If you’ve ever dreamed of ooey-gooey molten chocolate cake but wanted something low-effort and foolproof, Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is your new favorite dessert obsession. This decadent treat delivers a river of warm, fudgy chocolate nestled under a tender, cakey top—all made right in your slow cooker! Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or treating yourself to a little indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal fuss and a major wow-factor. I promise, you’ll be turning to Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake any time a chocolate craving strikes.

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake truly magical is just how simple the ingredient list is. Every item plays a crucial role, from adding moisture and richness to ensuring that irresistible “lava” effect, so grab these pantry staples and let’s get baking!

Chocolate cake mix: Speeds everything up and gives the perfect soft, fluffy base for the gooey chocolate center.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: Boosts the fudgy texture and deepens the chocolate flavor—don’t skip this for true lava magic!
Whole milk: Provides creaminess and helps the pudding work its lush, moist wonders.
Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and incredible moistness that takes the cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and helps it cook evenly in the crockpot.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake its classic structure.
Vanilla extract: A dash of warmth that rounds out all those rich chocolate notes.
Semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the show—these melt during cooking, creating that dreamy lava flow!
Nonstick cooking spray: Don’t forget this! It keeps cleanup easy and ensures every gooey scoop releases easily.
Optional toppings (whipped cream or vanilla ice cream): For serving and adding an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Make Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Start by generously spraying the inside of your 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup so much easier. Trust me, you don’t want any of this chocolate goodness left behind!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, whole milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth, lump-free batter and everything is beautifully combined. Take a moment to appreciate the chocolaty aroma—things are about to get delicious.

Step 3: Add the Batter and Chocolate Chips

Pour the batter into your prepared crockpot, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Next, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips all over the top. As the cake cooks, these chips melt and sink, forming pockets of molten chocolate that make this Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake extra special.

Step 4: Cook to Gooey Perfection

Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it on low. Let the cake cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. The key is patience—avoid peeking, as lifting the lid lets out heat and can mess with the lava effect! When the edges are set and the center is still gooey (but not raw), it’s ready.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once your Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is done, turn off the heat and let it rest, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes. This helps it set just enough for perfect scooping while keeping that irresistible molten core. Serve warm, straight from the crockpot, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream if you want to go all out.

How to Serve Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Garnishes

This is a dessert that loves a little extra flair. Top each serving with fluffy whipped cream, a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, or even a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. The hot-and-cold combo is truly dreamy and takes the Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake from amazing to downright unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is rich, pair it with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and tangy flavor. A glass of cold milk or a shot of espresso also makes a fabulous match, letting the chocolate flavors really shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress friends by serving this cake in individual ramekins or wide mugs—just spoon in the gooey cake, add toppings, and hand everyone their very own decadent treat. For parties, set up a DIY lava cake bar so everyone can customize with their favorite toppings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, let the cake cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days and still taste fantastic as a next-day pick-me-up.

Freezing

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake freezes beautifully. Divide into single servings, wrap tightly, and stash in the freezer for up to two months. This is the ultimate dessert insurance for sudden chocolate cravings—just don’t forget to label the date!

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or until hot and gooey again. If reheating a larger batch, you can gently warm it up in the crockpot on low until heated through, stirring gently for that signature lava texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While chocolate is the star, you can experiment with devil’s food or even red velvet cake mix for a unique twist on Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake. Just remember, changing the flavor will also alter the end result a bit.

Do I have to use whole milk?

Whole milk gives the cake its signature creamy texture, but you can swap in 2 percent if needed. Skim milk or non-dairy alternatives will yield a less rich, slightly drier result, but the cake will still be tasty.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The key is to look for set edges with a soft, gooey center. Avoid lifting the lid too early, as this lets out heat and interrupts the cooking process. After about 2.5 hours, gently press the edge with a spoon—it should be cooked, while the middle stays molten.

Can I double the recipe?

Doubling is best done with caution: a larger crockpot is needed, and the cooking time will increase. It’s usually simpler to make two separate batches if you’re feeding a crowd, ensuring both come out with perfect lava centers.

What are some fun add-ins?

To customize your Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake, toss in a handful of chopped nuts, swirl in peanut butter or caramel, or add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter for depth. The sky’s the limit when it comes to chocolate creativity!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about scooping straight into a Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake and hitting that warm, molten chocolate core. Whether for a weeknight treat or a special gathering, this recipe is pure joy from start to finish. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and let every dreamy bite remind you that the best desserts are often the simplest—and the chocolatiest!

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a decadent treat with this Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake recipe. A rich and gooey dessert that’s incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups whole milk
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
nonstick cooking spray
optional toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, milk, sour cream, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Add Batter to Crockpot: Pour the batter into the crockpot, spread evenly, and top with chocolate chips.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours until edges are set and center is gooey.
Serve: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving with toppings of choice.

Notes

For extra richness, consider using dark chocolate chips or a mix of different types.
Best served warm directly from the crockpot, but can be reheated in the microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American