A Short Story About the Recipe
I have always had a soft spot for warm, fudgy desserts, and this gooey crockpot brownies pudding is one of my all-time favorites. I first tried making brownies in a slow cooker on a chilly Sunday afternoon when I didn’t want to turn on the oven. The result completely surprised me — the center came out rich and molten, the edges slightly chewy, and the aroma of chocolate filled the kitchen for hours. Ever since that day, this recipe has been my go-to whenever I crave a warm, decadent dessert that feels special but doesn’t require much work.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with this gooey crockpot brownies pudding because it is pure chocolate comfort food. It delivers that fudgy, soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that brownie lovers crave, without you needing to stand in the kitchen. It’s perfect for family nights, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a warm, indulgent treat to share. The best part is that it stays warm and gooey for hours, so everyone can enjoy a serving at their own pace.
Versatile
This recipe is extremely versatile and easy to customize. You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter or caramel to make it your own. It can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a restaurant-style dessert. Whether you want it simple or dressed up, it always turns out delicious.
Affordable
Another reason I adore this recipe is how budget-friendly it is. The ingredients are pantry staples that most of us already have at home — cocoa powder, sugar, flour, butter, and eggs. You don’t need fancy chocolate or expensive baking tools. Plus, because it cooks in a slow cooker, you save on energy costs compared to using an oven for a long time.
Ingredients for the Recipe
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ cup melted butter
-
2 large eggs
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
½ cup milk
-
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
-
½ cup brown sugar
-
1 ½ cups hot water
How to Prepare This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Making gooey crockpot brownies pudding is simple, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to achieve the perfect texture. Here’s how I prepare it from start to finish:
-
Prepare the slow cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents the brownie mixture from sticking and makes serving easier later. -
Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until fully blended. This step ensures there are no lumps and the cocoa is evenly distributed. -
Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. -
Form the batter
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix, as this can make the brownies dense. -
Add chocolate chips
Fold in the chocolate chips, if using. They will melt as the brownies cook, adding pockets of extra chocolate throughout the dessert. -
Spread the batter
Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared slow cooker, smoothing out the top with a spatula. -
Make the pudding layer
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and an extra ¼ cup of cocoa powder (optional for a deeper chocolate flavor). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the brownie batter. -
Add hot water
Slowly pour the hot water over the top. Do not stir — this step is key to forming the gooey pudding layer underneath as the dessert cooks. -
Cook the brownies
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on High for about 2 to 2 ½ hours, or until the top looks set but is still slightly soft in the center. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so start checking at the 2-hour mark. -
Cool slightly before serving
Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert sit uncovered for about 10 minutes. This allows the pudding layer to thicken slightly while keeping the center warm and gooey.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is quick to prepare, taking less than 15 minutes of hands-on work. The slow cooker does the rest, so you can focus on other tasks while the kitchen fills with the aroma of chocolate.
Customizable
You can make this dessert your own by adding a handful of walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture, or swapping the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips. For a fruity twist, swirl in raspberry preserves before cooking.
Popular with Many People
This gooey crockpot brownies pudding is always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings. It stays warm in the slow cooker, making it perfect for serving over a couple of hours. Guests love scooping out a portion and watching the rich chocolate pudding flow over their plate.
Print
Rich and Gooey Crockpot Brownies Recipe
This gooey crockpot brownies pudding is a warm, rich, and comforting dessert that practically makes itself. With a fudgy brownie layer on top and a luscious chocolate pudding layer underneath, it is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night at home.
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups hot water
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the greased slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ¼ cup cocoa powder (optional) and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Carefully pour the hot water over the mixture without stirring.
- Cover and cook on High for 2 to 2 ½ hours until the top looks set but the center remains soft.
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 2
FAQs
Can I use a different size slow cooker?
Yes, you can. This recipe works best in a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker. If you use a smaller one, the dessert may take slightly longer to cook because the batter will be thicker. For a larger slow cooker, check for doneness a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers and combine just before cooking. The dessert is best served warm, so I recommend cooking it close to serving time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until warm and gooey again.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use plant-based milk. The result will still be soft and rich.
Why is the pudding layer on the bottom?
As the dessert cooks, the hot water and sugar sink to the bottom, creating a self-saucing pudding. This is what gives the dish its gooey texture.