Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 1 box of fudge brownie mix (check the size of the box; most are around 18 oz)
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil you have on hand)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs (these help bind the ingredients together for that perfect brownie texture)
Fudge Topping:
- 1 jar (12 oz) of hot fudge sauce (you can find this in the dessert aisle of most supermarkets)
- 3/4 cup hot water (this helps thin out the fudge sauce so it can spread over the brownie mix evenly)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by generously greasing the inside of your large slow cooker with cooking spray. This step ensures that your brownies won’t stick to the sides, making it easier to scoop them out later. - Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and there are no lumps in the batter. This is the base of your brownies, so give it a good stir to ensure all the dry mix is properly incorporated. - Pour the Batter into the Slow Cooker
Once your brownie batter is ready, pour it evenly into the greased slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread it out to cover the bottom of the cooker. - Prepare the Hot Fudge Topping
In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it!), whisk together the hot fudge sauce and hot water until the mixture is smooth. You’re aiming for a fudgy sauce that will melt into the brownie base as it cooks. This step is crucial as it creates that luscious, gooey sauce that makes these brownies so irresistible. - Pour the Fudge Sauce Over the Batter
Carefully pour the fudge mixture over the brownie batter in the slow cooker. You’ll want to spread it out evenly, but it doesn’t have to be perfect—it will meld together as it cooks. - Cook the Brownies
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours. Every slow cooker is different, so check the brownies around the 2-hour mark. The edges should be set, but the center will still be gooey, giving you that perfect fudgy texture. If the center is too liquid, let it cook for an additional 15 minutes, but keep the lid on so the heat stays inside. - Let Rest Before Serving
Once the brownies are done cooking, turn off the slow cooker and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the fudge sauce set slightly, making it easier to scoop out. It also allows the flavors to settle, so you get the best possible taste. - Serve and Enjoy
Using a large spoon or spatula, scoop the brownies into bowls. The warm, gooey texture will make them feel like a decadent treat, and the fudge sauce will be thick but smooth, coating every bite. Serve immediately with your choice of toppings—vanilla ice cream is a classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative with whipped cream, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries.
Notes
- Check Early: Every slow cooker is different, and the cooking times can vary. Check your brownies after 2 hours to see if the edges are set. If not, give it a little more time but make sure not to open the lid too often, as it lets heat escape.
- No Need for Exact Timing: While 2 to 2½ hours is the recommended cooking time, you can always adjust it depending on your slow cooker. If you’re unsure, you can test the doneness by gently pressing the center. If it’s too soft and jiggly, it needs more time.
- Don’t Overcook: It’s better to undercook than overcook when making these brownies. A gooey center adds to the dessert’s indulgence and will continue to firm up as it rests.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient. You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, or swap water for milk to make the batter a bit creamier.
- How to Tell if They’re Done: The edges of the brownies should be set, and the center should be soft but not runny. It’s important not to overcook so that the brownies remain moist and fudgy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes