Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (2024)

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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.

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (1)

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.

Table of Contents

  • What is a Lava Cake?
  • Ingredients
  • Variations Ideas
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • Recipe Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Try more Slow Cooker Desserts
  • Crockpot 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

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (2)
  • 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

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (3)

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.

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (4)

Step 2 – Spray slow cooker withnonstick cooking sprayso the cake won’t stick. Pour cake batter into the slow cooker and smooth over the bottom.

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (5)

Step 3 – In a mixing bowl, beat together the 2 cups milk and pudding and pour over the top. Donotstir. Then sprinkle chocolate chips over top without stirring.

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (6)

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 topset up like a sponge- the middle will be gooey. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (7)

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.

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you Keep Lava Cake in the Slow Cooker?

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.

What Size of Crock Pot do I Use?

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.

How to Store Leftovers

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.

Can I Reheat Leftovers?

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 Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (9)

Review

Pin Print

Crockpot Lava Cake

5 from 95 votes

This Crockpot Lava Cake Recipe is so decadent. Crockpot Lava Cake has the best topping. It has lots of chocolate chips and chocolate pudding. Yum! Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake is even better topped with vanilla ice cream. Slow cooker chocolate lava cake is SO delicious!

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Servings 12

Cuisine American

Course Dessert, Slow Cooker

Calories 437

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • Ingredients for the Chocolate Lava Crockpot Cake:
  • 1 box of Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake mix (I used Betty crocker)
  • 1 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 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

Instructions

  • Beat together cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk with an electric mixer for a few minutes until batter is smooth.

  • Spray slow cooker withnonstick sprayso the cake won’t stick.

  • Pour cake mixture into the slow cooker and smooth over the bottom.

  • In a mixing bowl, beat together the 2 cups milk and pudding and pour over the top. Donotstir.

  • Then sprinkle chocolate chips over top without stirring.

  • Cover and cook on high for 2 and ½ hours.

  • You’ll know when it is done when the outsides and topset up like a sponge- the middle will be gooey. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.

  • Serves 12. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Want a different flavor? How about substituting the chocolate cake mix and instant pudding for your favorite flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 437kcal, Carbohydrates 57g, Protein 6g, Fat 20g, Saturated Fat 13g, Cholesterol 51mg, Sodium 363mg, Potassium 129mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 39g, Vitamin A 230IU, Vitamin C 0.2mg, Calcium 208mg, Iron 1.4mg

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About the Author

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (18)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between molten cake and lava cake? ›

Lava cakes are typically small individual-sized cakes baked in a ramekin. In summary, molten cake is a broader term that can refer to cakes with a liquid center, whereas lava cake is a specific type of chocolate cake with a melted center.

Is lava cake just undercooked cake? ›

In the 2014 movie "Chef," chef Carl Caper, portrayed by Jon Favreau, argues that chocolate lava cake isn't just "undercooked chocolate cake." The "molten" aspect of the dessert comes from a disc of frozen chocolate ganache that melts in the center of the treat as the cake bakes around it.

Why is my lava cake dry? ›

Lava cakes are pretty easy to make, but if you're having problems with it collapsing or being dry in the middle, you haven't quite nailed the cooking time. If your molten lava cake collapses, bake it for a little longer next time. If it doesn't have the liquid chocolate in the center, shorten your baking time.

What is the center of a lava cake made of? ›

Recipe video above.

The molten centre isn't just raw cake batter, it's melted chocolate. No more stress about overcooking the molten centre – because chocolate will always ooze. And chocolate trumps raw cake batter in the texture and taste test, always!

What can I use instead of ramekins for lava cake? ›

If you don't have ramekins, you can use a standard muffin pan. Grease 6 muffin pan cups and dust with cocoa powder to prevent the lava cakes from sticking. Because your lava cakes will be slightly smaller, you'll get 6 lava cakes instead of 4. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Should lava cake be eaten hot or cold? ›

Answer: While the lava cakes are at their best when eaten freshly baked. They can be re-heated in the microwave on a plate for 30 seconds. Be sure to remove them from the metal ramekins before heating in the microwave.

Why did my lava cake sink in the middle? ›

If you over mix the cake batter, your molten lava cake is going to collapse or sink in. Reason being when you over mix the batter, you are incorporating too much air bubble into the batter resulting it in losing its structure to hold the cake together.

Should leftover lava cake be refrigerated? ›

Yes, both unbaked and baked Lava Cakes should be refrigerated. Can I double or triple the recipe? Yes! You can double or triple the recipe, but the cakes will likely need an extra minute or two in the oven.

How do I make my cake more moist? ›

10 WAYS TO MAKE CAKE MOIST
  1. USE THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE AND BAKING TIME. Consider lowering your oven temperature slightly when baking a cake. ...
  2. USE VEGETABLE OIL. ...
  3. USE BUTTERMILK INSTEAD OF MILK. ...
  4. ADD INSTANT PUDDING MIX. ...
  5. ADD MAYONNAISE. ...
  6. USE SIMPLE SYRUP OR GLAZE. ...
  7. USE CAKE FLOUR. ...
  8. DON'T OVERMIX.

Are lava cakes safe to eat? ›

Lava cakes typically include eggs so a common question, given that the center is molten, is if Lava Cakes are safe to eat. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes are baked at 425 degrees so the batter is able to reach 165 degrees in the center, rendering them safe to eat.

Can you reheat a lava cake? ›

What is the best way to reheat chocolate lava cake? Reheating chocolate lava cake in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes is effective. Alternatively, one can use an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) and warm the cake for 5-6 minutes.

What is a fancy name for lava cake? ›

Molten chocolate cake is a French dessert that consists of a chocolate cake with a liquid chocolate core. It is named for that molten center, and it is also known as mi-cuit au chocolat, chocolat coulant ("flowing"), chocolate lava cake, or simply lava cake.

What is a fun fact about lava cake? ›

Most would cite Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten as the creator of the cake, the story of how the chef accidentally pulled a chocolate sponge cake out of the oven before it was finished and discovered a runny center. Chocolatier Jacques Torres claims that the dish itself has been available in France before, by himself.

What is a geode cake? ›

Geode cakes are stunningly decorated layer cakes meant to mimic the famous natural formation of rock and precious and semiprecious stones. Pieces of the finished and frosted cake are cut out, and then the cavity is filled with edible crystals made out of rock candy.

Why is it called molten lava cake? ›

Molten chocolate cake is a French dessert that consists of a chocolate cake with a liquid chocolate core. It is named for that molten center, and it is also known as mi-cuit au chocolat, chocolat coulant ("flowing"), chocolate lava cake, or simply lava cake.

What is the meaning of molten lava cake? ›

A molten lava cake, also known as a chocolate lava cake or a molten chocolate cake, is a popular dessert that features a rich, decadent chocolate cake with a gooey, melted chocolate center.

Does Dairy Queen have molten lava cakes? ›

MOLTEN. LAVA CAKE

A rich, moist chocolate cake filled with a gooey fudge center served hot from the oven with a side of DQ vanilla soft serve that is topped with hot fudge.

Why is my lava cake no lava? ›

If the Lava Cakes are left in the ramekins any longer, you risk a nonexistent lava center. Gently loosen the cakes from the ramekins by sliding a knife around the edges of each cake, then invert the cakes onto serving plates.

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