Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Hot Chocolate
This crockpot hot chocolate is warm, creamy, and easy. You can make a large batch and keep it hot for a party or a quiet night at home. The slow cooker melts the chocolate slowly so the drink stays smooth. You will like how simple it is to set and forget while the house fills with a rich chocolate smell. If you like simple dessert ideas, you may also enjoy a sweet treat like white chocolate brownies to go with your cup.
introduction
This recipe shows how to make a rich hot chocolate in a crockpot. It uses milk and cream for a thick texture and chocolate chips plus cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor. You will see easy steps and tips to make it smooth every time. The recipe fits a family or a small gathering and works well when you want a hands-off warm drink. Read on to find what you need, how to make it, and ways to store and serve it.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this crockpot hot chocolate because it is simple and reliable. You do not need to stand at the stove stirring. The slow cooker makes the chocolate melt slowly and keeps the drink hot without burning it. This method is great for holiday parties, school events, or cozy evenings. It tastes richer than instant mixes and is easy to customize with toppings like marshmallows or cinnamon.
What You Need for Crockpot Hot Chocolate
You need a standard crockpot or slow cooker that holds at least 4 to 6 quarts. Use a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula for stirring. A ladle helps when serving into mugs. The ingredients are common and likely in your pantry. If you want a dairy-free version, you can swap milk and cream for almond or oat milk, though the texture will be lighter.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Make this drink in a few simple steps. First, add all the ingredients into the crockpot. Stir them so the cocoa powder and sugar mix into the milk. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it warm for 2 to 3 hours. Stir once or twice while it cooks to help the chocolate chips melt evenly. When the chocolate has fully melted and the drink is hot, taste and adjust sugar or vanilla as you like. Serve right away with whipped cream or other toppings. If you want, keep the crockpot on warm for guests to serve themselves.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream and toppings (optional)
Directions:
- In a crockpot, combine milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is hot.
- Serve in mugs topped with whipped cream and your favorite toppings.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Serve this hot chocolate with a range of treats and toppings. Add whipped cream, marshmallows, a dusting of cocoa, or a drizzle of caramel. A pinch of cinnamon or a small splash of peppermint extract can give it a seasonal twist. Offer spoons for stirring in a garnish like shaved chocolate or crushed candy cane. For a snack pairing, serve it with cookies or simple bars. A small plate with almond butter chocolate chip cookies makes a nice combo and keeps the table simple.
How to Store Crockpot Hot Chocolate
If you have leftovers, cool the drink to room temperature first. Then pour it into a sealed container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or return it to the crockpot on low until hot, stirring often to keep it smooth. If the drink thickens in the fridge, add a splash of milk when reheating and stir to thin it to the right texture. Do not freeze the hot chocolate with cream; separation can happen and change the texture.
Easy Tips to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Use good-quality chocolate chips for a better flavor.
- Stir a few times while cooking to avoid clumps and to help chocolate melt fully.
- Taste near the end of the cook time and adjust sugar or vanilla if needed.
- If you like a richer drink, add more heavy cream or a bit of chocolate. For a lighter cup, use lower-fat milk.
- To keep the hot chocolate smooth, warm the milk slowly on low heat and avoid high heat that can scorch the dairy.
Try These Variations of Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract near the end and top with a crushed candy cane.
- Mexican-style: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for a warm, spicy note.
- White hot chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips and reduce the cocoa powder.
- Vegan: Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free chocolate chips to make a plant-based version.
- Mocha: Stir in a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso to add a coffee twist.
These variations let you match the drink to the season or your taste. They are simple swaps and often use items you already have.
Common Questions About Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Q: Can I make this with non-dairy milk?
A: Yes. Use almond, oat, or soy milk and vegan chocolate chips. The drink will be a bit thinner but still tasty.
Q: How long can I keep the hot chocolate warm in the crockpot?
A: You can keep it on the warm setting for several hours. Stir once in a while to keep it smooth and check the temperature.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger crockpot. Keep the same cook time, but you may need to stir more often to help the chocolate melt evenly.
Q: Will it separate if I store leftovers?
A: It may separate a bit because of the cream and chocolate. Stir in a little milk when reheating to bring it back together.
Q: Can I add liquor for adults?
A: Yes. Add a splash of your favorite liqueur like Bailey’s or Kahlua after the hot chocolate is done and slightly cooled.
Final Thoughts
This crockpot hot chocolate recipe is a simple, hands-off way to make a rich, creamy drink for a crowd or a cozy night. It uses basic ingredients and a slow cooker to give you consistent results. The recipe is easy to change so you can make peppermint, spicy, or dairy-free versions. Keep the crockpot on warm for self-serve comfort and add toppings for fun. With a small list of ingredients and a little time, you get a lot of warm comfort.
Conclusion
If you want a clear, tested guide to making crockpot hot chocolate, you can also read a simple online version for more ideas and tips at Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe | Old Salt Farm. This one is a good companion to help you try small changes and new toppings when you make your batch.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your crockpot and ingredients, set the time, and enjoy a warm cup of creamy hot chocolate. It is an easy way to bring a cozy treat to any day.
Print
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, creamy hot chocolate made effortlessly in a crockpot with rich chocolate flavor and customizable toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream and toppings (optional)
Instructions
- In a crockpot, combine milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 120-180 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is hot.
- Serve in mugs topped with whipped cream and your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg