Get ready to savor the rich allure of this Chocolate Cobbler, blending the essence of cocoa, coconut sugar, wholesome flour and almond milk into a mouthwatering treat. Indulge in the ultimate chocolatey delight with the best fudgy molten sauce that forms beneath the chocolate pudding cake with options to make it in the oven or slow cooker.
Updated September 2023
Irresistible Chocolate Cobbler Recipe: A Sweet Treat for All Occasions
Craving a luscious dessert that’s easy to make and absolutely heavenly? This Chocolate Cobbler recipe is an indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a moist, cakey texture and a gooey, fudgy sauce.
The best part is that it take just 10 minutes of prep time and you can bake this delicious hot fudge cake in the oven or slow cooker. And there are options to make this chocolate pudding cake gluten-free, refined sugar-free and dairy-free with four delicious topping options. Whether you have any dietary concerns or not, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we delve into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this Chocolate Cobbler so irresistible:
- Finely Ground Oat Flour: The base of our cake, providing structure and texture. Feel free to use gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour or even all purpose flour if you’re not gluten-free.
- Coconut Sugar: Sweetens the cake and enhances its flavor profile. Feel free to sub with regular brown sugar and for a lower sugar option, try golden monk fruit sweetener, Brown Swerve or another brown sugar substitute of your choice.
- Cacao Powder or Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Infuses that rich chocolatey taste we all crave.
- Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, ensuring a fluffy cake.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk or Milk of Your Choice: Adds moisture to the cake.
- Melted Vegan Butter or Substitute: Contributes to the cake’s richness and moisture. Feel free to use melted coconut oil, ghee or unsalted butter if you’re not dairy-free.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
For the Cocoa Fudge Mixture:
- Additional Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet, gooey sauce.
- More Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolatey goodness.
- Hot or Boiling Water: Combines with cocoa powder to form the luscious fudge sauce.
Optional Toppings:
Customize your cake with these delightful toppings.
- Dairy-free or regular Chocolate Chips,
- Dairy-free or regular White Chocolate Chips
- Shredded Coconut
- Chopped Nuts
Instructions: How to make Chocolate Chocolate Cobbler
Now, let’s walk through the steps to make this mouthwatering Chocolate Pudding Cake:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, melted butter (or a suitable substitute), and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
- Spread in Dish: For the oven method, spread the batter into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. For the slow cooker method, use a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray.
- Top It Off: Sprinkle your choice of optional toppings, totaling one cup, and gently press them into the batter.
- Prepare the Cocoa Fudge Mixture: Combine the additional sugar and cocoa powder and sprinkle this over the batter.
- Add Hot Water: Pour hot or boiling water over the cocoa powder without stirring.
- Baking or Slow Cooking: For the oven method, bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. For the slow cooker method, cover and cook on high for 1 3/4 – 2 1/2 hours, checking the cake’s readiness as per your slow cooker’s cooking time.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Chocolate Pudding Cake warm with a scoop of ice cream and fresh fruit for an extra touch of decadence.
Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed but avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use quality cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor.
- Customize your toppings to suit your preferences.
- Be patient with slow cooking – different slow cookers may require varying times.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate hot fudge cake is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence after dinner. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with this chocolate cobbler recipe. You can substitute ingredients like almond milk with your preferred milk or vegan butter with coconut oil or ghee. Customize the toppings to suit your taste, or try adding a hint of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Incorporate these variations to make this Hot Fudge Pudding Cake truly your own.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
You can store any leftover chocolate cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can use regular all-purpose flour if you’re not following a gluten-free diet. The cake will turn out just as delicious.
2. Can I use different sweeteners in this recipe?
Yes, you can. If you prefer, you can use packed brown sugar, golden monk fruit sweetener, or brown Swerve as a lower-sugar alternative to coconut sugar.
3. Can I substitute almond milk with another type of milk?
Of course! Feel free to use your milk of choice, whether it’s dairy, almond, soy, or any other milk substitute you prefer.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time for a special occasion?
Absolutely. This cake can be made in advance and stored as mentioned in the previous question. It’s a convenient option for entertaining guests.
5. Can I use a different combination of toppings?
Yes, you can get creative with your toppings! Experiment with different combinations of chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts to suit your taste.
6. Can I make this recipe in a conventional oven if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Certainly! The recipe provides instructions for both the oven and slow cooker methods. You can choose the one that suits your kitchen equipment best.
7. How do I know when the cake is done baking or slow cooking?
For the oven method, a toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean when the cake is done. For the slow cooker, check the cake’s readiness based on the recommended cooking time for your specific appliance.
8. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Certainly! You can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
More healthier chocolate dessert recipes you will love:
Get ready to savor the rich allure of this Chocolate Cobbler, blending the essence of cocoa, coconut sugar, wholesome flour and almond milk into a mouthwatering treat. Indulge in the ultimate chocolatey delight with the best fudgy molten sauce that forms beneath the chocolate pudding cake with options to make it in the oven or slow cooker.
- 1 cup gluten-free finely ground oat flour , you can also sub with gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour or all purpose flour if you're not gluten-free
- 1 cup coconut sugar , can also sub with packed brown sugar or brown sugar sweetener of choice such as golden monk fruit sweetener or brown Swerve for a lower sugar option
- 1/4 cup cacao powder , or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk , or preferred milk of choice
- 2 tbsp melted vegan butter , you can also sub with melted coconut oil, melted ghee or melted unsalted butter if you're not dairy-free
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar , you can also sub with packed brown sugar or brown sugar sweetener of choice such as golden monk fruit sweetener or brown Swerve for a lower sugar option
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-3/4 cups hot or boiling water
- Dairy-free or regular chocolate chips
- Dairy-free or regular white chocolate chips
- Shredded Coconut
- Chopped Nuts
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla and mix until just combined.
Spread the batter into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with optional toppings using any combination equaling out to one cup and press gently into the batter so they stick.
For the Cocoa fudge mixture, combine sugar and cocoa and sprinkle over the batter in the casserole dish. Pour hot or boiling water over the cocoa powder (do not stir).
Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean.
Serve warm with ice cream and top with fruit if desired.
Spread the batter into a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray.
Sprinkle with optional toppings using any combination equaling out to one cup and press gently into the batter so they stick.
For the Cocoa fudge mixture, combine sugar and cocoa and sprinkle over the batter in the crock-pot. Pour hot or boiling water over the cocoa powder (do not stir).
Cover and cook on high for 1 3/4 - 2 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted near center of the cake comes out clean. Every slow cooker cooks differently so if your slow cooker runs hot, be sure to check on the batter at 1 hour and then every 20 minutes after that.
Serve warm with ice cream and top with fruit if desired.
How to store: You can store any leftover chocolate cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to freeze: For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice -
Kelly, this looks AMAZING! I’ve made a pudding cake once before in the slow cooker, but your version sounds so much better. And I like how it’s on the healthier side, too. And 4 ways?! SOLD! I wish I could devour this for breakfast right about now. This looks so incredible!
Megan - The Emotional Baker -
Vegan?!? Awesome!! This cake looks heavenly – now I just need a slow cooker 😉
Monica -
This is so perfect for the slow cooker. I love a warm dessert, especially when it’s set against some cold ice cream! This is heavenly, my friend!…I can totally picture you having a slow cooker party at your house with all kinds of savory things waiting in slow cookers at one counter, and one laid out with sweets/desserts. You’ll find me hovering and scooping from the one with the hot fudge pudding cake! ; )
Robin Ervin -
Can you use regular flour instead of the white whole wheat flour?
Sues -
Mmm I’ve never had a cake like this before, but I am so down! It looks so gooey and delicious!