This Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake is a delicious, rich dessert that combines the warmth and comfort of a chocolate cake with a gooey, molten center. Made effortlessly in a slow cooker, this dessert is perfect for those busy days when you want a sweet treat without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: By using a boxed cake mix and a slow cooker, this dessert comes together with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy days or when you’re craving something sweet without spending much time in the kitchen.
Irresistible Molten Center: The cake batter and creamy pudding mixture create a luscious, oozy center that spills out with every spoonful.
Set-It-and-Forget-It: Once the ingredients are assembled, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to relax while your dessert cooks to perfection.

Ingredients

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

Cake:

1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding
2 cups milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat together the chocolate cake mix, 1 1/4 cups milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker.
Prepare the Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups milk until the mixture is smooth. Pour the pudding mixture over the cake batter in the slow cooker. Do not stir. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on top.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until the cake is set and the pudding mixture is bubbling at the top.
Serve: Spoon the cake into bowls and serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Serves 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Nut Add-ins: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cake batter for added crunch and flavor.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the pudding mixture to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use a vanilla or spice cake mix instead of chocolate for a different flavor profile.

2. Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?

Yes, instant pudding mix is essential for creating the signature gooey center. Cook-and-serve pudding will not work for this recipe.

3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

You can prepare the cake batter and pudding layers separately and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. However, the cake is best served fresh.

4. Can I use a smaller slow cooker?

If using a smaller slow cooker, reduce the recipe quantities and monitor the cooking time, as it may vary.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dessert is vegetarian-friendly.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.

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

The cake is done when the center is set and the pudding is bubbling at the top of the slow cooker.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Doubling the recipe is not recommended for a slow cooker as it may not cook evenly. It’s best to make two separate batches if needed.

9. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almond or soy milk, can be used, but ensure they are unsweetened.

10. Can I omit the chocolate chips?

While the chocolate chips add extra richness, they can be omitted or substituted with nuts or dried fruit if preferred.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. With minimal prep time and the help of a slow cooker, you can create a decadent dessert with a molten center that will satisfy your chocolate cravings. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, it’s sure to be a hit.

Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake

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Author: sara
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 - 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert with a gooey, molten center, made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Using a boxed cake mix and instant pudding, it’s an easy and irresistible treat that requires minimal preparation—perfect for busy days or when you crave something sweet and comforting.

Ingredients

Cake Batter:
- 1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray a 6-quart slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat together chocolate cake mix, 1 1/4 cups milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker.

3. Prepare the Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk together instant chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups milk until smooth.
Pour the pudding mixture over the cake batter in the slow cooker. Do not stir.
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top.

4. Cook the Cake

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until the cake is set and the pudding mixture is bubbling at the top.

5. Serve

Spoon the cake into bowls and serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Notes

Nut Add-ins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for added crunch and flavor.
Flavor Enhancements: For a deeper chocolate flavor, add instant espresso powder to the pudding mixture.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American