Decadent, gooey, and irresistibly chocolatey, this slow-cooked Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect ending to any meal. It’s incredibly simple to make yet feels indulgent enough for special occasions. A rich cake layer hides a velvety chocolate sauce beneath, creating a lava-like experience in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and fuss-free this recipe is. It’s made entirely in a crockpot, which means I can set it and forget it while focusing on other things. The combination of warm chocolate cake and rich sauce is heavenly, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Whether for a casual family dinner or a dinner party, this dessert always impresses.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
1 3/4 cups hot water
Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Directions
Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray or butter.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth and combined. Pour the batter evenly into the crockpot.
In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and the additional cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the crockpot.
Carefully pour the hot water over the top, without stirring. The water will sit on top of the batter but will create the lava effect as it cooks.
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 2-2.5 hours, or until the top looks set but still slightly gooey when tested with a toothpick.
Turn off the crockpot and let it cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before serving. The cake will have a rich, gooey chocolate sauce at the bottom.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
Add a Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the batter for added crunch.
Flavor Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Fruit Pairing: Serve with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond milk or any plant-based alternative.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers (rarely!), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place a portion in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through. Keep in mind the gooey chocolate sauce may thicken slightly upon refrigeration, but it’s still delicious.
Related Recipes:
- Irresistible Salted Caramel Lava Cupcakes
- Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies
- Protein Lava Cake (Gluten Free, Low Sugar)
FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Yes, I can use coconut sugar or a mix of granulated sugar and molasses as a substitute.
What size crockpot works best for this recipe?
A 4- to 6-quart crockpot works perfectly, allowing enough room for the cake to rise and the sauce to form.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dessert is best enjoyed fresh out of the crockpot. However, I can prepare the batter and topping separately and assemble them just before cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, I can double the recipe, but I’ll need to use a larger crockpot and adjust the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness after 2.5 hours.
How do I prevent the cake from overcooking?
I make sure to check the cake at the 2-hour mark and keep an eye on the edges. Once the top is set but still slightly gooey, I turn off the crockpot.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect blend of convenience and decadence. It’s rich, indulgent, and pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Whether for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this dessert is sure to impress. Enjoy the molten chocolate goodness.
📖 Recipe:
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Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate dessert with this Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake. A rich, gooey cake with a luscious molten chocolate sauce is slow-cooked to perfection and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Perfect for effortless entertaining or family dinners, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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 brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 3/4 cups hot water
Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray or butter.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth. Pour the batter into the crockpot.
- In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar and additional cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Carefully pour hot water over the top without stirring.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-2.5 hours, until the top looks set but is slightly gooey.
- Turn off the crockpot and let cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Add nuts, espresso powder, or fresh berries for variations.
Use gluten-free flour or plant-based milk for dietary modifications.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow-Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 310 kcal
