Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

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This slow cooker dessert creates a fudgy chocolate cake on top with a gooey, pudding-like sauce underneath—all in one pot.

It’s the hands-off Valentine’s dessert that looks like you spent hours but actually took 10 minutes to assemble.

Why You’ll Love It

  • 10 minutes of active prep time
  • No oven required
  • Serves itself with built-in sauce
  • Serves 6-8 people
  • Impressive enough for Valentine’s dinner

Ingredients

For the Cake Layer

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Pudding Layer

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups hot water

For Serving

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh raspberries or strawberries
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps

  1. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or line with a slow cooker liner.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  4. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  7. In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and remaining 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
  8. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the slow cooker.
  9. Do not stir—the layers need to stay separate.
  10. Carefully pour the hot water over everything.
  11. Do not stir—this is important for the lava effect.
  12. Place a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels under the lid.
  13. This absorbs condensation and prevents water from dripping onto the cake.
  14. Cook on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours, or on LOW for 4 to 4.5 hours.
  15. The cake is done when the top looks set and slightly cracked, but the underneath is still saucy.
  16. Turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  17. The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests.
  18. Scoop servings directly from the crockpot, making sure to get both cake and sauce.
  19. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or berries.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

Using hot water (not cold) is essential—it helps create the pudding layer faster.

The towel under the lid prevents condensation from making the top soggy.

Don’t open the lid during the first 2 hours of cooking or the cake won’t set properly.

For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa powder.

Add 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder to intensify the chocolate without adding coffee flavor.

Swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips.

For individual servings, use mini slow cookers and reduce cooking time to 1.5 hours on high.

This works in any size slow cooker from 3-6 quarts—cooking time stays the same.

Serving Ideas

Scoop into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries.

Dust with powdered sugar and serve with heart-shaped strawberry slices.

Pair with a glass of red wine, port, or dessert coffee.

Serve directly from the slow cooker at a dinner party—it stays warm for hours on the “keep warm” setting.

Use a ice cream scoop for neat, rounded portions.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Mix the dry cake ingredients and store in a jar for up to 1 month—just add wet ingredients when ready to cook.

Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.

The sauce will thicken when cold—add a splash of cream when reheating if needed.

This cake is best served the day it’s made—the texture changes after refrigeration.

Do not freeze—the pudding layer doesn’t thaw well and becomes watery.

If serving later, keep on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours, adding a splash of water if it gets too thick.

Dessert That Makes Itself

This slow cooker lava cake is the secret weapon for anyone who wants an impressive Valentine’s dessert without babysitting the oven.

The magic happens while you eat dinner—when you lift the lid, you’ve got warm chocolate cake floating on a pool of fudge sauce.

Add a scoop of ice cream and watch it melt into the sauce for the full experience.

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