Name: Hot Fudge Slow Cooker Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder (plus extra for topping); 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 1/4 cups hot water

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is easy, low-maintenance, and impossible to resist. The slow cooker creates an ultra-moist brownie layer and a luscious fudge sauce without the need for constant monitoring. It’s a crowd-pleaser for parties, holidays, or cozy nights in, and it’s just as good served straight from the pot as it is plated up.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt
Whole milk
Vegetable oil (or melted butter)
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Brown sugar
Hot water

Directions

Grease the insert of a slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and spread the batter evenly in the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and additional cocoa powder; sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Carefully pour hot water over the top—do not stir.
Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours, or until the brownies are set on top but still gooey underneath.
Serve warm, spooning both brownie and hot fudge sauce into bowls.

Servings and timing

Serves 8–10
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2½ hours
Total time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
Stir in peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
Serve with fresh berries for a sweet-tart contrast.
Add a layer of mini marshmallows on top in the last 10 minutes for a s’mores-style dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm larger portions in the slow cooker on low until heated through. Not recommended for freezing, as the fudge sauce texture may change.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes, prepare according to package directions, then follow the layering steps for the fudge sauce.

Why pour hot water over the batter?

The hot water helps create the self-saucing fudge layer during cooking.

Can I cook this on low instead of high?

Yes, but it may take 3½–4 hours to set properly.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should look set and cake-like, but the bottom will remain soft and saucy.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but increase cooking time slightly and use a larger slow cooker.

Can I serve it cold?

It’s best warm, but it can be enjoyed cold for a fudgier texture.

Can I add coffee to enhance the flavor?

Yes, replace some of the hot water with hot brewed coffee for a richer chocolate taste.

Why is my brownie layer dry?

It may have overcooked—check for doneness around the 2-hour mark.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

You can mix the dry ingredients in advance, but combine with wet ingredients right before cooking.

Conclusion

Hot fudge slow cooker brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream—rich, gooey, and irresistibly indulgent. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, this dessert is perfect for any occasion where you want a warm, decadent treat straight from the slow cooker.