We’ve all dreamed of a decadent dessert that combines the crunch of Oreos with a gooey lava center, and our Oreo Lava Cake Crockpot with Candy Bar recipe brings that fantasy to life. It’s a fun twist on classic chocolate cakes, made effortlessly in your slow cooker for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Picture layers of crushed Oreos and melted candy bars creating a rich, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. We’re confident you’ll love how simple it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser right at home.
Ingredients
In our Oreo Lava Cake Crockpot with Candy Bar recipe, we start by gathering high-quality ingredients that blend the classic crunch of Oreos with the gooey melt of candy bars for an irresistible dessert. We’ve organized this list in the order of use, from base layers to mix-ins, with prep notes for precision.
- Oreos: 20 whole cookies (about 200g), crushed into fine crumbs for the base layer—use a food processor for even texture.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g), sifted to ensure no lumps when mixed into the batter.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g), measured and set aside for sweetening the cake mixture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: ½ cup (50g), for adding rich chocolate depth—opt for Dutch-processed for a smoother flavor.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (5g), to help the cake rise gently in the crockpot.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (3g), for balancing the sweetness and enhancing overall taste.
- Large eggs: 2, at room temperature and lightly beaten before incorporating into the wet mix.
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115g), melted to bind the ingredients and create a moist texture.
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240ml), for achieving a pourable batter consistency.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml), pure variety preferred, to infuse aromatic notes.
- Candy bars: 4 full-size bars (e.g., milk chocolate or caramel-filled, totaling about 200g), chopped into chunks for the lava center—melt partially for optimal gooeyness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (170g), sprinkled as a topping layer to intensify the molten effect.
This selection ensures our Oreo Lava Cake delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a standout crockpot treat.
Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly transition from gathering our high-quality ingredients, we need the right tools and equipment to prepare and cook our indulgent Oreo Lava Cake in the crockpot. This ensures precise execution and enhances the gooey, chocolatey results we’re aiming for.
Here’s a detailed list of the essential tools, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot): Our star appliance, a 4- to 6-quart model works best for even heating and creating the perfect lava center in this dessert. It simplifies the process by allowing slow, hands-off cooking.
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls are ideal—one for dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder, and another for wet ones such as eggs and milk—to keep our preparation organized and mess-free.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for balance, so we recommend a set of dry measuring cups (for flour and sugar) and liquid ones (for milk), plus spoons for smaller quantities like vanilla extract.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: A sturdy whisk helps us blend the batter smoothly, ensuring the crushed Oreos and cocoa powder incorporate evenly for that signature texture.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down bowl sides and folding in semi-sweet chocolate chips or candy bar pieces without overmixing, preserving the cake’s moist layers.
- Baking Dish or Ramekins: A 6-inch round, oven-safe dish that fits inside the crockpot allows us to layer the ingredients and achieve the molten lava effect—opt for one with high sides to contain the gooey center.
- Oven Mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot crockpot and transferring dishes, protecting us while we uncover the warm, aromatic dessert.
With these tools at hand, we’re set to move efficiently into the preparation steps, maximizing our crockpot’s potential for this crowd-pleasing treat.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create our irresistible Oreo Lava Cake Crockpot with Candy Bar. Follow these instructions closely for a perfectly gooey, chocolatey dessert that will impress every time.
Prep the Ingredients
Before we begin assembling, let’s prepare our ingredients in the order they’ll be used to ensure everything is ready for seamless mixing. Start by crushing the Oreos—we recommend using a food processor or a rolling pin to break 20 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs for that signature crunch.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry components: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until evenly combined and free of lumps.
For the wet ingredients, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop, then let it cool slightly. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 cup of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and frothy.
Finally, chop 4 full-size candy bars (such as Snickers or Milky Way) into bite-sized pieces to create the molten lava center, and measure out 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for added indulgence.
Assemble the Cake
With our ingredients prepped, let’s layer and mix everything to build the cake’s decadent structure. In a greased baking dish that fits inside your 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the dry mixture from the first bowl with the wet mixture, stirring gently with a whisk until you form a thick, velvety batter that promises a moist, chocolatey base.
Fold in the crushed Oreos and chocolate chips to distribute their crispy and melty textures evenly, then pour half of the batter into the dish. Next, scatter the chopped candy bars over this layer to form a gooey core that will ooze out when served.
Top with the remaining batter, spreading it smoothly with a rubber spatula to seal in the candy bar surprise. This assembly creates layers of crunchy Oreo goodness contrasted by the warm, flowing candy center, elevating our Oreo Lava Cake to a crowd favorite.
Cook in Crockpot
Now it’s time to let our slow cooker work its magic, transforming the assembled cake into a tender, aromatic dessert. Place the baking dish inside the preheated slow cooker, then add 1 cup of water around the dish to create gentle, even steam for optimal moisture.
Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat, cooking for 2 to 3 hours until the edges are set but the center remains soft and lava-like—insert a toothpick to check; it should come out with fudgy crumbs. Once done, turn off the cooker and let the cake rest for 10 minutes with the lid off to allow the flavors to meld and the candy to achieve that irresistible, molten consistency.
Use oven mitts to carefully remove the dish, as the steam will be hot, and serve our Oreo Lava Cake Crockpot with Candy Bar warm for the best rich, chocolatey experience.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As we transition from our detailed preparation steps, let’s explore how to make our Oreo Lava Cake even more convenient by preparing it ahead. This approach allows us to maximize the indulgent, gooey chocolate layers while saving time on busy days.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
We suggest prepping key elements up to 24 hours ahead to keep flavors fresh and textures intact:
- Crush the Oreos: Start by crushing 2 cups of Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their signature crisp crunch.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl. Transfer to a sealed bag or container and refrigerate to prevent clumping.
- Chop Candy Bars: Dice 4 full-size candy bars (like Snickers or Milky Way) into small pieces. Place them in a resealable bag and keep in the fridge to preserve their melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness.
Assembling the Batter Ahead
For efficiency, we can prepare the batter up to 12 hours in advance:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and velvety.
- Gradually fold in the pre-mixed dry ingredients from above, stirring until you achieve a thick, chocolatey batter that promises a tender crumb.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This step ensures the flavors meld without losing the batter’s ability to create that irresistible lava center.
Storing and Reheating the Assembled Cake
If you want to go further, assemble the full cake up to 8 hours ahead:
- Layer the batter and chopped candy bars in your slow cooker liner or a greased baking dish as outlined in our preparation section. Cover and refrigerate the entire setup to lock in the rich, molten chocolate essence.
- When ready to cook, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to avoid uneven heating in your 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the original cooking time if assembling from cold, and check for that perfect gooey consistency using a toothpick.
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Oreos | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container at room temperature | Retains crunch for texture contrast |
| Dry ingredients mix | Up to 24 hours | Sealed bag in fridge | Prevents moisture absorption |
| Wet batter | Up to 12 hours | Covered bowl in fridge | Maintains freshness and consistency |
| Fully assembled cake | Up to 8 hours | Covered in fridge | Ensures even cooking and flavor |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Oreo Lava Cake crockpot recipe with you. It’s a simple way to create a decadent treat that’ll wow your family and friends.
By using our tips you’ll enjoy effortless indulgence every time. Give it a try and let’s make your next gathering unforgettable with this chocolatey delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oreo Lava Cake?
Oreo Lava Cake is a decadent slow cooker dessert that combines crushed Oreos with a gooey chocolate center, inspired by classic lava cakes. This easy recipe features layers of Oreos and melted candy bars for a crunchy yet indulgent texture, making it perfect for parties or family treats.
How do I make Oreo Lava Cake in a slow cooker?
Start by prepping ingredients like crushing Oreos and mixing dry and wet components. Layer the batter with chopped candy bars in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, then cook on low for 2-3 hours until gooey. Let it rest before serving for the best results. It’s simple and requires minimal hands-on time.
What ingredients are needed for Oreo Lava Cake?
Key ingredients include crushed Oreos, all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, milk, vanilla extract, candy bars, and chocolate chips. This selection ensures a balanced mix of textures and flavors for a rich, chocolatey dessert.
What tools are required to prepare Oreo Lava Cake?
You’ll need a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker for even heating, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or spoon, a rubber spatula, a baking dish or ramekins, and oven mitts. These tools help streamline the process for efficient, mess-free cooking.
Can I make Oreo Lava Cake ahead of time?
Yes, prepare crushed Oreos and dry ingredients up to 24 hours in advance. Mix the batter up to 12 hours ahead, and assemble the full cake up to 8 hours before cooking. This allows flavors to develop while keeping textures fresh for easy entertaining.
How long does it take to cook Oreo Lava Cake?
Cooking typically takes 2-3 hours on low in a slow cooker, depending on your model’s heat. Allow time for resting afterward to achieve the perfect gooey center. Prep is quick, making it ideal for busy schedules.