Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a rich and velvety cup of crockpot hot chocolate, perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet night in. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to create a deeply chocolatey, creamy treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups heavy cream (divided: 1 cup for whisking with cocoa powder, 2 ½ cups for recipe)
- ¼ cup unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder (e.g., King Arthur Double-Dark cocoa)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (e.g., Ghirardelli)
- Mini marshmallows (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 cup of heavy cream for 1 minute on high. Whisk in the cocoa powder until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Step 2: In the crockpot insert, combine the cocoa mixture with the remaining 2 ½ cups heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 3: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cover and set the crockpot to LOW.
- Step 4: Heat for 2 to 3 hours, whisking every 20 to 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
- Step 5: When smooth and fully heated, whisk again, switch the crockpot to WARM for up to 2 hours, then serve.
- Step 6: Ladle into mugs and garnish with mini marshmallows if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the richest flavor.
- For a peppermint twist, add a drop of peppermint extract before serving.
- Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version (use appropriate chocolate chips).
- Whisking regularly prevents the mixture from sticking to the pot and burning.
Storage
Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain smoothness. Dilute with a splash of milk if it thickens too much after cooling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can, but the hot chocolate will be less creamy and rich. Whole milk provides the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this hot chocolate on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, melt the cocoa powder in warmed cream, then combine all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Be careful not to burn the mixture.
Print
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe offers a rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey drink, perfect for cozying up on chilly days. Made with a blend of heavy cream, milk, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, and melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, it slowly simmers in a crockpot to develop a smooth and velvety texture. Garnished with mini marshmallows, this indulgent treat is effortless to prepare and perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying throughout the day.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder (King Arthur brand Double-Dark preferred)
Main Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 cups whole milk
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli brand recommended)
Garnish
- Mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cocoa Cream Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 cup of heavy cream for 1 minute on high. Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until fully dissolved and smooth, creating a rich chocolate base.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In the crockpot insert, pour in the cocoa cream mixture along with the remaining 2 ½ cups heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly to combine everything evenly.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to LOW heat. Allow the hot chocolate to cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring or whisking every 20 to 30 minutes. This prevents burning and helps the chocolate chips to melt smoothly into the mixture.
- Warm and Serve: After the chocolate has fully melted and the drink is heated through, whisk it well to ensure a smooth texture. Switch the crockpot setting to WARM to keep the hot chocolate ready to serve for up to 2 hours.
- Garnish: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with mini marshmallows if desired, adding an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
Notes
- Stirring every 20-30 minutes during cooking is essential to avoid burning and ensure even melting of the chocolate.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and verify that the sweetened condensed milk is dairy-free.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hot chocolate, crockpot hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, chocolate drink, warm beverage, winter drink
