Oh, friend, there are just some days that call for chocolate. Not just any chocolate, but a warm, gooey, spoon-worthy chocolate dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. Do you remember those childhood moments, waiting impatiently for something sweet to come out of the oven? Well, get ready to recreate that magic, but with about a tenth of the effort! This Crockpot Brownie Pudding recipe is an absolute dream come true for anyone who loves rich brownies and comforting pudding, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s so easy, so quick, and so incredibly memorable, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. Forget complicated baking; this is pure, unadulterated dessert joy!
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Brownie Pudding
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful treat is simple. You likely have most of these on hand already!
- 1 (approx. 15 ounce) box brownie mix: Your favorite brand will do! This is our shortcut to deliciousness.
- 2 large eggs (or as directed on brownie mix package): Essential for binding and richness.
- ½ cup (118 ml) vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps create that wonderful brownie texture.
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) water: Just enough to bring the brownie batter together.
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant chocolate or chocolate fudge pudding mix: This is the secret to the “pudding” part! Don’t grab cook-and-serve; instant is key.
- 2 cups (474 ml) milk (regular or nonfat): The base for our creamy pudding layer.
- Optional: Ice cream or whipped cream, for serving: Highly recommended for that extra special touch!
How to Make Crockpot Brownie Pudding
Get ready for the easiest dessert creation ever! Your slow cooker is about to become your new best friend.
- First things first, grab your trusty 6-7 quart slow cooker and give the inside a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. We want every decadent bite to come out easily!
- In a medium bowl, combine your brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water. Follow the directions on your brownie mix package for specific quantities, as they can sometimes vary slightly. Stir until everything is just combined – don’t overmix! Pour this lovely brownie batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared slow cooker.
- Now for the pudding magic! In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until it’s smooth and starts to thicken. This usually takes just a minute or two.
- Carefully, oh so carefully, pour this creamy pudding mixture right over the brownie batter in the slow cooker. You don’t need to stir or mix them together; the pudding will create a delicious, separate layer as it cooks.
- Here’s my favorite pro tip for slow cooker baking: place a paper towel across the top of the slow cooker before securing the lid. This simple trick helps absorb condensation, preventing your pudding from becoming watery.
- Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. I usually start checking around the 2-hour mark. You’re looking for the edges to appear slightly dry and firm, while the center may still have a delightful jiggly, moist texture. That’s the pudding part working its magic!
- Once it’s done, serve this warm, heavenly dessert immediately. It’s absolutely divine on its own, but if you want to take it over the top, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. Pure bliss! If you’re looking for other fuss-free classics, check out our easy pecan pie recipe.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Pudding Power: While chocolate is classic, feel free to experiment with other instant pudding flavors like vanilla, butterscotch, or even white chocolate. A caramel butter pecan praline poke cake fan might love a caramel pudding layer!
- Mix-ins: Before pouring the pudding, sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), or even mini marshmallows over the brownie batter. They’ll sink slightly and add bursts of flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to your brownie batter for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Fruity Twist: A handful of dried cherries or raspberries in the brownie batter would be a lovely addition, especially with a dark chocolate brownie mix.
Tips for Success
Making this Crockpot Brownie Pudding is practically foolproof, but a few pointers will ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher brownie texture.
- The Paper Towel is Your Friend: Seriously, don’t skip this step! It prevents condensation from dripping onto your pudding, which can make it watery.
- Resist the Urge to Peek: Opening the lid too often releases heat and can prolong cooking time. Let your slow cooker do its job!
- Know When It’s Done: The edges should look set, but the center will still be soft and jiggly. It firms up a bit as it cools, but it’s meant to be a pudding, not a solid cake.
- Serving Temperature: This dessert is truly best served warm, right out of the slow cooker.
How to Store Crockpot Brownie Pudding
If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply scoop out a portion and gently reheat it in the microwave until warm and gooey. It’s almost as good as fresh, and perfect for curbing those sudden chocolate cravings!
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Can I use a smaller slow cooker?
While a 6-7 quart slow cooker is ideal, you could probably get away with a 4-5 quart if you halve the recipe, or if your slow cooker is wide enough that the batter isn’t too thick. A smaller, taller slow cooker might cause the center to take much longer to cook, or the edges to overcook.
Why is my pudding watery?
The most common culprit is not using a paper towel under the lid. That condensation is a sneaky one! Make sure to use an instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve, as the latter requires boiling to thicken.
Can I make this with a homemade brownie recipe?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, go for it! Just make sure it yields a similar amount of batter to a 15-ounce box mix. This is a super flexible recipe, much like our favorite no-bake brownie batter dip which is also incredibly adaptable.
For more delicious and easy recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Cozy & Decadent Crockpot Brownie Pudding
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: First things first, grab your trusty 6-7 quart slow cooker and give the inside a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. We want every decadent bite to come out easily!
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine your brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water. Follow the directions on your brownie mix package for specific quantities, as they can sometimes vary slightly. Stir until everything is just combined – don't overmix! Pour this lovely brownie batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared slow cooker.
- Step 3: Now for the pudding magic! In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until it's smooth and starts to thicken. This usually takes just a minute or two.
- Step 4: Carefully, oh so carefully, pour this creamy pudding mixture right over the brownie batter in the slow cooker. You don't need to stir or mix them together; the pudding will create a delicious, separate layer as it cooks.
- Step 5: Here's my favorite pro tip for slow cooker baking: place a paper towel across the top of the slow cooker before securing the lid. This simple trick helps absorb condensation, preventing your pudding from becoming watery.
- Step 6: Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. I usually start checking around the 2-hour mark. You're looking for the edges to appear slightly dry and firm, while the center may still have a delightful jiggly, moist texture. That's the pudding part working its magic!
- Step 7: Once it's done, serve this warm, heavenly dessert immediately. It's absolutely divine on its own, but if you want to take it over the top, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. Pure bliss!
