SLOW COOKER HOT CHOCOLATE

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is a delicious and easy way to warm up during the colder months. This hot chocolate from scratch is made with just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, anyone can make a rich and creamy hot chocolate that is sure to impress!

To make the best hot chocolate recipe, all you need is milk, chocolate chips, heavy cream, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Simply mix the ingredients together in a slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it cook for a few hours. The result is a decadent and velvety crock pot hot chocolate that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.

Benefits of Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Making hot chocolate in a slow cooker is incredibly simple, it’s especially convenient when you’re entertaining guests or have a busy day ahead of you. When you make hot chocolate in a crockpot, it allows the ingredients to meld together and create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Another great benefit to this cooking method is that you can easily customize your hot chocolate to suit your tastes. Add more or less chocolate chips, adjust the amount of heavy cream, or add in other flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg. Slow cooker hot chocolate is also perfect for serving a crowd. You can make a large batch and keep it warm for hours, so your guests can help themselves whenever they want. This is all a win win if you ask me!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenience: This recipe is incredibly easy to make. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. You can even make a large batch and keep it warm for hours, perfect for entertaining or for a cozy night in.
• Perfect for all ages: Hot chocolate is a drink loved by both kids and adults alike. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for family gatherings or for a comforting treat after a long day.
• Versatile: This recipe can be easily adapted to fit different dietary needs. Simply substitute dairy-free milk and vegan chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version, or use low-fat milk for a lighter option.

Ingredients for Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Heavy cream: You need 1 cup of heavy cream, or whipping cream, to make the hot chocolate rich and creamy.

Condensed milk: Adding one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk will make the hot chocolate sweet and thick.

Milk: To get to the right drink consistency, add in 7 cups of milk. You can use whole milk or low fat, depending on what you prefer or have on hand.

Vanilla extract: Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the wonderful flavors in this recipe.

Chocolate chips: For a rich chocolatey taste, you will want to use 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

How to make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Cook

Start by pulling out and plugging in your slow cooker.

Then, pour in the heavy cream, condensed milk, milk, vanilla extract and stir well to combine.

Next, add in the chocolate chips and proceed to cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours.

Stir occasionally until the mixture is hot and the chocolate chips have all melted completely.

Serve

Mix the hot cocoa again right before serving.  

Portion the drink out into individual cups, then top with marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermints, or any of your other favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Hot Chocolate

To make the most of your slow cooker hot chocolate, consider serving it with some of the following tasty options:

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of your hot chocolate can add a creamy, luxurious texture. You can make your own whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with a little bit of sugar and vanilla extract.
• Marshmallows: Classic marshmallows are a popular addition to hot chocolate. You can use regular-sized marshmallows or miniature ones, and you can even try flavored marshmallows for an extra twist.
• Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top of your hot chocolate can add a warm, spicy flavor. You can also try other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique taste.
• Chocolate shavings: For a decadent touch, try adding some chocolate shavings to your hot chocolate. Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin strips of chocolate from a bar, and sprinkle them on top of your drink.
• Crushed candy canes: During the holiday season, crushed candy canes are a festive addition to hot chocolate. Simply crush up some candy canes and sprinkle them on top of your drink.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate at a Party

This cocoa recipe makes the perfect Christmas Eve creamy crockpot hot chocolate for your next holiday party, but it can also be served at winter weddings, baby showers, and more! To serve it up to guests, you may want to double the recipe depending on the number of people you’ll be serving and the size of your crockpot.

Next to your slow cooker(s) of cocoa, have readily available mugs or cups designed for warm drinks, along with ladles for serving, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint candy canes, and even some festive and fun sprinkles. This can be a fun way to make a hot chocolate bar for your guests so that they can make their own customized drinks.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Hot Chocolate

After making slow cooker hot chocolate, it’s important to properly store any leftovers to prevent spoilage. The following tips can help ensure your hot chocolate stays fresh and delicious:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container: Transfer any remaining hot chocolate to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help prevent air from getting in and spoiling the hot chocolate.
• Refrigerate promptly: Once the hot chocolate has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it promptly. It’s best to refrigerate it within two hours of making it, to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat gently: When reheating the hot chocolate, it’s important to do so gently to prevent scorching or burning. One way to do this is to reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired temperature. Another option is to reheat it in the slow cooker on the lowest setting, stirring occasionally.
• Adjust consistency if necessary: Over time, the hot chocolate may thicken or become too thick. If this happens, you can add a little bit of milk or cream to thin it out to the desired consistency.

By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy delicious slow cooker hot chocolate for days to come.

Will milk burn in a crockpot?

Yes, if cooked at too high of a temperature or cooked for too long, milk can curdle or burn. This is why we ask that you cook the milk on low heat instead of high heat. If you think the hot chocolate is becoming too warm or is at risk of burning, simply reduce the heat to the “warm” setting or turn off the crockpot, as the drink should still remain warm for a while.

How long is hot cocoa good for?

Hot cocoa can last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. It is important to reheat the hot cocoa before consuming it again. If you have leftover hot cocoa that you do not plan on consuming within 5 days, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. When you are ready to consume it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Try more delicious warm beverage recipes here:

• BANANA SPLIT HOT CHOCOLATE
• HOT VANILLA MILK
• HOT APPLE PIE SIPPER
• FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE
• GRAPE WASSAIL RECIPE

For more hot chocolate-flavored recipes, check these out:

• HOT CHOCOLATE SNACK MIX
• HOT CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW COOKIE CUPS
• HALLOWEEN HOT CHOCOLATE BOMBS
• HOT CHOCOLATE DIP
• HOW TO MAKE HOT CHOCOLATE BOMBS
• EASTER HOT CHOCOLATE BOMBS
• ST. PATRICK’S DAY HOT CHOCOLATE BOMBS

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is a simple and delightful drink to serve at your next holiday party or family get together. This hot chocolate from scratch makes plenty to share and stays perfectly warm for hours.