Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Earth Day Dessert: Gooey Chocolate “Mud” Cake

Generously coat the inside of a 4-to-6-quart slow cooker with non-stick baking spray or butter. This ensures the sticky fudge sauce doesn’t burn to the edges.

In a large mixing bowl, pour the dry chocolate cake mix and the can of cola. Whisk gently until just combined (a few small lumps are perfectly fine). Pour this batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared slow cooker.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry instant chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture just begins to thicken.

Gently pour the thickened pudding evenly over the top of the cake batter in the slow cooker. Do not stir the layers together. The separation is crucial for the lava effect.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. The edges should look set and cake-like, while the center will remain slightly jiggly and gooey.

Turn the slow cooker off and let the dessert rest uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes. Scoop directly into bowls, making sure to dig down to the bottom to get the hot fudge sauce.