introduction
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is a warm, rich drink you can make for a group with very little work. This version uses a slow cooker so the chocolate melts slowly and the drink stays warm for serving. It is simple, creamy, and perfect for cold nights or casual gatherings. You can leave it on low and let guests help themselves. If you like easy slow cooker treats, you might also enjoy a recipe for slow cooker cinnamon rolls that cooks up the same easy way.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
You will love this hot chocolate because it is smooth and creamy without a lot of fuss. The slow cooker does the hard work: it melts the chocolate and blends the flavors while you do other things. This recipe uses simple ingredients you may already have, like milk, cream, and chocolate chips. It makes a good amount, so it is great for family movie nights, small parties, or a cozy night at home. The drink stays warm in the slow cooker, so you do not have to reheat cups one by one.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a warm drink that tastes rich but is easy to make. It is faster than making hot chocolate on the stove if you want to make a large pot. The slow cooker keeps the drink at a safe warm temperature and prevents the chocolate from burning. The recipe also lets you add simple toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings so each cup can look and taste a bit different. It is a good choice when you host guests or when kids want a fun drink after playing outside.
What You Need for Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
You do not need fancy tools. A basic slow cooker and a few kitchen tools will do the job.
- A slow cooker (3 to 6 quart works well)
- A wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula for stirring
- A ladle for serving
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk (optional, to smooth the drink before serving)
- Bowls or cups for toppings like whipped cream or marshmallows
Having a slow cooker with a warm setting helps if you want to keep the drink ready for a long time. Keep a small tray or a plate nearby for chocolate shavings or marshmallows so people can add their own toppings.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Follow the simple steps below. The slow cooker does most of the work. Add the ingredients, heat, stir, and serve.
Ingredients:
4 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, Whipped cream (for serving), Chocolate shavings or marshmallows (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, combine milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract., 2. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients., 3. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is hot., 4. Once ready, serve hot, topped with whipped cream and garnished with chocolate shavings or marshmallows.
Step-by-step notes:
- Add all ingredients into the slow cooker pot before you turn it on. This helps the chocolate chips soak up the warm milk as it heats.
- Stir gently after you mix the ingredients so the cocoa powder and chocolate chips start to combine with the milk and cream.
- Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Check and stir every 30 to 45 minutes so the chocolate melts evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom.
- When the chocolate is fully melted, taste and add a touch more vanilla or a little more sweetened condensed milk if you want it sweeter.
- Use a whisk right before serving if the drink needs to be smoother. Then ladle into cups and add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or marshmallows.
This method makes a rich, thick hot chocolate that feels like a dessert in a cup. It is easy to keep warm on the low or warm setting of the slow cooker for a party or gathering.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Serve this hot chocolate in warm mugs for the best feel. Add a swirl of whipped cream on top and finish with chocolate shavings or a few marshmallows. For a pretty touch, dust a little extra cocoa powder on the whipped cream or add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.
You can set up a small toppings station with options such as:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Crushed peppermint or candy canes
- Cinnamon or nutmeg
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup
For kids, add marshmallows and a fun straw. For adults, add a splash of flavored liqueur like peppermint schnapps or Irish cream to individual cups right before serving (if you choose to do so, do not add alcohol to the slow cooker).
How to Store Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
If you have leftovers, cool the hot chocolate to room temperature first. Then pour it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to drink it again, reheat slowly on the stove in a small pot over low heat, stirring often so it does not burn. You can also reheat portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring in between, until hot.
If you want to freeze some, pour cooled hot chocolate into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Note: The mixture may thicken slightly when chilled. Add a splash of milk while reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.
Easy Tips to Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Use good-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Semi-sweet chips work well because they balance cream and sweetness.
- Stir a few times during cooking to avoid any chocolate or cocoa sticking to the sides or bottom.
- If you want a lighter drink, use whole milk only and skip the heavy cream. For a richer drink, keep the heavy cream.
- Warm your mugs before serving by filling them with hot water for a minute, then empty before pouring the hot chocolate. This keeps the drink hot longer.
- Taste before serving. You can adjust sweetness with a tablespoon of sugar, honey, or extra sweetened condensed milk.
- If your drink has small lumps from the cocoa powder, use a whisk or an immersion blender for a short burst to smooth it out.
Try These Variations of Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
You can change this base recipe in small ways to make new flavors:
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
- Spicy Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground chili and a cinnamon stick while cooking.
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Stir in a few tablespoons of caramel sauce and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt on top.
- Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add a strong shot of espresso or 2 tablespoons of instant coffee mixed into the hot chocolate.
- White Chocolate Version: Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips, and use a little less cocoa powder or leave it out.
- Dairy-free version: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
These simple swaps keep the recipe easy while letting you change the flavor to match the mood or the crowd. For a sweet treat pairing, serve this hot chocolate with small baked bites like brownies; it goes well with white chocolate brownies for a rich combo.
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate (Minimum 3 FAQs)
Q: Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use a plant milk like almond or oat milk and coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute. Use vegan chocolate chips and sweeten with maple syrup or agave instead of sweetened condensed milk.
Q: How long will it stay warm in the slow cooker?
A: On the warm setting, it can stay at a good serving temperature for a few hours. Check and stir every hour and cover to keep heat and moisture in. If you leave it too long, the texture can change, so try to serve within 3 to 4 hours.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes, most slow cookers can handle double the amount if you have a larger pot. Keep the same cook time but check often and stir more to help even heating.
Q: What if my hot chocolate is too thick?
A: Stir in a little warm milk until you reach the consistency you like. Heat gently after adding milk.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Heat the same ingredients in a pot over low heat, whisking often until the chocolate melts. Do not boil; keep it at a low simmer.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker hot chocolate is an easy, crowd-friendly drink that gives you a warm and creamy treat with little hands-on work. It is flexible and forgiving, so you can change ingredients or flavors to match what you like. Use the slow cooker to keep it ready for guests, and set out toppings so everyone can customize their cup. The recipe uses simple items and routine steps, so even new cooks can make a cup that tastes rich and homemade.
Conclusion
If you want another detailed slow cooker hot chocolate idea and a picture of the process, you can read a tested version at Homemade Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate – Sally’s Baking.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your slow cooker, the simple ingredients, and a few toppings. Put the ingredients into the slow cooker, let them melt and warm for a few hours, and enjoy a cozy cup of hot chocolate with friends or family.
Print
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, rich drink made easy in a slow cooker, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Chocolate shavings or marshmallows (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
- Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is hot.
- Once ready, serve hot, topped with whipped cream and garnished with chocolate shavings or marshmallows.
Notes
For stirring, consider a whisk to smooth the drink before serving. Keep mugs warm for best temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg