Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s impossibly rich, gooey in the center, and nearly effortless to make, this Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is the answer to your sweet-tooth prayers. Imagine soft cake layered with molten chocolate pockets—all bubbling together in your trusty slow cooker. You simply mix, pour, and wait while your kitchen fills with the heady scent of cocoa. Serve it warm straight from the crockpot for an ultra-decadent treat that’ll have every chocolate lover swooning.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake leans on pantry staples, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that fudgy, irresistible goodness. From the moisture-rich eggs and milk to the luscious burst from semisweet chocolate chips, every item matters for a luscious texture and intense chocolate flavor. Let’s break it down:

• Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The backbone of the cake, saving time without sacrificing flavor or fluffiness.
• Water (1 1/4 cups): Helps the cake mix achieve a smooth, pourable batter—be sure to measure accurately!
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Adds moistness to the cake and keeps the crumbs tender.
• Large eggs (3): Essential for binding the batter and giving your cake structure.
• Instant chocolate pudding mix (1 box, 3.9 oz): The secret to that iconic gooey “lava”—just mix and pour, no cooking required.
• Whole milk (2 cups): Whisks with the pudding for added creaminess and richness.
• Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Melts down into oozy pockets of chocolate, making every bite decadent.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures nothing sticks to your crockpot so you can scoop up every warm and gooey bit.

How to Make Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot

Start by liberally coating the inside of your 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Don’t skip this step! It makes serving a breeze and guarantees that every last scoop of that molten cake goodness will slide right out.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat or whisk everything together until the batter is glossy and lump-free. This is your cake’s foundation—smooth batter means a plush, even crumb.

Step 3: Pour Cake Batter into Crockpot

Pour the finished cake batter into the prepared crockpot. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer; this step helps ensure every serving of Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake gets the perfect amount of cake and pudding.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix and whole milk until the mixture thickens a bit—about 1 to 2 minutes should do it. The pudding won’t set all the way, and that’s exactly what you want for that lovely molten middle.

Step 5: Add Pudding and Chocolate Chips

Carefully pour the pudding mixture over the cake batter in the crockpot, making sure not to stir. Then, for the finishing chocolatey touch, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly on top. Trust the process: those chips will create molten pockets as the cake bakes.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot tightly with its lid and set it to cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid early! The steam is crucial for that gooey lava center. Once the edges are set and the center is wonderfully soft and molten, your Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is ready to serve.

How to Serve Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Garnishes

To take the decadence up another notch, pile on a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of freshly whipped cream, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. Fresh raspberries or a few mint sprigs can add a pop of color and a hint of brightness against all that chocolate.

Side Dishes

Since the dessert is so rich and satisfying, keep any side simple. A bowl of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a couple of crisp butter cookies makes for a lovely contrast. These sides help balance out the deep chocolate flavors and give your palate a little refresh between gooey bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful spin, serve your Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake in clear glasses or ramekins for individual portions—layer with ice cream and extra chocolate sauce for a parfait vibe. Or, let guests serve themselves straight from the crockpot for that casual, family-style comfort everyone loves. For a special occasion, add a drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce to the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), transfer them to an airtight container once cooled. Store in the fridge, where the cake will keep moist and gooey for up to 4 days. It’s just as dreamy reheated as it is fresh!

Freezing

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake can be frozen, too. Portion it out into airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When the chocolate craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual portions into the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds at a time until warmed through. Or, gently reheat larger amounts in the oven at a low temperature. The “lava” texture might be less pronounced once chilled, but it will still taste wonderfully rich and satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While traditional Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is all about chocolate, you can experiment with fudge, dark chocolate, or even marble cake mixes for a unique twist.

What size crockpot works best?

A 6-quart crockpot is ideal. Anything smaller could lead to overflow, while a much larger crockpot may spread the batter too thin and affect cooking times.

Is it okay to use low-fat or non-dairy milk?

You can use lower-fat milk or even non-dairy options, but the result may be a bit less creamy than with whole milk. Unsweetened almond or oat milk are popular substitutes if you’re keeping it dairy-free.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Keep an eye out for set edges and a slightly gooey (not raw) center. If you gently shake the crockpot, the center should jiggle only a little. Overcooking will dry out the lava layer, so it’s better to lean slightly underdone.

Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely! A teaspoon of espresso powder or pure vanilla extract can elevate the chocolate flavor, while a handful of chopped nuts, caramel chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top will make each bite more memorable.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got a slow cooker and a big craving for chocolate, there’s truly no reason not to treat yourself (and your favorite people) to this impossibly easy, ridiculously indulgent Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake. Go ahead and dive into that gooey, glorious chocolate lava—you’ll be hooked from the very first spoonful!

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