Next, I fold in the chocolate chips, which is always my favorite part. I cannot resist sneaking a few chips into my mouth as I go. Once that’s done, I pour the batter into the slow cooker, but don’t worry about spreading it evenly—this dessert will bubble and spread during cooking! Now here comes the unique part: in a separate pot, I boil the water and pour it directly over the batter in the slow cooker. Yes, it’s a little strange, but the steam helps create that wonderfully gooey texture.
I cover the slow cooker and set it on low for about 2-3 hours. During those hours, I recommend checking on it occasionally (don’t open the lid too often!). The smell is what truly elevates the experience—I always feel so cozy when those sweet aromas fill my kitchen. Once the cooking time is up, I do a toothpick test to ensure it’s cooked through. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s time to dig in!
Once you’re all set, I carefully scoop out portions and enjoy a scoop straight from the slow cooker, preferably with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Trust me; it’s a delight to eat it warm straight from that comforting pot!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One of my favorite tricks is using a liner for the slow cooker. I tested this three ways—without a liner, with a regular liner, and one with a heavy-duty liner. The heavy-duty liner made cleanup a breeze, so I always reach for that now! Additionally, make sure you’re using fresh ingredients, especially the baking powder. Old powder can leave your dessert flat as a pancake!
I also suggest avoiding the temptation to lift the lid too often. Each time you do, you lose heat, which can result in an unevenly cooked dessert. Instead, set a timer, and resist the urge to peek. I can promise the result will be worth the wait! Lastly, sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving. It perfectly balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors beautifully.
Finally, I love experimenting with different chips. Last week, I used peanut butter chips, and let me tell you, it was like a flavor explosion! The combination of chocolate and peanut butter working together is pure bliss. So don’t hesitate to mix and match according to your preferences!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I often see is adding too much liquid. Remember, this dessert is meant to be rich and gooey! If you find yourself pouring the whole cup of milk in without measuring, stop and take a step back. I’ve learned this the hard way—trust me, it’s far too runny if you don’t follow the recipe! (See the next page below to continue…)
Another common pitfall is not letting the dessert cook long enough. The slow cooker really can take its time, and undercooked dessert simply won’t achieve that soft, tender texture we love. If you’re unsure, add an extra half-hour to the time. You can always scoop and serve a bit later!
Lastly, be cautious about cleaning the slow cooker. After it’s cool, I find soaking the liner with warm soapy water does wonders. If you let it sit too long or scrub too hard, you risk scratching it and ruining the surface. I’ve learned my lesson to treat my slow cooker with tender care!