Description

A rich, indulgent chocolate lava cake made in a slow cooker for a molten center without heating up the kitchen. This easy dessert requires minimal cleanup and delivers restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz (340g) dark chocolate chips or chunks (semi-sweet)
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed
1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
3 large eggs + 2 egg yolks
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

Instructions

Spray the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker pot with non-stick cooking spray or line with a slow cooker liner.
Combine dark chocolate chips and cubed butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth (1-2 minutes). Let cool for 5 minutes.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and pale.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk gently until combined. Stir in vanilla extract and espresso powder.
Sift flour and salt over the batter. Gently fold in with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared slow cooker and smooth the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 45-60 minutes.
Check for doneness: edges should be set and pulling away from sides, while the center remains soft and jiggly.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes to allow structure to set. Scoop into bowls and serve immediately with toppings.

Notes

Trust the low setting; high heat will ruin the molten center. Do not overmix the flour to avoid a tough texture. Use the ‘jiggle test’ to determine doneness. For best results, use room temperature eggs. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 380
Sugar: 36
Sodium: 180
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: slow cooker dessert, chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, easy dessert, no oven dessert, rich chocolate cake, comfort food