Dump dry brownie mix in the crockpot and 3 other pantry staples to get a sweet treat so delicious your family will be begging for more.

This 4-ingredient slow cooker brownie dessert is the kind of easy Father’s Day treat that feels like it came straight out of a small-town church cookbook. You start by dumping a box of dry brownie mix into the crockpot, then add just three more pantry staples to turn it into a warm, fudgy spoon dessert that tastes like an old-fashioned hot fudge pudding cake. It’s perfect for busy families, or for those of us who’ve spent enough years in the kitchen to appreciate a recipe that practically makes itself while we enjoy time on the porch or with the grandkids.

Serve this warm right out of the slow cooker, scooped into bowls like a cobbler. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top makes the chocolate really sing, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce never hurt anybody. It pairs nicely with a cup of coffee for the grown-ups, or a cold glass of milk for the kids. If you’re serving this after a hearty Father’s Day cookout—burgers, brats, or a pot roast—this soft, gooey dessert is just the right cozy finish.

Servings: 6-8

1 (18–20 oz) box dry brownie mix (standard family-size)

Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with a little oil or nonstick spray so the brownies don’t stick too much.

Open the box and pour the dry brownie mix evenly into the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread it out so it covers the bottom in an even layer, breaking up any big clumps with a spoon.

In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and blended.

Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the dry brownie mix in the slow cooker. Do not stir; just let the liquid soak down into the mix on its own. You should still see some dry spots on top—that’s fine and helps create a fudgy, pudding-like texture.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the edges are set and the center is still soft and gooey. The top may look a bit wet and bubbly, more like a hot fudge pudding than a firm brownie.

Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert sit, covered, for about 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly. The steam inside will finish setting the edges while keeping the center nice and soft.

Scoop the warm brownie dessert into bowls with a large spoon. Serve as-is for a simple treat, or top with ice cream, whipped cream, or your favorite sundae toppings.

For a richer chocolate flavor, you can stir a handful of chocolate chips into the dry brownie mix before you pour in the liquid, though this does add an extra ingredient beyond the basic four. If you’d like a little crunch, chopped nuts can also be sprinkled over the top before cooking. To give it a mocha twist, replace 1/2 cup of the milk with strong brewed coffee that has cooled. For a deeper, almost old-fashioned chocolate flavor, use evaporated milk in place of regular milk, but watch the cooking time as it may thicken a touch faster. If you prefer a firmer texture, cook a bit longer until the center is less jiggly, keeping in mind it will continue to set slightly as it rests. Food safety tips: Always make sure your slow cooker is in good working order and that the cord and insert are intact. Keep the lid on during cooking to maintain proper temperature and avoid undercooking the center. Because this is an egg-free, very moist dessert, store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator once cooled, and enjoy within 2–3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until just warm, being careful not to overheat the crockpot insert directly on a stovetop or cold surface, as sudden temperature changes can cause it to crack.