Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake

Usually when you think of cooking in a crock pot, you think of making soups or stews or something savory and comforting. But have you ever thought of making DESSERT in a crock pot? Absolutely! Why not bake a cake???? This one is for all the chocoholics. It only takes a couple minutes to throw together and it couldn't be simpler. This is one of those recipes where I read it for the first time and thought "How can this not be good??" We're talking SERIOUS chocolaty yummness!

1 pkg chocolate cake mix
1 pkg {3.9 oz.} instant chocolate pudding mix
2 c. sour cream
4 eggs
1 c. water
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
Whipped cream or ice cream

In a mixing bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into a 5-quart crock pot that has been coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Serve it while it's still warm in bowls with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Tips:
Usually when you cook something in a crock pot, you don't have to be so exact with the time. If it's an extra hour on low, it'll still turn out fine. But with a crock pot cake, you want to try to hit the mark a little more closely. In other words, plan your time so that it's finished cooking around the time you'll be wanting to serve dessert. Otherwise the cake might begin to burn a little around the edges. If this happens, don't fret. Just scoop it out of the center!
For an easy variation, try different combinations of cake flavors and kinds of chips. How about white chocolate, peanut butter, or caramel chips? Can you say DECADENT?? Seriously!!!