Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Nothing says the colder weather is here like a cup of hot chocolate! This recipe uses your crock pot to make a big batch for a crowd or keep it piping hot all day. Simply throw all the ingredients in the crock pot and let it do its thing!

Using the crock pot is one of the best ways to make hot chocolate because slowly simmering the mixture allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly. This also prevents the chocolate from scorching or burning on the bottom of the pot.

And because we are using a crock pot, this recipe is completely hands-off once everything is in the pot! So you can put your feet up and relax while your hot chocolate is simmering away.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It's made with just 6 ingredients, including REAL chocolate.
• No chemicals or preservatives like you may find in hot chocolate packets.
• This recipe is great for a holiday party or to serve a crowd.
• You can let it stay warm all day long in the crock pot, so it's always ready to serve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Milk - Makes up the creamy base of this warm drink.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - Real chocolate adds a delicious flavor and richness to the drink.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - Gives the hot chocolate a deeper chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla Extract - For a little bit of fragrant vanilla flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk - Thickens the drink and adds a lovely sweetness.
• Heavy Cream - Adds a creamy, rich flavor while thickening the texture.

How To Make Hot Chocolate In The Slow Cooker

Add to crock pot: Measure all of your ingredients and add them to the bottom of the slow cooker. Stir until fully combined.

Slowly cook: Add the lid to the top and set the slow cooker to LOW for 2 hours or HIGH for 1 hour or until the chocolate has fully melted into the mixture.

Remove and serve: Ladle into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• To keep your hot chocolate warm, set your crock pot to a warm setting after removing it from the heat.
• When making hot chocolate from scratch, it's important to use good-quality chocolate. This will go a long way in giving your hot chocolate the best flavor.
• I recommend using a combination of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate for this recipe. However, you can use all milk chocolate or all semi-sweet chocolate if that's what you have on hand.
• If you want richer hot chocolate, you can use heavy cream in place of some of the milk.
• To avoid any lumps in your hot chocolate, be sure to whisk the mixture well after each addition of milk.
• If you find that your hot chocolate is too thick, simply add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
• And if your hot chocolate is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Variations

• Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder for a bit of spice.
• For a minty twist, add a drop or two of peppermint extract.
• If you don't have any sweetened condensed milk on hand, you can use evaporated milk or whole milk instead. Just be sure to add some sugar to sweeten.
• If you want to make a vegan version of this recipe, use almond milk or another plant-based milk in place of dairy milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Serve slow cooker hot chocolate with a shot of espresso for a delicious mocha flavor.
• Make it a boozy drink by adding a splash of rum, bourbon, or your favorite liqueur.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Any leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Hot chocolate can also be frozen, although the texture will change slightly after being thawed. To freeze, simply transfer the cooled hot chocolate to a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays and store it for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQ

More Sweet Slow Cooker Recipes

• Crock Pot Blueberry Cobbler
• Cracker Barrel Fried Apples {Slow Cooker}
• Slow Cooker Sticky Buns
• Crock Pot Apple Crisp
• Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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