crockpot wednesdays

  Thanks for joining me for Crock Pot Wednesday this week.  There’s a little giveaway going on this month connected to CPW, so I hope you will be back to join me each week.  Each link earns an entry in the proverbial “crock pot.”  You can also earn extra entries by becoming a new follower here, on Twitter or on Facebook.  Just leave me a comment each time that you do.
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Honestly, I’ve not been making too many desserts lately simply because I would be gobbling them up – especially those chocolate ones.  Hubby has been cutting out the snack foods lately.  He’s lost; I haven’t!  And, I’m not a junk food person.  Just how does that happen, girls?
If I’m so inclined to make dessert, however, it usually ends up being something chocolate.  This one from Best-Loved Slow Cooker Favorites, is very much like the chocolate cookie sheet cake that many of us have made and loved.  It’s ooey-gooey chocolate goodness and is easy as well.
cpw choclate cake
Makes 8 – 10 servings

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
5 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup light cream
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 3/4 cups hot water
1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Sweetened whipped cream or ice cream, optional

Coat the inside of a 4 1/2-quart slow cooker with butter.  Combine flour, light brown sugar, 3 Tablespoons cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl.  Add cream, oil and vanilla.  Add in the nuts if using; stir well to combine.  Pour the batter into the slow cooker.
Combine the dark brown sugar and remaining 2 Tablespoons cocoa in medium bowl.  Add hot water; stir well to combine.  Pour sauce over cake batter. DO NOT STIR.  Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
Spoon portions of the pudding cake onto serving plate.  Serve topped with the sweetened whipped cream, if desired.

Linked to Menu Plan Monday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table,  Tasty Tuesday and Made By Me Monday