Hot Fudge Cake (AKA Chocolate Cobbler)

Published June 7, 2017. Updated November 7, 2018

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Here Chocolate meets Cobbler for one unforgettable dessert! It’s like a molten, warm chocolate lava cake and you’re going to be head-over-heels in love with this rich decadence. It’s easy to make and sure to be loved by people all ages.

Chocolate cobbler in a white individual bowl topped with vanilla ice cream, strawberries and walnuts.

Chocolate Fudge Cake, AKA Chocolate Cobbler

There are two main recipes for this cake online, there’s a version that uses vegetable oil and more water and another that uses butter and less water. I went with the butter option because

  1. Butter is better.
  2. I like that it used less water which would mean a thicker sauce.

The only thing I thought the recipe needed was more salt, which I’ve added to the recipe below. Other than that it’s golden! And how I can’t wait to make it again!

Hot Fudge Cake or Chocolate Cobbler in a white baking dish.

How to Make Chocolate Cobbler

  • Preheat oven (350) and butter baking dish.
  • Whisk 3/4 cup granulated sugar, flour, 1/4 cup cocoa, baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt.
  • Mix in milk, butter and vanilla.
  • Spread into baking dish.
  • Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa and 1/4 tsp salt.
  • Pour mixture over batter in baking dish and spread even.
  • Pour in hot water (don’t stir).
  • Bake until center is nearly set, about 35 – 40 minutes.

Just look at all that molten, fudgy chocolate goodness…

Close up image of molten filling and cake topping of chocolate cobbler.

What Should I Serve with It?

I mean it’s pure magic on it’s own but you can go wrong with a few toppings. Here are my suggestions.

  • Ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate or strawberry.
  • Fresh strawberries or raspberries.
  • Nuts for a little textural contrast. Walnuts, pecans or peanuts.
  • Banana slices. Just thing of a hot fudge sundae.
  • Maraschino cherries, cause why not?

Hot Fudge Cake AKA Chocolate Cobbler

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Hot Fudge Cake AKA Chocolate Cobbler

Rich chocolate cake with a warm molten fudge center, does it get any better? This cake is easy to make and sure to satisfy those chocolate cravings!
Servings: 8
Prep15 minutes
Cook35 minutes
Cool10 minutes
Ready in: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 cup (142g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt , divided
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • 1/3 cup (74g) unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces and melted
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (110g) packed light-brown sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups (355ml) very hot water

Topping (optional)

  • Sliced strawberries and bananas
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
  • Mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 by 9-inch (or 11 by 7-inch) baking dish, set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl whisk together 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, flour, 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder, baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt for 20 seconds. Pour in milk, melted butter and vanilla and stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until well blended. Spread batter evenly into prepared baking dish.
  • In a mixing bowl whisk together remaining 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder and remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Pour mixture over batter and spread into an even layer. Carefully pour hot water evenly over top, do not stir.
  • Bake in preheated oven 35 - 40 minutes until center is nearly set (it should still wiggle slightly). Remove from oven and let stand for 10 - 15 minutes before serving. Serve in bowls topped with strawberries, bananas, ice cream and pecans if desired. Garnish with mint. Serve immediately.
  • Recipe source: adapted from Hershey's