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There’s something almost magical about a slow cooker transforming simple ingredients into a velvety, rich chocolate dream.
This crockpot hot chocolate is your ticket to effortless hosting and pure, unadulterated coziness.
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
Forget the powdered mixes that leave you wanting more; this is hot chocolate in its most luxurious form.
It’s incredibly smooth, deeply chocolatey, and it stays perfectly warm for hours, letting you focus on your guests.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering these simple components is the first step toward cocoa nirvana. Each one plays a specific, important role.
- Whole Milk: This is non-negotiable for the creamiest base; lower-fat milks simply won’t provide the same lush texture.
- Half-and-Half: It strikes the perfect balance, offering decadence without the overwhelming heaviness of pure cream.
- Dark or Bittersweet Chocolate Bar (chopped): The star of the show! A bar melts far more smoothly than chocolate chips, ensuring a silky, not grainy, drink.
- Granulated Sugar: It provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the intensity of the dark chocolate.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This double-chocolate punch builds a profound, resonant chocolate flavor that powder alone can’t achieve.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A cozy, aromatic backbone that makes the entire drink smell and taste like a warm hug.
- Instant Espresso Powder (optional): Don’t worry, it won’t taste like coffee! It’s a secret weapon that amplifies the chocolate notes.
- Kosher Salt: A tiny pinch makes all the difference, highlighting the sweetness and complexity of the chocolate.
How to make Crockpot Hot Chocolate?
The process is wonderfully straightforward, almost like a set-it-and-forget-it ritual.
Just follow these simple steps for a foolproof result every single time.
Step 1- Combine the Ingredients
Take your slow cooker and pour in the whole milk and half-and-half.
Add the chopped chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, espresso powder, and that all-important pinch of salt.
Step 2- The Initial Whisk
Now, grab your whisk and get to work dissolving that cocoa powder.
Whisk briskly for a minute or two, until you no longer see any dry powder floating on the surface.
Step 3- The Slow Cook
Place the lid on your crockpot and choose your heat setting. You can cook it on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
I’m a fan of the low-and-slow method, as it gently coaxes the chocolate to melt without any risk of scorching.
Step 4- Whisk and Monitor
Every 45 minutes or so, give the mixture a good, thorough whisk. This prevents the chocolate from sticking to the bottom.
As soon as everything is hot, smooth, and beautifully combined, switch the setting to WARM.
Step 5- Serve and Celebrate
Ladle the steaming hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. This is where the fun truly begins.
Invite everyone to customize their cup with an array of delicious toppings.
The Art of the Topping Bar
Setting up a topping station turns a great drink into an unforgettable experience. It’s an activity in itself.
Let people get creative and build their own perfect mug of comfort.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A fluffy cloud on top is classic for a reason—it slowly melts into the chocolate, creating new layers of flavor with each sip.
- Crushed Peppermint: Festive and refreshing, this adds a wonderful crunch and a cool, minty finish that cuts through the richness.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A light sprinkle enhances every single chocolate note and provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Ways to Flavor Your Creation
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your personal touch. Feel free to get a little adventurous.
A few small additions can completely transform the character of your hot chocolate.
- For a Grown-Up Twist: A splash of peppermint schnapps, Irish cream, or amaretto right in the mug makes for a wonderfully festive cocktail.
- Spice Infusion: Add a cinnamon stick or a few star anise pods to the slow cooker as it heats for a subtly spiced, aromatic brew.
- Nutella Swirl: Stir a heaping tablespoon of Nutella into your individual mug for an extra layer of hazelnut-chocolate decadence.
Tips
A few pro-level insights can make the process even smoother and the results even better.
- Resist the urge to use chocolate chips. They contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly, which can lead to a slightly grainy texture.
- If your slow cooker tends to run hot, the LOW setting is your best friend. It gently melts the chocolate without any risk of curdling or burning.
- As the party goes on and the level in the crockpot drops, give it an occasional stir to ensure the chocolate at the bottom doesn’t overheat.
Storing and Enjoying Later
Any leftover hot chocolate is a gift for future you, though it never lasts long in my house.
Let it cool completely before transferring it to a sealed container in the refrigerator.
It will keep beautifully for up to four days. When a craving strikes, reheat it gently in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat.
Whisk it frequently as it warms to re-emulsify the chocolate and bring back that signature silky texture. Microwaving can sometimes cause separation, so the stovetop is definitely the way to go.
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Description
Not only is this Crockpot Hot Chocolate rich, decadent, and creamy, it’s also the best hot chocolate for a party! Make a big batch and let your guests help themselves to warm mugs filled to the brim with hot cocoa and all their favorite toppings. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or anytime you crave a luxurious chocolate treat without the fuss.
ingredients
Instructions
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Place all of the ingredients except for the toppings into a 3-quart slow cooker (or a 5-quart or larger if you are doubling the recipe): milk, half-and-half, chopped chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, espresso powder, and salt.
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Briskly whisk to dissolve the cocoa powder as much as possible. Keep whisking until none of it floats to the top; this may take 1 to 2 minutes.
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Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending upon your slow cooker; it may finish sooner). Once it's hot and the chocolate is melted smoothly, you can serve it as soon as you like. Whisk every 45 minutes or so to ensure the chocolate isn’t burning on the bottom. Once ready, switch to the 'keep warm' setting if available, and avoid cooking on high too long to prevent burning or separation.
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Ladle into serving cups and add your favorite toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, extra chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 cup
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 290kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 110mg5%
- Potassium 420mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 27g
- Protein 8g16%
- Calcium 260 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Do not use chocolate chips. They contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting. Use a high-quality bar of dark or bittersweet chocolate instead.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare this the night before, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
- For a boozy version: Stir in Baileys, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps just before serving.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute whole milk and half-and-half with full-fat canned coconut milk (shake well before using).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
It’s not recommended. Chocolate chips contain additives that prevent smooth melting, which can leave your hot chocolate grainy or clumpy. For best results, use a high-quality chocolate bar and chop it yourself.
How long can I keep leftover crockpot hot chocolate?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking until smooth.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the whole milk and half-and-half with full-fat canned coconut milk. Also ensure your chocolate is dairy-free (check the label).