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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Crock Pot Molten Lava Cake Recipe

    Modified: Jul 23, 2026 by Kori Butler

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    Crockpot chocolate lava cake is the kind of dessert that makes everyone gather in the kitchen to peek under the lid. This easy slow cooker treat bakes into a rich, decadent dessert with a moist chocolate cake, warm chocolate filling, and plenty of oozing chocolate in every spoonful.

    Crockpot chocolate lava cake served in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream.Pin
    Jump to:
    • The backstory.
    • It's a must make.
    • Let's talk flavor and texture.
    • What you'll need.
    • How to make chocolate lava cake in slow cooker.
    • Make it your way.
    • How to enjoy it.
    • Kori's tips.
    • FAQ's
    • 📖 The recipe.
    • Keep the slow cooked eats coming.
    • 💬 What readers are saying.

    The backstory.

    I have a soft spot for desserts that look like they took all afternoon but secretly couldn't be easier. The first time I made this crock pot molten lava cake, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the moment I scooped into that warm cake and found all that melty chocolate underneath, I knew it was a keeper. Now it's one of my favorite desserts for family get-togethers, holidays, and those nights when everyone suddenly decides they need chocolate.

    It's a must make.

    If you're looking for a dessert that's guaranteed to impress without keeping you busy in the kitchen, this crockpot chocolate lava cake belongs at the top of your list.

    • It's loaded with molten chocolate goodness. Every scoop has moist chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and irresistible chocolate filling.
    • It's incredibly easy. A handful of pantry staples and your slow cooker do almost all of the work.
    • Perfect for entertaining. This impressive dessert stays warm in the crock pot, making it a great party favorite for holidays, birthdays, and family dinners.
    • It's made for chocolate lovers. Rich chocolate flavor, chocolate chips, and gooey molten lava cake in every bite make it hard to resist.

    Let's talk flavor and texture.

    Imagine digging your spoon through a soft layer of moist chocolate cake and hitting a pool of warm, silky chocolate filling underneath. The pudding keeps everything extra tender while the chocolate chips melt into pockets of rich, decadent goodness. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it slowly melt into all that oozing chocolate for the ultimate chocolate dessert.

    What you'll need.

    Slow cooker molten lava cake ingredients.Pin

    This slow cooker molten lava cake comes together with simple grocery store ingredients that create an unforgettable dessert.

    • Milk: Helps create the creamy chocolate pudding layer.
    • Instant chocolate pudding mix: This creates the signature molten center. Fudge or regular chocolate both work well.
    • Devil's food cake mix: Gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor and soft texture. Chocolate or chocolate fudge cake mix can be substituted.
    • Large eggs: Help the cake bake up light and tender.
    • Water: Combines with the cake mix to create the batter.
    • Oil: Keeps the cake moist throughout cooking.
    • Semi-sweet chocolate morsels: Melt into pockets of rich chocolate throughout the cake.
    • Vanilla ice cream (optional): The perfect finishing touch for serving.

    For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

    How to make chocolate lava cake in slow cooker.

    Here's an overview on how to make this recipe. See the recipe card below for complete instructions. Enjoy!

    1. Spread the prepared chocolate cake batter evenly into a greased slow cooker.
    2. Spoon the chilled pudding evenly over the batter, then scatter the chocolate chips across the top.
    3. Cover and cook on HIGH until the top looks baked and set while the inside stays soft and gooey.
    4. Let the cake rest for a few minutes before scooping into bowls and serving warm.

    Make it your way.

    This chocolate lava cake in slow cooker recipe is easy to customize depending on what you're craving.

    • Swap the devil's food cake mix for chocolate fudge or classic chocolate cake mix.
    • Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
    • Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
    • Sprinkle mini peanut butter chips alongside the chocolate chips.
    • Finish with fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries for a pop of freshness.

    If your family gets as excited about dessert as mine does, you'll definitely want to try a few more of my favorite slow cooker sweets. My Crockpot Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a nostalgic classic with sweet caramelized pineapple, Crockpot Chocolate Candy Bar Bites are a fun, bite-sized treat that's perfect for parties and holiday cookie trays, and Crock Pot Apple Crisp with Cake Mix is loaded with warm cinnamon apples and a buttery, crumbly topping that's always a hit. They're all easy desserts that let your crock pot do the work while you enjoy the compliments.

    How to enjoy it.

    Close up of chocolate lava cake made in the slow cooker.Pin

    Crockpot chocolate lava cake is best enjoyed while it's still warm and the chocolate is perfectly melty.

    • Top each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
    • Add a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for an extra creamy finish.
    • Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
    • Finish with fresh berries for a nice contrast to the rich chocolate.
    • Serve with hot coffee, cold milk, or a cozy mug of hot chocolate for an extra comforting dessert.

    Kori's tips.

    • Chill the pudding until it's almost firm before layering it over the cake batter so it stays nicely separated while cooking.
    • If the pudding gets very thick, drop it onto the batter in large spoonfuls instead of trying to spread it.
    • Spray the crock pot well with nonstick cooking spray so every scoop comes out easily.
    • Start checking the cake around the 2-hour mark since slow cookers can vary. The top should look baked while the center stays gooey.
    • Let the cake sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the molten center thickens slightly for the perfect scoop.

    📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

    Crock Pot Molten Lava Cake Fresh From The Slow CookerPin

    FAQ's

    What is the best way to store it?

    Leave leftover in the crock pot and cover. Refrigerate up to 3 days.

    What is the best way to reheat it?

    Place the crock pot back in the heating unit and reheat on low until warm. If you only want 1 serving, reheat in the microwave on low power until heated through, about 30 seconds to 1.5 seconds.

    Can I freeze it?

    Yes. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

    If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get easy delicious crockpot recipe ideas every week!

    📖 The recipe.

    A white bowl and oval black crock pot with a pint of vanilla ice cream.

    Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake

    The most delicious and decadent chocolate cake made right in your crock pot! Who doesn't love oozing chocolate and moist cake topped with melting vanilla ice cream?
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    Author Kori
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Course Slow Cooker Dessert Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10
    Calories 535 kcal

    Equipment

    • 3 to 4-quart crock pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cup milk
    • 1 (3.9-ounce box box instant chocolate pudding (fudge or regular)
    • 1 (15.25-ounce) box devil's food cake mix
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1⅔ cup water
    • ⅓ cup oil
    • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate morsels
    • optional for serving: vanilla ice cream

    Instructions
     

    Make the pudding

    • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the milk and instant pudding together. Refrigerate until almost firm, about 10 to 15 minutes.

    Make the cake batter

    • In a large bowl add chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and oil.
    • Using an electric mix on low speed, mix ingredients together for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl then beat for 2 minutes on high speed.

    Assemble and slow cook

    • Spray the inside of the crock pot with nonstick spray. Pour the cake mix on the bottom.
    • Top with pudding. (Tip: If the pudding is very thick, use large spoonfuls of pudding placed evenly across the cake batter).
    • Sprinkle with chocolate chips.

    Slow cook

    • Cover and cook on high 2 to 2½ hours on high or until the top appears baked and has solidified.

    Video

    Youtube video

    Notes

    • Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
    • VARIATIONS: If you can't find devil's food cake mix use regular chocolate or chocolate fudge cake mix. 
    • SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with vanilla ice or sweetened whipped cream.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 535kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 8gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 539mgPotassium: 452mgFiber: 4gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 178IUCalcium: 157mgIron: 4mg
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @slowcookedeatsofficial or tag #slowcookedeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more slow cooked goodness straight to your inbox.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Rachelle says

      November 21, 2024 at 11:27 am

      Have you made this in low setting and if so how long did it take to cook?

      Reply
      • slowcookedeats says

        November 24, 2024 at 11:57 am

        Hello, I have only made it on high before so I'm not positive how long it would take. I hope you enjoy this cake! 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kori! I am a busy full-time working Mom who also balances a husband and 3 kids! The crock pot was literally how I fed my family almost every weeknight - for YEARS! Seriously.

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