Low Sugar Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Total time2 hr 45 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time2 hr 30 min

This slow cooker dessert turns a handful of pantry basics into a rich, self-saucing chocolate cake with almost no effort. Cocoa powder gives the batter its deep, bittersweet edge, while melted butter, milk, and a beaten egg keep the crumb soft and tender as it bakes low and slow. The real magic happens on top: a cocoa layer gets doused with boiling water right before the lid goes on, and as the slow cooker works its heat, that layer sinks and transforms into a warm, molten sauce pooling beneath the cake. You'll know it's ready when the top looks matte and set but the center still jiggles with that glossy, saucy lava layer underneath. Scoop it warm into bowls, spoon extra sauce over the top, and finish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream if you like. It's an easy, hands-off treat to keep in rotation for anyone watching their added sugar intake, without giving up that deep, fudgy chocolate payoff.

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Ingredients

6 servings

For the cake batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Unbleached All-Purpose Flour Gold Medal Flour All-Purpose Unbleached - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Pillsbury Best Flour All Purpose - 5 Lb
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¾ cup granulated sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Baking behavior varies by blend: some brown faster or stay softer, while others brown less. Follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup whole milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the pudding topping

¾ cup packed light brown sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Brown-sugar replacements vary in moisture, spread, and browning, so follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups boiling water

For serving

vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
Coat the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker generously with cooking spray.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined. Add the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract and stir with a rubber spatula until a smooth, thick batter forms. Fold in the chocolate chips, then spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared slow cooker insert.

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