Simply Crockpot • Desserts
Simply Crockpot • Desserts
This crockpot chocolate lava cake is rich, warm, and unbelievably easy.
It slow cooks into a tender chocolate cake with a fudgy “lava” sauce underneath—
perfect for scooping into bowls and topping with vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm, gooey chocolate “lava” sauce forms right in the crockpot.
- No oven needed—perfect for holidays and cozy nights.
- Simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep.
- Feeds a crowd and tastes amazing with ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup melted butter (or neutral oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, but great)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
- 2 cups hot water
Ingredient notes:
• Hot water helps create the fudgy sauce layer underneath.
• Chocolate chips make it extra rich, but they’re optional.
• For deeper chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa if you have it.
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot insert (or use a liner).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly over the batter (do not stir).
- Pour the hot water evenly over the top (do not stir). This creates the “lava” sauce.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 1½–2 hours, or until the cake is set around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
- Turn off the heat and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Serving tip: Spoon into bowls so you get both cake and the warm chocolate sauce. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t stir the hot water in: the layered method is what creates the sauce.
- Make it mocha: swap ½ cup of the hot water for hot coffee.
- Add-ins: stir chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or mini marshmallows into the batter.
- Cook time varies: crockpots run differently—check at 90 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store covered up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave 20–30 seconds.
- Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months (best texture when fresh).
FAQ
Why is my lava cake not saucy?
It may have cooked too long, or your crockpot runs hot. Pull it earlier next time—when edges are set but the center is still soft.
Can I cook it on LOW?
Yes. Cook on LOW for about 3–3½ hours, checking for set edges and a slightly soft center.
What should I serve with it?
Vanilla ice cream is the classic. Whipped cream, strawberries, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup also work great.
More Easy Crockpot Dessert Recipes
Want more cozy, no-oven sweets? Browse our full collection of slow cooker dessert recipes.