A quick and easy crockpot dessert recipe for those days when you know you’re going to be busy and could really use something delicious to look forward to after supper. This Crockpot Chocolate Cake recipe can be made from scratch or using a boxed cake mix – whichever you prefer!

Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

A warm, ooey, gooey chocolate cake with a melted marshmallow and chocolate chip topping, this crockpot lava cake is a decadent dessert that is just pure indulgence and comfort.

It’s the perfect option for busy days or low-key entertaining. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and doesn’t require babysitting the oven, fancy decorating or any special techniques, yet it completely reminds me of a fancy chocolate soufflé that you’d have to order before the start of your meal at an upscale restaurant.

The ease and quick preparation of this recipe also makes it perfect for letting the kids help make.

We’ve made this crockpot chocolate cake a few times now and have made it from scratch and using a boxed chocolate cake mix. I’ve provided the instructions below (and in the printable recipe card) to make it both ways, so you can choose whichever method works best for you.

Now, I preferred my cake not too molten in the center – just a bit melty. You may want to check the center of your cake about 30 minutes from the end of the indicated cooking time and see if you want to continue cooking or if you’re happy with it. Just set the crockpot to warm until ready to serve.

Can I use hot water instead of hot milk? Yes, where the recipe calls for covering the cake batter with hot milk, you can replace it with hot water or even hot coffee. However, the cake texture will be slightly different as the milk contributes to the fudgey texture. Hot water or coffee will still give you a moist cake, but will lack some of the molten lava experience that the hot milk creates.

Can I double this recipe to serve more people? Absolutely! You will need to increase the baking time accordingly, 3.5 to 4 hours on high. 

Can you make this recipe gluten-free or vegan? Yes, make the appropriate substitutions (gluten-free boxed cake or gluten-free C4C flour, etc) and follow the rest of the cooking instructions, as directed below.

To make clean-up even easier, instead of greasing the crockpot you can line it with parchment paper or these disposable crockpot liners.

More Crockpot Dessert Recipes:

• Crockpot Cinnamon Buns
• Crockpot Hot Chocolate (with video)
• Crockpot Bread Pudding from In the Kids’ Kitchen
• Crockpot Caramel Apple Spice Cake from Show Me the Yummy
• Crockpot Honey Glazed Chex Mix from In the Kids’ Kitchen

Check out our quick video that shows how to make a crockpot lava cake (the boxed cake version) – and then don’t forget to scroll down to grab your free printable recipe card:

Crockpot Chocolate Cake Ingredients

• Box Chocolate Cake Mix
• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
• Sour Cream
• Vanilla Extract
• Butter, melted
• Eggs
• Hot Milk
• Mini Marshmallows
• Chocolate Chips

From scratch:

• Butter
• White Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla Extract
• Cocoa Powder
• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Powder
• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
• Hot Milk
• Mini Marshmallows
• Chocolate Chips

Tip: you can add your favorite cake mix-ins to the batter: nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruit, marshmallows, etc.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Crockpot <– This is the crockpot that I use the most often – it has a thermoshield which not only prevents little fingers from being burned if the kids touch the outside of the crockpot, but it’s also great for bringing along to potlucks. I also like that I can set the cook time on it, so if we end up taking too long playing outside (or running errands) I don’t have to worry about the food burning.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Heat-proof Measuring Cup
• Whisk or Electric mixer <– this is a great hand mixer if you don’t want to make the investment into a stand mixer

How to Make Chocolate Cake in a Crockpot

Grease the crockpot and set aside.

Combine the chocolate cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, vanilla, butter and eggs in a large bowl (or directly in the crockpot).

Pour the cake batter into the crockpot then pour the hot milk overtop.

Secure the crockpot lid and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.

Remove the lid and sprinkle on the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Put the lid back on and allow to cook for 15 minutes.

Scoop and serve warm.

From scratch:

Grease the crockpot and set aside.

Combine the butter, white sugar, eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder and pudding mix in a large bowl (or directly in the crockpot).

Pour into the crockpot then pour the hot milk overtop.

Secure the crockpot lid and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.

Remove the lid and sprinkle on the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Put the lid back on and allow to cook for 15 minutes.

Scoop and serve warm.

Pin this Crockpot Chocolate Cake recipe for your next low-key dessert:

Grab your free printable recipe card for our crockpot chocolate lava cake recipe:

I hope your family loves this easy crockpot chocolate cake recipe as much as mine did!

For more delicious crockpot recipes, check out our full collection here:

For more delicious cake recipes, check out our full collection here: