Slow Cooker Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake

Slow Cooker Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. This cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, creating a moist and fudgy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Using a slow cooker makes this recipe convenient and ensures the cake comes out perfectly every time. Let’s explore how to make this irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 3/4 cups boiling water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
2. Add Peanut Butter: Add the smooth peanut butter to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. It may help to slightly warm the peanut butter if it’s too thick to mix easily.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
2. Add Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Brown Sugar

1. Sprinkle Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and the packed light brown sugar over the top of the batter.

Step 6: Add Boiling Water

1. Pour Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the batter. Do not stir. The water will create a fudgy sauce as the cake cooks.

Step 7: Cook the Cake

1. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the top of the cake is set and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the slow cooker.
2. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 8: Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Turn off the slow cooker and let the cake cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve Warm: Spoon the warm fudgy peanut butter cake into bowls. For an extra indulgent treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking Notes

• Peanut Butter: Use smooth peanut butter for a creamy texture. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter.
• Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips work best, but you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
• Slow Cooker Size: This recipe works best in a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker. If your slow cooker is larger, keep an eye on the cooking time as it may cook faster.
• Serving: This cake is best served warm to fully enjoy the fudgy texture. If you have leftovers, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds.

Variations

• Nutty Variation: Add 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts or other nuts to the batter for an extra crunch.
• Coconut Delight: Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a hint of tropical flavor.
• Chocolate Overload: Use chocolate peanut butter and add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for an even richer chocolate flavor.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, a sugar substitute like erythritol for both the granulated and brown sugar, and unsweetened chocolate chips. Use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk.

Low Carb Version

For a lower-carb option, replace the all-purpose flour with a low-carb flour blend and use a sugar substitute. You can also use dark chocolate chips with a high cocoa content to reduce the sugar.

Slow Cooker Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake is an easy and delicious dessert that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. The slow cooker method ensures a moist, fudgy cake every time, making it a perfect choice for busy days or when you want a fuss-free dessert. Enjoy making and savoring this indulgent treat with family and friends, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. Happy baking!