This Black Forest Cobbler is one of my favorite quick desserts when I want something indulgent without a lot of fuss. With about 10 minutes of prep, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy treat after dinner. The classic cherry-and-chocolate pairing shines here: chocolate chips melt into the cherry filling, creating a warm, gooey center beneath a cake-like topping. It serves 6–8 and is easy to scale, so it’s great for family dinners or casual gatherings. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly comforting dessert.
Why You’ll Love Black Forest Cobbler
- Minimal Prep Time: Ready to go into the oven in about 10 minutes, perfect when time is tight.
- Decadent Flavor Combo: Rich chocolate paired with sweet-tart cherries for an irresistible finish.
- Warm and Gooey: Chocolate chips melt into the filling to create a comforting, gooey center.
- Feeds a Crowd: Makes 6–8 servings—great for sharing or saving for later.
- Flexible Topping: Works with a small-batch boxed chocolate cake mix or half of your favorite homemade chocolate cake batter.
Ingredients Needed To Make Black Forest Cobbler
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and optional topping suggestions.
- XO Baking Small Batch Chocolate Cupcake Mix (or half of your preferred homemade chocolate cake recipe)
- Store-bought cherry pie filling or a homemade cherry filling
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark or milk chocolate, to taste)
How To Make Black Forest Cobbler
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 7x10x3″ baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the cherry layer so they’ll melt into the filling as it bakes.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions (or use half of your homemade chocolate cake batter).
- Pour the cake batter evenly over the cherries and chocolate chips. It will spread and bake into a cake-like topping.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the cake topping is puffed and slightly cracked on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before serving so the filling sets slightly.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I substitute the chocolate chips for a different type of chocolate?
Yes. Swap semi-sweet chips for dark, milk, or white chocolate to change the flavor profile. Each type will slightly alter the final sweetness and intensity.
How should I store leftover Black Forest Cobbler?
Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat portions gently in the microwave or a low oven for best texture.
Can I reheat this cobbler?
Absolutely. Reheat single portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven until heated through. To preserve a slightly crisp topping, reheat uncovered in the oven.
What if I don’t have the specific boxed mix mentioned?
No problem. Use half of your favorite chocolate cake recipe or a different boxed mix scaled to the appropriate amount for a cobbler topping.
Can I add anything else to the cobbler?
Optional additions include a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch. These enhance texture and presentation but aren’t necessary.
How do I know when the cobbler is done?
The topping should be puffed and slightly cracked. The center will be set but still tender when pressed lightly. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking until set.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate the unbaked cobbler, then bake when ready. If baking from cold, add a few extra minutes to the bake time and allow the cobbler to rest briefly after baking before serving.
Black Forest Cobbler
Equipment
- 7x10x3” deep baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 package XO Baking Small Batch Chocolate Cupcake Mix (or use half of your homemade chocolate cake recipe)
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or substitute dark or milk chocolate)
Topping (Optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 7x10x3” baking dish.
Assemble the Cobbler
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the cherries.
Prepare the Topping
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions or use half of your homemade cake batter.
- Pour the batter over the cherry and chocolate chip layers, smoothing gently if needed.
Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is slightly cracked and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving so the filling sets slightly.
Serve
- Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
For convenience, a small-batch boxed mix works well. If using a homemade cake recipe, halve it so you have the right amount of batter for a cobbler-style topping.
Nutrition (approximate, total)
This Black Forest Cobbler is an easy way to create a showstopping dessert with minimal effort. The contrast of warm cherries and melted chocolate under a tender cake topping makes it especially satisfying. It’s forgiving to variations, so feel free to adapt the chocolate or try adding nuts for texture. Whether for a casual family dessert or a small celebration, it’s a reliably delicious choice that comes together quickly and tastes like a treat.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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- Homemade Whipped Cream
- Easy Berry Cream Cheese Danish with Crumble Topping
- Easy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish with Biscoff Crumble
- Easy Peach Cheesecake Cobbler
- Banana Foster Cheesecake Crumble Bars