Cherry Chocolate Dutch Oven Cobbler
On May 21, 2025
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This nostalgic Cherry Chocolate Dutch Oven Cobbler brings campfire flavor to your backyard. It’s rich, gooey, and amazing with whipped cream. It’s my version of a Black Forest Cake, but you can enjoy it even at home!
Cherry Chocolate Dutch Oven Cobbler
This isn’t just any dessert, this is the kind of treat that will have your family hovering around the grill waiting for that moment when you lift the Dutch oven lid. Sweet chocolate and tart cherries create an aroma that’ll take you right back to those childhood campouts. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of flavors: rich, dark chocolate cake with pockets of bright cherry goodness underneath.
When you sink your teeth into this indulgent dessert, you won’t believe how simple it is. With just 4 ingredients, this cobbler is ready in less than an hour from start to finish. If you want a dessert that’s quick and easy to make, but still makes you feel like a Backyard BBQ Hero, this recipe was designed with you in mind.
What is a Dutch oven cobbler?
Dutch oven cobbler is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert made with fruit on the bottom and a quick batter or cake mix on top. Everything gets baked in a cast-iron Dutch oven. It’s a go-to for campfire cooking because it’s low-effort, forgiving, and turns out delicious every time.
This chocolate cherry version is my own twist on the classic. With tart cherries and rich chocolate, this bold, gooey dessert cooks evenly thanks to the Dutch oven. Whether you’re cooking over coals, on the grill, or in your oven, this is one you’ll come back over and over.
Not a chocolate fan? That’s okay, because I’ve got a classic peach cobbler you can try. Or if you want the best of both worlds, try this version with yellow cake mix and a blend of cherry, blackberry, and blueberry filling if you’re not a chocolate fan.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
You’re not going to believe it, but this short-and-sweet list of ingredients is all you need to make this campfire-inspired treat:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (I like the super dark chocolate versions)
- 1 12-ounce can of cola (Coca-Cola is the soda of choice!)
- 8 Tablespoons salted butter (cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 1 large can cherry pie filling
That’s it! The trick here is using cola instead of the traditional eggs and oil. This method creates the perfect texture while adding just a hint of caramel that complements the cherries beautifully. Stick with regular cola rather than diet for the best results. It’s a dessert, after all.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Dutch Oven Cobbler
With this cobbler, you’re not just tossing ingredients together, you’re layering rich, gooey, chocolate-cherry goodness. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
- Preheat the grill. Fire up your grill or smoker to 375 degrees F. You want it nice and hot before the cobbler goes on. If you’re using a campfire, get your coals glowing and ready for Dutch oven cooking. You can also make this in your oven if you’re at home or don’t have grill access.
- Add the fruit filling. To build your cobbler foundation, spoon the cherry pie filling into the bottom of your cast-iron Dutch oven. Spread it out evenly so you’ve got an even layer of tart, syrupy flavor as the base.
- Make the cake layer. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix and cola just until combined. Fold in the cubed butter, then pour the cake batter right over the cherries. It’ll look a bit rustic, and that’s exactly what you want. The batter will puff and crackle while it bakes, creating a chewy top and fluffy pockets inside.
- Cook the cobbler. Put the Dutch oven on the grill over hot charcoal, close the lid (or cover with hot coals if you’re cooking camp-style), and bake for about 30–45 minutes. You’re looking for a set top with a little spring when touched, and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean from the center (more on that below).
- Serve and enjoy! Let it cool just a few minutes so the molten cherry layer doesn’t burn your mouth, then dig in. The contrast of warm cobbler with cold whipped cream or ice cream is truly delightful.
The Toothpick Test: How to Tell When Cobbler is Done
Not sure if your cobbler’s ready? Grab a toothpick, then gently poke it into the center of the cake topping. Avoid the fruit layer, that’ll always be gooey. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, then you’re good to go. If the center’s still a little wet, just pop the lid back on and give it another 5–10 minutes. It’s better to wait a few extra minutes than dig into raw batter. Trust me.
Serving Suggestions
Around here, we like to have the bowls and spoons ready so we can dish out the cobbler as soon as it comes off the grill. If you really want to take things over the top, make some of my homemade whipped cream. You just need heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for the perfect cobbler pairing.
You can use a canned whipped cream if you’re camping. It’s amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy it as-is, but there’s nothing quite like something cool and creamy to contrast this warm, indulgent cobbler.
More BBQ Dessert Recipes
If you love the sweet side of outdoor cooking as much as me, you’ve got to try some of my other favorite desserts. I’ve got all kinds of fresh, fruity, and even frozen dessert recipes you can make right at home. Here are some of my most popular desserts:
For all my latest recipes, make sure to download the Hey Grill Hey App! It’s got times, step-by-step instructions, and you can even make shopping lists. It’s a must-have tool for any Backyard BBQ Hero.
Cherry Chocolate Dutch Oven Cobbler Recipe
Make this Cherry Chocolate Cobbler following the recipe card below, and get ready to wow the people you love. After you all share and enjoy this one-of-a-kind dessert, make sure to come back and give the recipe a 5-star review.
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Cherry Chocolate Dutch Oven Cobbler
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 12-ounce can cola
- 8 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 20-ounce can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the grill. Set your grill or smoker to 375 degrees F. You can also cook this in your campfire using hot coals, or in your oven if you’re at home.
- Add the fruit. In the bottom of a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, pour in your can of cherry pie filling.1 20-ounce can cherry pie filling
- Make the cake layer. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix and soda until just barely combined. Fold in the cubed butter and pour the mixture over the cherries, covering them completely.1 box chocolate cake mix, 1 12-ounce can cola, 8 Tablespoons salted butter
- Cook the cobbler. Place the skillet on the grill or the Dutch oven in the coals with a lid on and bake the cobbler for 30-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve and enjoy! Remove the cobbler from the heat. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
