Description
Craving the playful, chocolatey decadence of an ice cream sandwich cake studded with M&M’s but looking for a warm, cozy twist? Say hello to Slow Cooker M&M’s Chocolate Fudge Dessert Casserole! This indulgent recipe reimagines the frozen layered cake as a spoonable, slow-cooked treat, featuring a soft, chocolatey base infused with pudding flavor, studded with colorful M&M’s, swirled with a creamy layer, and topped with a rich hot fudge drizzle and extra M&M’s.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Fudge Base
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All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Forms the cake-like structure.
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Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat flour (texture may vary).
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Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the base.
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Substitution: Coconut sugar or maple syrup (reduce to ½ cup).
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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¼ cup): Provides chocolate flavor.
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Substitution: Dutch-process cocoa or carob powder.
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Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix (1 package, 3.9 oz): Enhances chocolate depth and creaminess.
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Substitution: Homemade pudding mix (¼ cup cocoa, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp cornstarch).
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Baking Powder (1 tsp): Ensures a light texture.
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Substitution: ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar.
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Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness.
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Substitution: Omit if using salted butter.
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Provides rich flavor.
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Substitution: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
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Milk (¾ cup): Moistens the batter.
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Substitution: Plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat) or water.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor.
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Substitution: Almond extract or omit.
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M&M’s (¾ cup, crushed): Adds candy crunch and color.
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Substitution: Chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or other candy-coated chocolates.
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For the Creamy Swirl
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Whipped Topping (1 cup, thawed): Creates a creamy, light layer.
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Substitution: Homemade whipped cream (1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, whipped).
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Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a tangy, creamy texture.
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Substitution: Vegan cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
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For the Topping
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Hot Fudge Sauce (½ cup, warmed): Provides a rich, chocolatey drizzle.
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Substitution: Homemade fudge sauce (½ cup chocolate chips, ¼ cup cream, melted) or chocolate syrup.
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M&M’s (¼ cup, whole): Adds colorful garnish.
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Substitution: Same as above.
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Whipped Topping (1 cup, thawed): Adds a creamy finish.
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Substitution: Same as above.
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Sprinkles (1 tbsp, optional): Adds festive flair.
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Substitution: Omit or use crushed M&M’s.
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Why They’re Important: The cocoa powder and pudding mix deliver a rich chocolate flavor, while M&M’s add playful crunch and color. The whipped topping and cream cheese create a creamy contrast, and the hot fudge ties it all together with decadent richness, making each spoonful a festive delight.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Fudge Base
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In a zip-top bag or food processor, crush ¾ cup M&M’s into small pieces (pea-sized or smaller). Reserve ¼ cup whole M&M’s for topping.
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In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup melted unsalted butter, ¾ cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until a thick, cake-like batter forms.
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Fold in ¾ cup crushed M&M’s until evenly distributed.
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Tip: Crush M&M’s finely for even distribution but leave some texture. Mix batter gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing, ensuring a tender texture. Ensure dry ingredients are lump-free before adding wet ingredients.
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Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Swirl
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In a medium bowl, beat 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth, about 1 minute with an electric hand mixer.
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Add 1 cup thawed whipped topping and mix until fully blended and creamy.
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Set aside or refrigerate if not using immediately.
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Tip: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing. Fold whipped topping gently to maintain airiness. Store in the fridge if prepping ahead to keep fresh.
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Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
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Lightly grease a 4-6 quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
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Spread half the chocolate fudge batter evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker with a spatula.
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Spoon dollops of the creamy swirl over the batter, covering about half the surface, creating a marbled effect. Do not stir; the layers will meld during cooking.
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Spread the remaining chocolate fudge batter over the creamy swirl, smoothing gently to cover.
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Tip: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Drop creamy swirl in small portions for a marbled effect. Spread top batter gently to maintain layers.
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Step 4: Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, until the base is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
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Check doneness at the 2-hour mark; if the top looks too wet, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
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Tip: Place a paper towel under the lid to catch condensation and prevent a soggy surface. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model.
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Step 5: Prepare the Topping
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Warm ½ cup hot fudge sauce in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring until pourable (about 30-45 seconds total). Alternatively, heat on the stovetop over low heat.
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Ensure ¼ cup whole M&M’s, 1 cup thawed whipped topping, and 1 tbsp sprinkles (if using) are ready for assembly.
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Tip: Warm hot fudge just before serving for easy drizzling. Keep whipped topping chilled until assembly. Use colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
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Step 6: Assemble and Serve
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Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert cool for 5-10 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
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Scoop the warm M&M’s chocolate fudge casserole into 8-10 bowls or dessert cups (about ½ cup per serving), ensuring each portion has a mix of chocolatey base, creamy swirl, and M&M’s pieces.
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Top each serving with a dollop of whipped topping (about 2 tbsp). Drizzle with 1-2 tsp warm hot fudge, sprinkle with 3-4 whole M&M’s, and add a pinch of sprinkles (if using).
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Serve warm for a gooey, chocolatey experience. Pair with coffee, milk, or a dessert liqueur (like Baileys) for a festive vibe.
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Tip: Swirl whipped topping and drizzle hot fudge artfully for a polished look. Serve in wide bowls to showcase the colorful M&M’s and creamy layers. Offer extra M&M’s or hot fudge on the side for customization.
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