This Crockpot Molten Chocolate Cake is rich, gooey, and incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers and effortless entertaining.
This Crockpot Molten Chocolate Cake is a rich, fudgy dessert with a gooey, chocolatey center that melts in your mouth. Easy to make with minimal prep, it’s perfect for chocolate lovers, busy nights, or any occasion where you want a decadent, stress-free treat.
The best part about this crockpot molten chocolate cake is how effortless it is. Simply mix the ingredients, pour into your slow cooker, and let it cook while you relax. The result is a warm, gooey dessert that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery, without all the work. If you love chocolate, try 85 Best Chocolate Desserts.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- Effortless dessert: Minimal prep and no oven required. Just mix, pour, and cook.
- Rich and gooey: Fudgy chocolate with a molten center satisfies any chocolate craving.
- Perfect for entertaining: Ideal for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
- Kid-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Comfort food: Warm, chocolatey, and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Chocolate pudding mix – Provides a rich, creamy layer that melts into the cake as it cooks.
- Whole milk – Combines with the pudding mix for smooth, velvety texture.
- Chocolate cake mix – Forms the base of the cake with a tender, moist crumb.
- Eggs – Adds structure and richness to the cake batter.
- Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and soft during slow cooking.
- Water – Helps thin the batter slightly for even cooking.
- Chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended) – Adds pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cake for extra indulgence.
Optional Toppings
- Ice cream: Serve warm with a scoop of No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream for a classic, creamy pairing.
- Hot fudge sauce: Drizzle with Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe for an extra rich and chocolatey finish.
- Caramel sauce: Add a drizzle of Homemade Caramel Sauce for a sweet, buttery contrast.
- Whipped cream: Top with fluffy Homemade Whipped Cream for a light and delicious touch.
Get the full recipe and ingredients at the bottom in the recipe card.
Variations
- Caramel lovers: Add caramel chips to the batter or sprinkle them on top before cooking for a rich, gooey caramel twist.
- Peanut butter swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter and swirl gently for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
- Mint chocolate: Add mint chips for a refreshing flavor.
- Nutty addition: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
- Double chocolate: Use a dark chocolate cake mix and extra chocolate chips for an even richer dessert.
- Mocha flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
- Cookies and cream: Add crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for a fun, creamy crunch.
- White chocolate twist: Mix in white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast.
- Coconut milk option: Substitute whole milk with coconut milk for a subtle coconut flavor and extra creaminess.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to easily make this dessert gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Combine instant chocolate pudding mix and whole milk according to the package directions. Set aside for later. It will thicken.
Step 2. You will need another bowl. Mix together chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth. Make sure to follow the ingredient amounts listed on your cake mix box if they differ.
Step 3. Spray the crock pot with cooking spray. Then pour the batter into the slow cooker.
Step 4. Next, spoon the prepared pudding evenly over the batter. Finally, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
Step 5. Add the lid and cook on high for about 3 hours.
Step 6. The center will be soft and gooey from the pudding layer. Serve and enjoy.
Storage
Refrigerated: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through to bring back the gooey texture.
Freezing: Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Keep covered: Always cover tightly to prevent the cake from drying out.
Pro Tips
- Use a slow cooker liner: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup quick and easy.
- Expect a gooey center: The middle will be soft and molten. This is what gives the cake its signature lava-like texture.
- Check early: Cooking times can vary, so begin checking for doneness around 2½ hours.
- Follow cake mix directions if needed: If your cake mix calls for slightly different amounts, adjust as needed for best results.
- Do not overcook: Overcooking can dry out the edges and reduce the gooey center.
- Avoid lifting the lid often: Keeping the lid closed helps maintain consistent heat and cooking time.
- Grease well if not using a liner: This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
- Serve warm: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh while the chocolate is still melty and rich.
More Decadent Crockpot Desserts
Make this Crockpot Molten Chocolate Cake for your next dessert and enjoy a rich, gooey treat with almost no effort. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family and leave a comment and star rating to let others know how much you loved it!
Crockpot Molten Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 1 3.6 oz box chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 15.2 oz box chocolate cake mix
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
- 12 oz chocolate chips
Optional Toppings:
- Ice cream
- Hot fudge sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
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Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 (3.6 oz) box chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups whole milk according to the package directions. Set aside once thickened.
- In another bowl, combine 1 (15.2 oz) box chocolate cake mix, 3 eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, and ¼ cup water. Mix until smooth, following the ingredient amounts listed on your cake mix box if they differ.
- Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.
- Pour the prepared cake batter into the slow cooker. Spoon the prepared pudding evenly over the batter, then sprinkle 12 oz chocolate chips over the top.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for about 3 hours.
- Scoop the warm cake into bowls. The center will be soft and gooey from the pudding layer.
- Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge, or caramel sauce if desired.
