Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Chocolate Cake

Indulge in a rich and decadent dessert with this Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Chocolate Cake. Imagine a warm, moist chocolate cake with a gooey layer of hot fudge sauce that forms beneath it as it cooks. This dessert is the perfect treat for chocolate lovers and is incredibly easy to make using your slow cooker. Just set it and forget it—no need to worry about keeping an eye on the oven. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¾ cup milk (cashew milk or chocolate milk can be substituted)
• ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Hot Fudge Layer:

• 1½ cups boiling water

For Serving (Optional but Recommended):

• Ice cream and/or whipped topping or whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:

• Line a 6-quart slow cooker with a liner for easy cleanup, if desired. Alternatively, spray the base and sides of the slow cooker generously with cooking spray. Set aside.

1. Make the Cake Batter:

• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
• Add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter will be thick.
• Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker and spread it into an even layer.

1. Add the Chocolate Chips:

• Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the batter, ensuring they are distributed across the entire surface. Set aside.

1. Prepare the Hot Fudge Layer:

• In the same medium bowl (no need to wash it, just wipe it out with a paper towel), whisk together the remaining ½ cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and boiling water until smooth.
• Carefully pour this hot cocoa mixture over the batter in the slow cooker. Do not stir—it may look odd, but this liquid will turn into a hot fudge sauce as the cake bakes.

1. Cook the Cake:

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1½ to 2 hours. Begin checking for doneness after about 1 hour. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. My cake was perfectly cooked at 90 minutes, but slow cookers can vary, so keep an eye on it.
• Once done, carefully remove the ceramic bowl from the slow cooker base to let the cake cool slightly before serving.

1. Serve:

• Scoop the warm cake into bowls, making sure to get plenty of the hot fudge sauce that has settled at the bottom.
• For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips:

• Slow Cooker Variations: All slow cookers cook differently, so check the cake at the 1-hour mark to avoid overcooking. You want the cake to be moist with a soft, fudgy bottom layer.
• Customization: Try using different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for a fun twist. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the gooey goodness again.

This Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Chocolate Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, offering a rich, fudgy cake without the fuss of traditional baking. It’s perfect for cozy nights or entertaining guests, and the slow cooker does all the work for you!