I still remember the first time I made brownies in my crockpot. It felt almost too good to be true – the idea of combining rich, fudgy brownies with the warm, gooey texture of pudding, all cooked slowly until perfection. I had been experimenting with crockpot desserts for some time, and I wanted to create something that combined comfort, simplicity, and indulgence. What came out of the pot that day was a dessert so irresistible that it instantly became a favorite among my family and friends. Every bite was a balance between chewy brownie edges and a luscious pudding-like center. The slow cooker made the process easy and mess-free, and the result was beyond what I had imagined. Since then, this Crockpot Brownies Pudding has become a go-to recipe whenever I need a cozy dessert that never fails to impress.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe. First, the combination of brownies and pudding offers the best of both worlds: a chewy, chocolatey bite and a soft, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Second, the crockpot does all the hard work. Once the ingredients are mixed, you can simply set it and forget it until the dessert is ready to serve. The aroma of chocolate filling the kitchen while it cooks adds to the joy of making it. Most importantly, it’s a recipe that pleases both kids and adults alike. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or simply enjoyed as it is, this dessert feels like comfort in a bowl.
Versatile
This Crockpot Brownies Pudding recipe is incredibly versatile. You can keep it classic with chocolate, or you can elevate it with add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of caramel sauce. It can be served as an after-dinner treat, a holiday dessert, or even as a sweet indulgence for a cozy movie night. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup. The slow cooker method also allows you to make it in larger quantities for gatherings, making it perfect for parties and celebrations.
Affordable
One of the best things about this recipe is that it is affordable and accessible. The ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and easy to find in any grocery store. There’s no need for expensive specialty products or complicated tools. The crockpot replaces the need for an oven, saving energy and effort, while still producing a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. This makes it not only delicious but also budget-friendly, which is something I always appreciate.
Ingredients for the Recipe
To make this Crockpot Brownies Pudding, you will need the following ingredients:
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All-purpose flour
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Unsweetened cocoa powder
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Eggs
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Milk
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Vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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Vanilla extract
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Semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Hot water
How to Prepare Crockpot Brownies Pudding
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
When it comes to preparing this Crockpot Brownies Pudding, the process is simple, straightforward, and rewarding. Unlike traditional baking that requires constant checking, this recipe lets the crockpot do most of the work while you enjoy the anticipation of a warm and comforting dessert. I always like to start by gathering all my ingredients in advance, which makes the preparation smooth and stress-free. Once everything is ready, it takes just a few steps before the mixture goes into the slow cooker.
Step 1: Prepare the crockpot
Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with butter or a non-stick spray. This prevents the brownies from sticking to the sides and ensures easy serving once it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together until the mixture is even and lump-free. This step guarantees that the flavor is consistent throughout the pudding.
Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Blend them well until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Make the batter
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but smooth.
Step 5: Add chocolate chips
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. They will melt into the pudding as it cooks, creating rich chocolate pockets and enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 6: Transfer to the crockpot
Pour the brownie batter into the greased crockpot and spread it evenly. At this stage, the mixture may look like an ordinary brownie batter, but the magic happens once the pudding layer forms during cooking.
Step 7: Prepare the pudding topping
In a small bowl, mix additional cocoa powder and sugar together, then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the brownie batter in the crockpot. Slowly pour hot water over the mixture without stirring. This liquid sinks down and creates the luscious pudding layer as it bakes.
Step 8: Cook in the crockpot
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it on high for about 2 to 2 ½ hours. Avoid opening the lid during this time, as it allows steam to escape and may affect the final texture. Once done, the top should be set like a brownie, while the bottom remains soft and pudding-like.
Step 9: Serve warm
Scoop generous portions directly from the crockpot while it’s warm. You’ll notice the pudding sauce at the bottom and the cake-like brownie texture on top. For an extra treat, serve it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Quick and Easy
What I love most about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to put together. The preparation time is only around 15 minutes, and the slow cooker handles the rest. There’s no need to watch over it constantly, and cleanup is minimal since everything is cooked in one pot. It’s an ideal recipe for busy days when you still want to enjoy a homemade dessert without stress.
Customizable
This Crockpot Brownies Pudding is highly customizable. You can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch, or stir in peanut butter chips for a different flavor twist. For a richer taste, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you want a festive variation, add a swirl of caramel or top with crushed peppermint candy during the holidays. The recipe is flexible enough to suit any occasion or preference.
Popular With Many People
Whenever I prepare this dessert, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of warm chocolate pudding and soft brownies appeals to just about everyone. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Children love the gooey texture, while adults appreciate its nostalgic comfort. I’ve served it at gatherings and watched how quickly it disappears from the crockpot. This recipe proves that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most loved.
PrintCrockpot Brownies Pudding Recipe
This Crockpot Brownies Pudding recipe is a rich, comforting dessert that combines the chewy texture of brownies with a velvety pudding sauce. Prepared easily in the slow cooker, it delivers warm, gooey chocolate goodness with very little effort. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any time you crave a simple yet indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 2
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (divided)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for pudding topping)
- 1 ½ cups hot water
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ¼ cup cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips to add richness to the batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased crockpot and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup cocoa powder with ¾ cup granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
- Slowly pour hot water over the top of the batter. Do not stir; this step creates the pudding layer during cooking.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high for 2 to 2 ½ hours. The top will look like brownies, while the bottom will be soft and pudding-like.
- Scoop warm servings directly from the crockpot. Serve as is or with a topping of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate syrup.
Notes
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as steam is essential for creating the pudding layer.
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can prepare a similar version in the oven using a baking dish. However, the texture will differ slightly because the slow cooker creates more steam, resulting in a softer pudding base. The oven version will be closer to a traditional self-saucing brownie pudding.
How do I know when the pudding is ready?
The top layer should look set, much like a baked brownie, while the bottom remains soft and pudding-like. The cooking time is typically between 2 and 2 ½ hours on high. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this can delay the cooking process.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It is best to mix and cook the batter right away, as the baking powder begins to activate once combined with wet ingredients. Preparing ahead of time may affect the texture and rise of the brownies.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover Crockpot Brownies Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or place it back in the crockpot on low until heated through.
Can I freeze this dessert?
Freezing is not recommended, as the pudding texture does not hold well after thawing. The best way to enjoy this recipe is fresh and warm.