Crock-Pot Lava Cake

People throw around words like “rich” and “decadent” all too easily when it comes to chocolate lava cake, but what about the word “easy”? That’s not one you hear as often when it comes to lava cake, but when you make chocolate lava cake in a slow cooker, “easy” very much belongs in the conversation.

This Crock-Pot chocolate lava cake is a largely hands-off affair, with the slow cooker doing most of the work for you. If you can whisk, scoop and sprinkle ingredients and then press a button on your slow cooker, you can make this slow-cooker chocolate lava cake without issue—and with confidence that people will love it.

Crock-Pot Lava Cake Ingredients

• Devil’s food cake mix: Use one regular-size package of this cake mix.
• Water: We don’t always mention water, but when the amount is this specific—1-2/3 cups—we note it.
• Eggs: Use three large eggs that have been brought up to room temperature.
• Canola oil: A different neutral oil would also be fine.
• Milk: Using 2% milk is best here, and make sure the milk is cold when you use it.
• Instant chocolate pudding mix: Use one 3.9-ounce package of pudding mix.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: An entire 2 cups of chocolate chips go into this cake.
• Whipped cream (optional): Yes, the whipped cream is not exactly necessary, but it’s highly recommended.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cake batter

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In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs and oil. Beat these together on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for two minutes. Transfer the batter to a greased 4-quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the pudding

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In another bowl, whisk the milk and pudding mix for two minutes. Then let the pudding stand until it’s soft-set, about two minutes.

Step 3: Add the pudding and cook

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Spoon the pudding over the cake batter, then sprinkle the top with the chocolate chips. Cover the slow cooker and cook the cake on high for three to four hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake portion comes out with moist crumbs. Serve the chocolate lava cake warm, with whipped cream if desired.

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Crock-Pot Lava Cake Variations

• Use white chocolate chips: For an even sweeter cake with a contrast of colors, sprinkle white chocolate chips over the cake batter and pudding instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
• Try a different pudding: Chocolate pudding is a tasty treat here, but you can create a uniquely flavored lava cake by using a different pudding, like vanilla or banana.
• Sprinkle over powdered sugar: You can add a touch of sweetness and enhance the looks of this cake by tossing a dusting of powdered sugar over each served piece.

How to Store Crock-Pot Lava Cake

Chocolate lava cake is, of course, best when it’s fresh and warm and still delightfully gooey, but you can store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for two to three days.

Can you freeze this chocolate lava cake in a Crock-Pot?

You can safely freeze servings of slow-cooker lava cake for two to three months. Wrap them carefully so they’ll be airtight, then plan to use a microwave to warm the cake later.

Crock-Pot Lava Cake Tips

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How can I make cleanup easier in my slow cooker?

This moist, gooey cake tends to leave quite a mess in the slow cooker, so consider using a disposable slow cooker liner to make that cleaning process a breeze.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Of course! Try this exact same recipe using red velvet cake mix for a true treat.

What should I serve with chocolate lava cake?

Most folks agree that the classic pairing of a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the ideal sidekick to a rich, tasty chocolate lava cake.