Memorial Day Magic: Just 4 ingredients needed. I make this when I want a crowd-pleasing dish handled hours before the backyard BBQ begins!

This 4-ingredient slow cooker dark glossy dessert is my secret weapon for Memorial Day and every backyard BBQ after that. It’s basically a pool of rich, fudgy, dark chocolate pudding-cake that bubbles away in the slow cooker while you’re cleaning the house, wrangling kids, or setting up the patio. I started making this when I realized I needed a dessert that looked impressive, fed a crowd, and didn’t require me to turn on the oven in the middle of a humid Midwestern afternoon. Everything goes into the slow cooker, you walk away, and a few hours later you’ve got a dark, glossy, spoonable dessert that everyone scoops straight from the pot.

Serve this warm right out of the slow cooker, spooned into bowls so everyone gets some of that dark, glossy chocolate pool and the soft cake underneath. I like to set out vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and fresh berries so people can build their own bowls. It’s also great with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or chopped nuts on top for a little crunch. Pair it with iced coffee, cold brew, or a simple pitcher of lemonade to balance the richness when you’re out on the deck or around the picnic table.

Servings: 8-10

1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix

Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to help prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix until evenly combined and no dry clumps remain.

Pour in the whole milk and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until you have a thick, smooth batter. It will be thicker than regular cake batter—that’s what helps create that glossy pudding-like pool as it cooks.

Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker and spread it into an even layer, making sure it reaches the edges.

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter. As the dessert cooks, they’ll melt into a dark, glossy, bubbling layer on top and around the edges.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. The edges should look set and cake-like, while the center should still look glossy, soft, and a little jiggly—like a thick chocolate pudding pool that bubbles gently around the sides.

Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert sit, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken slightly while still staying saucy and glossy on top.

Serve warm by scooping straight from the slow cooker into bowls, making sure to dig down so everyone gets both the soft cake and the dark, glossy chocolate sauce from the bottom and edges.

For a mocha twist, replace 1/2 cup of the milk with strong brewed coffee or espresso; it deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle coffee note that adults love at BBQs. To make it extra indulgent, stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the batter and swap half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips. If you need it a bit lighter, you can use 2% milk instead of whole; the result will be slightly less rich but still glossy and spoonable. For a peanut butter version, swirl 1/3 cup warmed peanut butter into the top of the batter before adding the chocolate chips. To keep things safe, always use pasteurized milk and make sure your slow cooker reaches and maintains proper cooking temperature—avoid leaving the dessert on the warm setting for more than 2 hours after cooking, and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a shallow container so they cool quickly. Reheat portions gently in the microwave until just warm so the chocolate stays glossy and doesn’t scorch. If serving outdoors in hot weather, keep the slow cooker covered on the warm setting and place it in a shaded spot away from direct sun to keep the dessert at a safe temperature while everyone serves themselves.