Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate: A Rich and Creamy Winter Delight
There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day, and this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate takes indulgence to the next level. Made with a rich blend of heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, and real chocolate, this hot chocolate is incredibly smooth and creamy. Plus, using a slow cooker makes it easy to serve at holiday gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in with family.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a decadent, velvety hot chocolate that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups heavy cream, divided
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups whole milk
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces semi-sweet baking bar, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Your favorite toppings (marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes, etc.)
Directions:
1. Start with the Cream and Cocoa: Begin by pouring 2 cups of the heavy cream into your slow cooker. Gradually whisk in the cocoa powder to ensure it dissolves smoothly without any lumps. This step may take a few minutes to ensure a well-blended, creamy base.
2. Add the Rest of the Ingredients: Once the cocoa is fully incorporated, add the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
3. Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook the hot chocolate for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes. This helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents it from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker.
4. Switch to Warm: After 3 hours, the chocolate should be fully melted, and the hot chocolate should have a smooth, rich consistency. Switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting to keep the hot chocolate ready for serving for up to 3 hours. If the hot chocolate becomes too thick as it sits, stir in more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve with Toppings: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with your favorite toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or even crushed candy canes for a festive touch!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate:
- Rich and Creamy: Made with real chocolate, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk, this hot chocolate is velvety and indulgent.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Since it’s made in a slow cooker, you can keep it warm for hours, making it ideal for serving at parties, holiday gatherings, or cozy movie nights.
- Customizable Toppings: From marshmallows to whipped cream, candy canes to chocolate shavings, the toppings are endless and can be tailored to suit your preferences or the occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is perfect for gatherings during the winter months, and it pairs beautifully with an array of toppings. Consider setting up a hot chocolate bar with toppings like mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or even a dash of cinnamon. For an extra indulgent touch, serve alongside cookies or brownies.
Recipe Notes:
- Chocolate Choices: This recipe calls for semi-sweet baking chocolate, but you can swap it for milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your taste preference. You can even try a mix of chocolates for added depth of flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Be sure to use dairy-free chocolate as well.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store the hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per Serving: 310 kcal
This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is the perfect treat to warm you up on cold days, and it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re sipping it while wrapping presents or serving it at a festive gathering, it’s a comforting and delicious way to embrace the season. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
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Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is the ultimate way to indulge in a rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet chocolate drink. Made with real chocolate and a touch of vanilla, it simmers to perfection in your slow cooker, offering a warm and inviting treat for any chilly day or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
4 cups heavy cream, divided
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups whole milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
12 ounces semi-sweet baking bar, finely chopped
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Your favorite toppings (marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes, etc.)
Instructions
Begin by adding 2 cups of the heavy cream to your slow cooker. Whisk in the cocoa powder gradually until it is fully incorporated. This step may take a few minutes to ensure there are no lumps.
Add the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and mixes well with the liquids.
Once the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting to keep the hot chocolate ready to serve for up to 3 hours. If it thickens too much while sitting, you can stir in more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Serve the hot chocolate with your favorite toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or even crushed candy canes for a festive touch!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 310