Decadent Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
This mouthwatering Decadent Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers of all ages! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dessert, this cake features a rich, fudgy chocolate exterior with a warm, gooey chocolate sauce hidden underneath. The kids and I whipped this up during the holidays, and it quickly became a cherished recipe—so delectable that waiting for it to cool was nearly impossible! Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience. This cake is sure to satisfy any chocolate craving and brings smiles to every face!
8
Servings
410
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 cup (all-purpose, sifted)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
butter
6 tablespoons (unsalted, melted)
semisweet chocolate
2 ounces (or chocolate chips, chopped)
sugar
1 cup, divided (granulated)
Dutch-processed cocoa powder
3 tablespoons (for batter)
Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/3 cup (for sauce)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
milk
1/3 cup (whole or milk of choice)
egg yolk
1 (large)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
hot water
1 1/2 cups (boiling)
whipped cream or ice cream
to serve (for topping)
Instructions
1
Lightly coat the inside of a slow cooker (2.5 to 5 quarts) with cooking spray. The cooking time may vary based on the size of your crock pot.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and semisweet chocolate (or chocolate chips). Melt them together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
4
To the melted chocolate mixture, whisk in 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt, milk, and the egg yolk until well combined.
5
Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
7
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/3 cup sugar, remaining 1/3 cup cocoa powder, and hot water until the sugars dissolve completely.
8
Carefully pour the hot water mixture over the batter in the slow cooker. Do not stir; just let it layer on top.
9
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 hours. Check for doneness: the cake should be moist, with edges pulling away from the sides of the pot. Be cautious not to let steam from the lid drip onto the cake.
10
Once ready, turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid. Allow the cake to cool for about 25 minutes before serving.
11
Serve the cake warm in bowls with a generous topping of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
60g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake?
It is a rich, fudgy chocolate cake made in a crock pot that features a warm, gooey chocolate sauce hidden underneath the cake layer.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this lava cake?
A slow cooker between 2.5 and 5 quarts in size is recommended.
How should I prepare the slow cooker before adding the batter?
Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What are the dry ingredients for the cake batter?
The dry ingredients for the batter include 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
How do I melt the butter and chocolate?
Combine the butter and semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and melt them in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of block chocolate?
Yes, you can use 2 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips as a substitute for chopped chocolate.
What type of cocoa powder is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for Dutch-processed cocoa powder for both the batter and the sauce.
Should I use an electric mixer for the batter?
No, it is best to stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
How do I layer the batter into the pot?
Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker and spread it evenly across the bottom.
What ingredients are needed for the chocolate sauce layer?
The sauce is made from 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of boiling hot water.
Do I stir the hot water mixture into the cake batter?
No, do not stir. Carefully pour the hot water mixture over the batter and let it layer on top.
What is the cooking time for the lava cake?
The cake should cook on the high setting for 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 hours.
How can I tell when the chocolate lava cake is done?
The cake is ready when it is moist and the edges start pulling away from the sides of the slow cooker.
What precaution should I take with the slow cooker lid?
Be cautious not to let condensation or steam from the lid drip onto the cake surface when checking or removing it.
How long should the cake cool before serving?
Allow the cake to cool for about 25 minutes after turning off the slow cooker to help the sauce set.
What are the suggested toppings for this dessert?
It is delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 410 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in one portion?
One serving contains 60 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides about 4.5 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for children to help with?
Yes, the recipe description mentions it is a great activity to do with kids during the holidays.
What type of milk can I use?
You can use whole milk or any milk of your choice.
Does the recipe use egg whites or yolks?
This recipe specifically uses one large egg yolk in the batter.
What kind of sugar is used in the batter?
The batter uses 2/3 cup of granulated sugar.
What kind of sugar is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of granulated sugar and packed brown sugar.
Is the water used in the sauce cold or hot?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of boiling hot water for the sauce layer.
What flavor of extract is added to the cake?
One tablespoon of vanilla extract is added for flavor.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished holiday recipe that is perfect for gatherings.
What makes this a 'lava' cake?
The 'lava' refers to the liquid chocolate sauce that forms at the bottom of the slow cooker while the cake bakes on top.