Imagine a dessert that is effortlessly decadent, gloriously gooey, and entirely fuss-free—say hello to Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake. This dreamy treat comes together with everyday pantry staples but delivers maximum chocolate satisfaction, thanks to ripples of molten pudding and pockets of melty chocolate chips. There’s something magical about lifting the slow cooker lid and revealing the melty, pudding-slathered cake beneath, guaranteed to get everyone scrambling for a spoon. If you’re after an irresistibly rich finish to any meal, or simply want an easy way to make your kitchen smell like a chocolatier’s paradise, this is the recipe for you.

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake comes together with just a handful of ingredients, each one pulling its weight to create the ultimate chocolate lover’s delight. From the humble cake mix to the creamy milk, every component adds its own special touch to this showstopping treat.

Chocolate Cake Mix: The backbone of this dessert, a boxed mix keeps things quick and ensures a moist, chocolatey base every time.
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: This secret weapon takes your cake from good to lava-luscious, providing that signature gooey river running through the center.
Whole Milk: Whisked with the pudding, whole milk gives richness and body for a creamy, molten result.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt into delightful pockets of pure chocolate, making every bite a little surprise.
Eggs, Oil, and Water: The essentials for preparing your cake mix, these add moisture and lift—double-check your cake mix box for exact amounts.
Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate finishing flourish for serving, adding contrast and cooling sweetness to all that warm chocolate.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: This is vital for hassle-free clean-up and for helping every gorgeous scoop slide out easily.

How to Make Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot

The first step is all about setting yourself up for easy clean-up and perfect results: spray the entire inside of your slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray. This little move ensures your Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake will scoop out beautifully and won’t stick to the sides, saving you from any heartbreak (or scrubbing) later on.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Next, prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the instructions on your boxed mix. That usually means whisking together the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Mix until everything is blended and pour the batter straight into the bottom of your greased slow cooker, smoothing it out for an even base.

Step 3: Mix Up the Pudding

In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and whole milk. You want this mixture perfectly smooth, so be thorough! Once combined, gently pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake batter in the slow cooker. Don’t stir—trust the process, the magic happens just as it is.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Now, shower the entire surface with semi-sweet chocolate chips. These will steadily sink and melt as your Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake cooks, creating irresistible bursts of chocolate in every bite. If you’re feeling creative, this is also the time to add any extra fun, like peanut butter chips or caramel bits.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Gooey Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to high. Now, the hardest part—waiting! Let your Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. You’re looking for edges that are set but a middle that still jiggles and looks molten. Turn off the heat, scoop straight from the pot, and get ready for chocolate bliss.

How to Serve Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Garnishes

Pile your warm Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake high in bowls and crown it with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream or billows of whipped cream. For extra flair, add a light dusting of powdered sugar, chocolate curls, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A few fresh berries can add a pop of color and a fruity tang to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

Because this dessert is so wonderfully decadent, keep side dishes simple and fresh. A platter of sliced strawberries or raspberries makes a refreshing complement. If you want to elevate things, serve alongside espresso or strong coffee to balance all that chocolatey goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake can easily be dressed up for any occasion! For parties, scoop the warm cake into individual cups or ramekins, topping each with a different garnish—crushed cookies, toffee bits, or even a mini peanut butter cup tucked in for a sweet surprise. You could also try layering warm cake, ice cream, and pudding in parfait glasses for an eye-catching and oh-so-indulgent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake (which is a rare event!), simply let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge, where it’ll stay deliciously moist for up to four days. The pudding keeps the cake soft and fudge-like, even after chilling.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. While the texture is best enjoyed fresh, even after freezing, Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake maintains its gooey magic. Just be sure to spread a little extra whipped cream or ice cream on top to freshen it up when serving again.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat is simply popping a portion in the microwave—thirty seconds often does the trick. If you’re warming a large amount, cover and warm gently in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as you want to restore that molten center but avoid drying out the edges.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe, simply use the same proportions and follow the steps as you would with a boxed mix. The magic of the Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is all about the pudding swirl and slow heat, so homemade or boxed, you’ll still get that gooey goodness.

What size slow cooker is best for Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake?

A 6-quart slow cooker is just right—wide enough to let the cake and pudding set at the perfect thickness. If using a smaller or larger cooker, keep an eye on cook time and check for doneness around the edges as well as that signature molten center.

Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix (and double-check your pudding mix is gluten-free too). The result is just as indulgent and nobody will miss the gluten when the gooey, chocolatey center is revealed.

Can I make Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake in advance?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components a few hours ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. If you do make it in advance, just reheat gently and always finish with fresh toppings to keep the indulgence factor high.

What other mix-ins can I try?

Go wild—try white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, caramel bits, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella. Each addition adds a new flavor twist and can turn your Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake into something truly signature to your tastes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’ll wow without the stress, truly nothing beats Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake. It’s rich, gooey, and just a little bit magical—as comforting to make as it is to eat. Grab your spoons, gather your favorite people, and dive into the chocolatey goodness you deserve!

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate dessert with this easy Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake recipe. Decadent, gooey, and utterly irresistible, it’s the perfect treat for any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare (eggs, oil, water)

Pudding Layer:

1 box (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups whole milk

Topping:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

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Instructions

Spray Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare Cake Batter: Prepare the cake batter according to package directions and pour it into the slow cooker.
Make Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth. Pour pudding mixture evenly over the cake batter without stirring.
Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until edges are set but the center is gooey.
Serve: Serve warm from the slow cooker, topped with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

This dessert is best enjoyed fresh and warm for maximum gooeyness.
For variety, consider using peanut butter chips, caramel bits, or a Nutella swirl with the chocolate chips.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American