Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe
There’s nothing quite as cozy as gathering around a mug of Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate as the aroma of rich cocoa fills your kitchen and the gentle heat of your slow cooker does all the work. This creamy, decadent drink transforms a handful of classic ingredients into the silkiest, most luxurious hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted—with absolutely no stove babysitting required! Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking to unwind on a chilly evening, Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate makes it oh-so-easy to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is in the perfect balance of a few simple ingredients. Each one brings depth—richness from the chocolate chips, velvet from heavy cream, and a touch of classic flavor from the vanilla.
- Whole milk: This forms the creamy base and gives the hot chocolate its luscious texture—don’t skimp on the fat for maximum indulgence!
- Cocoa powder: Delivers a bold, deep chocolate flavor that sets the tone for this comforting drink.
- Heavy cream: Adds thickness and makes the drink extra velvety, giving every sip a truly decadent mouthfeel.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides subtle sweetness and a smooth, almost caramelized flavor—plus, it helps thicken the drink beautifully.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into the liquid for an extra hit of chocolate richness that stays perfectly balanced, not too sweet.
- Vanilla extract: A splash right at the end ties all the flavors together and adds a fragrant, classic hot chocolate aroma.
- Whipped cream or marshmallows: Optional, but highly recommended for a fun, festive finishing touch!
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Heat and Combine the Milk and Cocoa
Start by warming the milk—this helps the cocoa powder dissolve completely and speeds up the cooking process in your slow cooker. Heat the milk gently, either on the stovetop or in the microwave, just until it’s hot but not boiling. Pour it into your slow cooker and whisk in the cocoa powder until there are no lumps and everything is silky smooth.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Once your milk and cocoa mixture is ready, it’s time to build up the flavors. Pour in the heavy cream for richness, add the sweetened condensed milk for sweetness and silkiness, and sprinkle in the chocolate chips. Add the vanilla extract now too. Give it all a hearty stir so everything is well incorporated and the chocolate chips are bathed in creamy goodness.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and let the mixture gently cook for about two hours. Make sure to stir every 30 to 40 minutes—the chocolate chips will melt more evenly and you’ll prevent any sticking or burning. As you check in, you’ll see and smell the transformation into the most inviting batch of Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate imaginable!
Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve
Once everything is silky, creamy, and thoroughly hot, switch your slow cooker to the warm setting. This means you can serve up mugs at your leisure, so your guests (or just yourself) can enjoy hot chocolate just as delicious as when it first finished cooking. Generously top with whipped cream or marshmallows for a picture-perfect touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Garnishes
The crowning glory for any mug of hot chocolate is the garnish. Pile on clouds of freshly whipped cream or top each cup with a handful of pillowy marshmallows—they’ll slowly melt and create a frothy, sweet layer. For a little extra flair, add chocolate shavings, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for a holiday vibe.
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate pairs beautifully with a variety of treats. Serve it alongside flaky croissants for brunch, buttery shortbread cookies during afternoon tea, or a plate of spiced gingerbread to evoke instant holiday cheer. Even fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices are delicious for dipping and balancing the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking of serving a crowd? Set up a “hot chocolate bar” right next to your slow cooker! Lay out bowls of toppings—mini marshmallows, peppermint sticks, caramel drizzle, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur. Let guests customize their own mugs, making every cup of Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate a personal masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate, let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight jar or container. It’ll stay deliciously creamy in your fridge for up to three days, ready and waiting for the next cozy treat break.
Freezing
To freeze, pour cooled hot chocolate into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this trick is perfect for prepping ahead for winter gatherings or snow days!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, gently reheat your leftover hot chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy consistency. If you’re in a hurry, microwave it in short bursts, stirring often and making sure it doesn’t get too hot or scald. Add a splash of milk if it feels too thick after chilling or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use a dairy-free milk for Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate?
Absolutely! Swap whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. The result will be just as creamy and delicious—just be sure to use a rich, full-fat non-dairy milk for best results.
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
Classic unsweetened cocoa powder is perfect, but if you want a deeper cocoa flavor, try Dutch-processed. Either will give you that signature chocolatey base for Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate.
Can I make this recipe less sweet?
If you prefer a more bittersweet flavor, feel free to cut back on the sweetened condensed milk or use bittersweet chocolate chips. You can always taste and adjust the sweetness at the end.
How long will Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate stay warm in the slow cooker?
Set your slow cooker to “warm,” and your hot chocolate will stay cozy and ready to serve for 2–3 hours—perfect for parties or long, lazy weekends. Just give it a quick stir before pouring into mugs!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Double or even triple the ingredients (as long as your slow cooker is big enough), and you’ll have enough luxurious Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate to serve a whole group of friends or family. Just keep an eye on cooking time and give a good stir often so everything stays silky smooth.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate before, you’re in for a true treat—it’s cozy, decadent, and shockingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re serving it for a gathering or just pampering yourself after a long day, this recipe is guaranteed to warm both your hands and your heart. Give it a try and let every steamy, chocolatey sip brighten your day!
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Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate, a perfect treat for chilly days or festive gatherings. This easy recipe yields a decadent hot chocolate that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
For the Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate:
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- whipped cream or marshmallows (to serve)
Instructions
- Heat the milk: Warm the milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Pour it into the slow cooker and whisk in the cocoa powder until fully dissolved.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 2 hours, stirring every 30-40 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
- Serve: Once ready, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting. Serve the hot chocolate garnished with whipped cream or marshmallows.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate, Hot Chocolate Recipe, Crockpot Hot Chocolate
