Chocolate Pudding Cake

Coat a 4-quart slow cooker bowl with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, pudding mix, 1/4 cup of the sugar, the baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon and, if desired, ancho chile powder. Make a well in center and add milk, canola oil and vanilla. Gently stir until batter is smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour evenly into prepared slow cooker bowl.

In a small bowl, stir together chocolate sauce and remaining 1/3 cup sugar; pour in boiling water and stir until smooth. Pour over batter in slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 hours or until cake is puffed and top layer is set. Let stand, covered, 30 minutes before serving. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.