This Crockpot Lava Cake Recipe is out of this world. The chocolate is so decadent. The lava topping is amazing with chocolate chips and chocolate pudding. Top it all off with vanilla ice cream and it is SO delicious.
This lava cake is so easy to make. You just dump in all the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do the work. It’s packed with lots of yummy chocolate. The topping is ooey and gooey and can’t be beat.
Also see all our crock pot desserts for more ideas. If you love chocolate as much as I do, you need to try this easy chocolate poke cake recipe, chocolate mayonnaise cake, Nutella mug cake, and this chocolate peanut butter cake. If your kid demands for a colorful vibrant cake, I recommend making my rainbow cake. And if you want something different, my funnel cake recipe, chocolate cake roll, mug cake recipe, and coffee cake recipe are perfect for you.
What's in this post: Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe
What is a Lava Cake?
Slow cooker chocolate lava cake makes the best dessert. This dessert gets its name because of the molten center. The pudding and chocolate chips makes for a soft center when combined together.
This recipe satisfies any sweet tooth and perfect to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
- Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake mix
- Milk
- Vegetable Oil
- Eggs
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
- Milk
- Milk Chocolate Chips
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
We love recipes that have variations to them. Here are some ways to customize this cake recipe:
- You can make it gluten free with a gluten free cake mix. The Jell-O pudding mix should be gluten free but check ingredients.
- Make it dairy free switch to a dairy free milk option.
- Add different types of chocolate chips. You can add in caramel chips, mini butterscotch chips, the options are endless.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Beat together cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk with an electric mixer for a few minutes until batter is smooth in a large bowl.
Step 2 – Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray so the cake won’t stick. Pour cake batter into the slow cooker and smooth over the bottom.
Step 3 – In a mixing bowl, beat together the 2 cups milk and pudding and pour over the top. Do not stir. Then sprinkle chocolate chips over top without stirring.
Step 4 – Cover and cook on high for 2 and ½ hours.
Recipe Tips
- Slow Cooker – We recommend spraying the crockpot with cooking spray. This helps for cleanup and to easily serve the cake.
- Cooking Time – Your cook time will vary based on the size and shape of your slow cooker. For instance, original recipe said 2.5 hours on high with a wider slow cooker, but if you have a taller slow cooker, it may take longer. Check the cake when close to cooking time so that the cake does not burn.
- Done Cooking – You’ll know when it is done when the outsides and top set up like a sponge- the middle will be gooey. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate cake is great served warm right out of the crock pot. You can enjoy the chocolate cake just as it was cooked or serve with your favorite toppings. Here are some of ours:
- Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Drizzle the cake with hot fudge or caramel sauce
- Make sure you have some sprinkles to put on top
- Chop some pecans or peanuts to give it that extra crunch
- We love to add some whipped cream and cherry on top for a complete dessert.
We love making a topping bar when we have friends over for dessert. It is easy to do and a budget friendly dessert idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we keep the lava cake in the slow cooker. Make sure to turn off the slow cooker while serving so the cake does not burn. The cake will stay warm while serving for a rich and decadent dessert.
We recommend using a oval crock pot for this recipe. The 6 quart or 8 quart work great. This will allow the chocolate lava cake to cook evenly.
If you have any leftovers, be sure to place in the refrigerator. It will last about 2-3 days if stored properly.
We love this cake served warm, so you can simply heat up a serving in the microwave and it will taste as if it was just baked.
Yes, you can reheat lava cake. Simply place a serving in the microwave on a microwave safe dish. Heat up in 20-30 seconds intervals.
Top with your favorite topping and your cake will taste as if you just baked it.
Try more Slow Cooker Desserts
- Slow Cooker Better Than Sex Cake
- Crock Pot Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Crock Pot Fudge
- See more Crock Pot Desserts Recipes
We love to hear from you. If you make this crockpot chocolate cake recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Crockpot Lava Cake
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Chocolate Lava Crockpot Cake:
- 1 box of Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake mix (I used Betty crocker)
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
Ingredients for the lava topping:
- 1 box of Instant chocolate pudding mix (4 oz)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 bag of milk chocolate chips (12 oz)
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Spray the crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions.
- Pour the cake batter into the crock pot.
- Prepare the chocolate pudding mix according to the package directions and pour it over the cake batter. Do not stir.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on High for 2–2½ hours, until the cake is set around the edges but still gooey in the center.
- Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.
I made it a couple of weeks ago we all loved it I’m making it again tonight for family dinner instead of using 2 boxes of pudding can I use a family sized box of pudding?
I’m so glad your family loved it, Jessica! Yes, you can use a family-size box, but measure out 4 ounces of the dry instant pudding mix for this recipe. You won’t need the whole box if it’s larger than that. Hope you enjoy it again tonight!