If you're craving a rich, chocolatey dessert but don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this Chocolate Lava Cake in the Slow Cooker is exactly what you need. Made with simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep. This foolproof dessert practically makes itself, and it delivers every time. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever that chocolate craving hits.
This Chocolate Lava Cake brings back so many wonderful memories in our house. My wife's friend Angela used to make this for most holidays and family get-togethers, and it quickly became a dessert that everyone looked forward to. My kids still remember enjoying it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you love recipes that bring people together like this one, you might also enjoy our Holy Smoke recipe and our classic Banana Pudding, both longtime family favorites around here.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Easy slow cooker dessert - Just mix the ingredients, pour them into the crockpot, and let it cook. No complicated baking steps.
- Rich chocolate flavor - Between the chocolate cake mix, pudding mix, and homemade chocolate sauce, every bite is full of deep chocolate flavor.
- Perfect for gatherings - This recipe makes a generous portion and stays warm! This makes it great for parties, holidays, or family dinners.
- Warm and gooey - The bottom of the cake turns into a delicious molten chocolate sauce that makes every serving feel indulgent.
- Minimal Prep - You only need a few minutes to mix everything before the crock pot takes over.
What is Lava Cake?
A lava cake is a chocolate dessert known for its soft, tender cake exterior and warm, gooey chocolate center. Traditionally baked in small ramekins, the middle stays molten while the edges form a light cake layer. It is indulgent, rich, and perfect for chocolate lovers.
This slow cooker version works a little differently. Instead of ramekins, the cake cooks in a crockpot and is topped with a luscious chocolate sauce. When you scoop it out, you get a warm, fluffy cake with minimal effort and no need to watch the oven.
Tim's Tip: Don't lift the lid while it cooking so that the heat doesnt escape and it cooks evenly.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Cake Mix - The base of the cake that gives it structure and rich chocolate flavor.
- Sour Cream - Adds moisture and makes the cake incredibly tender.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding - Helps create a rich texture and deep chocolate taste.
- Oil - Keeps the cake soft and moist while cooking.
- Water - Helps bring the batter together and allows the cake to cook evenly.
- Eggs - Provide structure and help the cake rise.
- Sugar - Sweetens the sauce layer and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Unsweetened Chocolate - Adds a bold, deep chocolate flavor to the lava sauce.
- Butter - Makes the sauce silky and rich.
- Evaporated Milk - Creates a creamy, smooth chocolate sauce.
- Vanilla - Rounds out the flavor and adds warmth to the dessert.
Scroll down to the recipe card for exact ingredient amounts.
How to Make Chocolate Lava Cake in the Slow Cooker
- Spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, sour cream, instant chocolate pudding mix, oil, water, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared crockpot.
- Cover and cook on Low for about 4 hours, or until the cake is set but still soft.
- Make the chocolate sauce - In a saucpan over low heat, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together.
- Once melted, stir in the evaporated milk and sugar. Continue stirring until everything is smooth and combined. Don't let the mixture boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm chocolate sauce over the crockpot chocolate lava cake. Scoop into bowls and serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitutions
- Chocolate fudge cake mix or devil's food cake mix makes for an even richer chocolate flavor.
- Dark chocolate or fudge pudding will deepen the chocolate flavor.
- The evaporated milk can be swapped out for whole milk or half-and-half.
- Fun Toppings
- Extra chocolate chips
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped Cream
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed Oreos or chocolate cookies
- Chopped pecans
Tim's Top Expert Tips
- Don't overcook - some slow cookers cook hotter than others, so check your cake at the 2-hour mark. Overcooking can dry out the cake.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve warm for the best lava-like texture.
- If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk to keep it silky and lava-like.
Helpful Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker - The key to this recipe! A standard 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly.
- Measuring Cups - Accurate measuring is important.
- Whisk - To blend the batter smoothly and prevent lumps.
- Glass Mixing Bowl - This 3 set will give you plenty of room to combine the cake batter without making a mess.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store the cake covered and the sauce separately for the best texture.
Allow the cake to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the chocolate sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator as well.
Reheat individual portions of cake in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm. Warm the chocolate sauce in the microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and pourable. Then simply pour the warm sauce over the cake before serving.
FAQs
No. Let the slow cooker work its magic without opening the lid.
This dessert is best served fresh and warm. Leftovers can reheat well if needed.
The cake is done when the edges are set, but the center seems jiggly.
More Dessert Recipes
Recipe
Chocolate Lava Cake (in the Slow Cooker)
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 Package Chocolate Cake Mix
- 1 Pint Sour Cream
- 1 Instant Chocolate Pudding
- ¾ cup Olive Oil
- 1 cup Water
- 4 Eggs
Chocolate Sauce
- 3 cups sugar
- 4 squares Unsweetened Chocolate
- 1 Stick Butter
- 1 Can Evaporated Milk 12 ounce
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, sour cream, instant chocolate pudding mix, oil, water, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour the cake batter into the prepared crockpot.
- Cover and cook on Low for about 4 hours, or until the cake is set but still soft.
Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together. Once melted, stir in the evaporated milk and sugar. Continue stirring until everything is smooth and combined. Don't let the mixture boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm chocolate sauce over the cooked cake. Scoop into bowls and serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Don't overcook - some slow cookers cook hotter than others, so check your cake at the 2-hour mark. Overcooking can dry out the cake.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve warm for the best lava-like texture.
- If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk to keep it silky and lava-like.
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