Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is incredibly easy to make, and the result is a warm, gooey chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center. Thanks to the slow cooker, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it dessert that you can make while focusing on other things. The combination of cake mix, pudding mix, and chocolate chips creates a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both rich and satisfying. Every bite is a warm chocolatey heaven!

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 15.25-ounce box chocolate cake mix
• 1¼ cup whole milk
• ½ cup canola oil
• 3 eggs

Topping:

• 3.9 oz box chocolate instant pudding mix
• 2 cups milk
• 11.5 oz bag chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake: In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, whole milk, canola oil, and eggs. Stir until well combined and smooth.
2. Add the Cake to the Crockpot: Grease the bottom and sides of your crockpot insert with a small amount of oil or non-stick spray. Pour the cake batter into the crockpot, spreading it out evenly.
3. Make the Pudding Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chocolate instant pudding mix and 2 cups of milk. Mix for about 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
4. Pour the Pudding Over the Cake: Pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter in the crockpot. Do not stir—this will create the lava-like effect as it cooks.
5. Add the Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the pudding mixture, spreading them out evenly.
6. Cook the Cake: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the edges of the cake are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The center should remain gooey.
7. Serve: Once done, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon out portions of the cake, making sure to include some of the molten chocolate sauce from the center.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: For extra texture and flavor, try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the cake batter or sprinkle them on top.
• Use different chips: Feel free to swap out the regular chocolate chips for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips for a unique twist.
• Make it lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use a sugar-free chocolate cake mix and pudding mix.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat the entire cake in the crockpot for 10-15 minutes on low.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can use a different flavor of cake mix, such as vanilla or red velvet, but keep in mind it will change the overall flavor of the dessert.

2. Can I make this cake without a crockpot?

Yes, you can bake this cake in a standard oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.

3. Can I use a gluten-free cake mix?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix as a substitute for a regular cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

While the cake is best served warm and fresh from the crockpot, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave.

5. Can I add fruit to this recipe?

Yes, you can add fruit like raspberries or cherries to the cake batter for an added burst of flavor. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the crockpot.

6. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when the edges are set, and the center is still gooey. You can insert a toothpick into the edges, but avoid sticking it directly in the center, as it should remain soft.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on the cake to ensure it’s fully cooked but still gooey in the center.

8. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk in the cake and pudding mixture.

9. Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake?

Yes, you can freeze leftover portions by placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and microwave until warm.

10. How do I get the perfect “lava” effect?

The key to the lava effect is not stirring the pudding mix into the cake batter. As the cake cooks, the pudding creates the molten center, and the cake forms a fluffy layer on top.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers, offering a rich, gooey, and indulgent treat that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its decadent chocolate cake, creamy pudding topping, and melted chocolate chips, this dessert is bound to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, party, or just for yourself, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

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