serving spoon. You can also drizzle caramel or chocolate syrup on top for an irresistible, decadent finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your leftover Chocolate Pecan Cobbler Recipe with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day dessert just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep the cobbler longer, you can freeze it after baking and cooling. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warm and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. For small portions, the microwave works great—just heat in short intervals to avoid overheating. Adding a scoop of ice cream after warming makes it feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use dark cocoa powder instead of regular?
Absolutely! Dark cocoa powder will give your Chocolate Pecan Cobbler Recipe an even richer, deeper chocolate flavor. Just be mindful that it can sometimes add slight bitterness, so adjusting sugar levels slightly can help balance it out.
Is it possible to make this cobbler gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure, or add a small amount yourself. The texture will still be delicious and nearly indistinguishable from the original.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Definitely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully in this recipe. Just chop them into similar sizes for even baking and that satisfying crunch.
Do I have to pour hot water over the batter?
The hot water is what creates the signature gooey chocolate sauce layer underneath the cake. Skipping this step changes the entire texture and essence of the dish, so it’s highly recommended to follow the instructions for the best results.
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time and bake later?
While you can prepare the batter and topping in advance, this cobbler is best baked fresh. The hot water pouring step right before baking is key to the texture. If you want to prep early, you can mix dry ingredients separately and assemble just before baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully comforting about a warm, gooey Chocolate Pecan Cobbler Recipe fresh from the oven. Its balance of textures, rich chocolate flavor, and nutty crunch make it a crowd-pleaser every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup—you’ll be sharing it again and again with family and friends, guaranteed!
Print
Chocolate Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Pecan Cobbler is a decadent Southern-inspired dessert featuring a gooey chocolate sauce beneath a cake-like topping, studded with crunchy pecans. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a warm, comforting treat that can be served with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups hot water
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (divided)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Optional
- vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and melt butter: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a 9-inch square baking dish and put it in the oven to melt while it preheats.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add wet ingredients to dry: Stir the 1/2 cup whole milk and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract into the dry mixture until just combined to form the batter.
- Pour batter over melted butter: Carefully remove the hot baking dish with melted butter from the oven and pour the batter over the melted butter without stirring.
- Add pecans: Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the batter layer.
- Prepare cocoa sugar topping: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar with the remaining 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pecans and batter.
- Pour hot water: Slowly pour 1 1/4 cups hot water over the entire mixture without stirring it. This layering helps create the gooey chocolate sauce under the cobbler topping.
- Bake the cobbler: Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is set and bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes to allow the layers to set slightly. Spoon warm portions into bowls and serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- The cobbler creates a gooey chocolate sauce beneath the cake-like topping, so the texture underneath will be loose and saucy—this is intentional.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, substitute dark cocoa powder for the unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Be careful not to stir after pouring the batter over the melted butter or after adding the hot water to maintain the layered effect.
