Description
This Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is an easy, indulgent dessert that combines a rich chocolate cake with a gooey molten center, all made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for chocolate lovers craving a warm, comforting treat with minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups hot water
Optional Serving
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking and make removal easier after cooking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the milk, vegetable oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir well until the batter becomes smooth and fully combined. Pour this batter into the prepared crockpot evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the chocolate batter inside the crockpot.
- Add hot water: Carefully pour the 1 3/4 cups of hot water over the top of the cocoa and sugar layer without stirring, allowing the layers to settle separately.
- Cook the cake: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours. The cake’s top should look set but remain slightly gooey to achieve the lava effect.
- Cool and serve: Once cooked, turn off the crockpot and let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the hot water is poured carefully to avoid mixing the layers, which creates the lava effect.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot’s heat settings; begin checking at 2 hours for doneness.
- For a richer flavor, substitute vegetable oil with melted butter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
- This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream but can be enjoyed on its own.
