Welcome to the effortless world of slow cooker desserts! Get ready to discover the magic of a Crock Pot Chocolate Spoon Cake – an incredibly easy, moist, and utterly delicious chocolate cake that begins with a simple boxed cake mix. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, transforming your slow cooker into a dessert-making powerhouse.
The Ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Chocolate Spoon Cake: A Decadent Delight
Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, comforting taste of chocolate pudding with the tender texture of a classic cake. That’s precisely what you get with our Crock Pot Chocolate Spoon Cake. This dessert is a dream come true for chocolate lovers and anyone seeking a low-effort, high-reward treat. It’s so moist and flavorful, you’ll be reaching for seconds!
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Your Chocolate Cake?
Baking a cake in your crock pot might seem unconventional, but it’s a game-changer, especially for this particular recipe. The slow, even heat of a crock pot creates an incredibly moist and tender cake, often surpassing what you can achieve in a traditional oven. Here’s why it’s a brilliant choice:
- Unmatched Moisture: The enclosed environment of a slow cooker traps steam, preventing the cake from drying out and resulting in a wonderfully moist crumb every time.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once assembled, simply set it and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
- Perfect for Summer Baking: Keep your kitchen cool by avoiding turning on the oven, making it an ideal dessert solution during warmer months.
- Foolproof Results: The gentle cooking process minimizes the risk of overbaking, making it a highly forgiving method for even novice bakers.
- Convenience: Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or simply having a delicious dessert ready for your family without constant monitoring.
What Exactly Is a “Spoon Cake”?
The name “Spoon Cake” perfectly describes this dessert’s delightful texture. It’s not a firm, sliceable cake, but rather a delightfully soft, almost pudding-like concoction that’s best enjoyed scooped directly from the crock pot with a spoon. It’s a luscious blend of dense chocolate cake and rich, gooey pudding, designed to be served warm and indulgent. Think of it as a hybrid dessert that offers the best of both worlds – the structure of a cake and the melt-in-your-mouth quality of a pudding. This unique texture makes it incredibly comforting and utterly irresistible, especially when paired with your favorite toppings.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chocolate Spoon Cake
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Crock Pot Chocolate Spoon Cake from delicious to absolutely divine. These insights will help you customize the flavor, ensure perfect cooking, and enjoy this dessert to its fullest.
- Flavor Variations: Don’t limit yourself to semi-sweet chocolate chips! For a refreshing twist, try adding mint chocolate chips. White chocolate chips or peanut butter chips could also offer intriguing flavor profiles. You could even experiment with different flavored instant pudding mixes – imagine a caramel or espresso-infused chocolate spoon cake!
- Choosing Your Cake Mix: Any chocolate cake mix will work beautifully. Feel free to use devil’s food, dark chocolate fudge, or even German chocolate cake mix for slightly different flavor nuances. The key is to choose one you enjoy, as it forms the base of this delightful dessert.
- The Power of Sour Cream: The sour cream is a secret weapon here. It adds incredible moisture and richness to the cake, creating a tender crumb and a subtly tangy depth that balances the sweetness of the chocolate. Do not skip this ingredient!
- The Role of Instant Pudding: Instant pudding mix doesn’t just add flavor; it also acts as a tenderizer and moisture booster, contributing to the cake’s signature “spoonable” texture. Be sure to use instant pudding, not the cook-and-serve variety.
- Adapting for Oven Baking: While designed for the slow cooker, some bakers might wonder about oven possibilities. If you attempt this in an oven, a Bundt pan or 9×13 inch baking dish would likely work best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep in mind that exact times will vary, and the texture might be slightly less “spoonable” than the slow cooker version. We encourage you to share your results if you try this!
- Nonstick Spray with Flour: To ensure your cake releases easily from the slow cooker, a nonstick cooking spray that includes flour (like Baker’s Joy or a homemade flour-based spray) is highly recommended. This extra step prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers, if there are any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm and gooey.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Spoon Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the first simple step to creating this delectable dessert. Most of these items are likely staples in your pantry, making this a convenient recipe to whip up anytime. Here’s what you’ll need:
- One box (15.25 ounce) chocolate cake mix (any brand, any chocolate flavor)
- One small box (4 ounce) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups sour cream (full-fat for best results, but light can also work)
- ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred chocolate chip variety)
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Slow Cooker Chocolate Spoon Cake
Making this cake is incredibly simple. Just a few mixing steps, and your slow cooker takes care of the rest! Follow these easy instructions for a perfect, moist chocolate dessert.
Preparation is Key
Before you begin mixing, ensure your slow cooker is properly prepared. Spray the inside of your slow cooker liberally with a nonstick cooking spray, ideally one that contains flour. This crucial step will prevent the cake from sticking to the sides and bottom, making serving much easier and preserving the cake’s tender texture. A good coating ensures a smooth release every time.
Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the first six ingredients: the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, sour cream, vegetable or canola oil, eggs, and water. You can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a large hand mixer for this step. Mix on medium speed until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure no dry pockets of cake mix remain. The batter will be thick and rich.
Adding the Chocolate Chips
Once your batter is smooth and well-mixed, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir them in by hand with a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step adds wonderful bursts of melted chocolate throughout the cake, enhancing its rich flavor and texture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Carefully pour the prepared chocolate cake batter into your greased slow cooker. Spread the batter evenly with your spatula, ensuring it forms a relatively flat surface. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; the slow cooker will work its magic. Make sure not to fill your slow cooker more than two-thirds full to allow for proper rising.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 4 to 6 hours. Cooking times can vary significantly depending on the make and model of your slow cooker, as heating elements differ. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, it’s wise to start checking for doneness around the 3-hour mark. The cake is ready when it springs back lightly to the touch in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). It will have a wonderfully spongy, soft appearance. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time. The cake won’t look perfectly browned on top like an oven-baked cake, but its texture and flavor will be unparalleled.
Serving Your Decadent Creation
Once the cake is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve! Carefully spoon a generous portion of the warm chocolate spoon cake into individual small bowls. This dessert is quite rich, so moderate servings are often best. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a little Hershey’s chocolate syrup over the top. The warm cake melts the syrup just slightly, creating an irresistible sheen and an even deeper chocolate flavor. To elevate it further, add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm cake with cool ice cream is simply heavenly. You can also sprinkle with a few extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries for garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chocolate Spoon Cake
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix or pudding? Absolutely! While chocolate is a classic, feel free to experiment. A yellow cake mix with vanilla pudding, or a strawberry cake mix with white chocolate pudding could be delicious variations. Just ensure you stick to instant pudding.
- My slow cooker runs hot/cold, how do I adjust cooking time? Slow cookers vary greatly. If yours runs hot, start checking at 3 hours. If it runs cold, it might take closer to 6-7 hours. Always rely on the “spring back” test and a toothpick for doneness.
- Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips? Yes! Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), shredded coconut, or even a swirl of caramel sauce mixed into the batter before cooking can add wonderful new dimensions of flavor and texture.
- How do I prevent the edges from getting too dark? If your slow cooker tends to cook the edges faster, you can create a parchment paper sling or line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. This can help protect the edges while the center cooks.
- Is this cake suitable for a crowd? This recipe typically serves 8 people generously. If you need to serve a larger crowd, you might consider doubling the recipe and using a larger slow cooker (e.g., an 8-quart slow cooker for a doubled recipe), or making two separate cakes.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this slow cooker cake, you’ll love exploring other easy and comforting recipes. Here are some more delightful treats to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- One Bowl Homemade Chocolate Cake
- Hot Fudge Chocolate Cake
- Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Carrot Pudding Poke Cake
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
- Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Chocolate Pudding Bundt Cake
Originally published: August 2013
Updated photos & republished: June 2020
Crock Pot Chocolate Spoon Cake
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Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce chocolate cake mix
- 4 ounce (small box) INSTANT chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups sour cream
- ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients (chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, sour cream, vegetable or canola oil, eggs, and water) until combined well and smooth.
- Then gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours, or until the cake springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
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Notes
- Cooking times for slow cookers can vary. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, check the cake around the 3-hour mark. The cake is ready when it springs back to the touch and appears somewhat spongy.
- Serve warm in small bowls, as this is a rich dessert. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.