Chocolate Cobbler

 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish or a square baking pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour or cocoa powder.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cocoa powder.
2. Stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms.
3. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts for texture and a nutty flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

1. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients: sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter—do not stir.
3. Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the mixture. Again, do not stir; the magic of this dessert happens in the oven.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top of the cake is nearly set. The cake will rise to the top, while a rich chocolate pudding forms at the bottom.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the hot chocolate pudding and the cold ice cream is irresistible.

 Methods Explained

• Mixing: The dry and wet ingredients are combined gently to avoid overworking the flour, keeping the cake tender.
• Layering: The topping and boiling water are poured separately to create the pudding effect naturally during baking.
• Baking: The heat causes the batter to rise while the sugars dissolve into a luscious pudding beneath, giving the dessert its signature cobbler effect.