Ever since I was a little girl making hot chocolate with Swiss Miss hot cocoa packets after dinner (while splashing the requisite amount all over the counter—sorry, mom), hot chocolate has been one of my great comforts.
In Paris, I tasted hot chocolate so thick and rich, it was akin to a melted hot chocolate bar. My copycat recipe French Hot Chocolate tastes just like it and is an absolute treat for special occasions.For an everyday cup, this Healthy Hot Chocolate is more best behavior.This Easy Hot Chocolate is good when you need something in between and are only making a cup or two.And for those times when one cup of hot chocolate simply will not do? Enter CROCKPOT HOT CHOCOLATE.
The Best Crockpot Hot Chocolate
This recipe is easy, will keep your stovetop free, and the slow cooker makes it ideal for serving at a party, when guests can help themselves. It also tastes magnificent. This is some of the best hot chocolate I’ve ever made. It is wonderfully rich, but well-balanced. Since this is a crockpot hot chocolate without condensed milk, it’s creamy without being so over the top, you can only handle a tiny cup, making it dangerous indeed! I was not kidding about the temptation to drink it right from the crockpot with a straw. Ben at one point dared to suggest this was too chocolaty, but what does he know? The rest of my recipe testers thought it was juuuust right. I think you’ll agree with us! But, if you’d like to dial the chocolate down, you can certainly splash in some additional milk or half-and-half (just make sure I fill my cup first ;-) ).
How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Forget crockpot hot chocolate using Swiss Miss, this easy crockpot hot chocolate is as simple as stir, set, sip!
As written, I left this as a simple, classic hot chocolate recipe, though it’s certainly open to adding other flavors (including the spirited variety). Don’t miss the variations below for inspiration.
The Ingredients
Chocolate. Once the chopped chocolate melts in the slow cooker, it creates an irresistibly luxurious texture and rich flavor. The chocolate flavor is important here, so make sure to use a high-quality variety (that means no crockpot hot chocolate with instant mix). Cocoa Powder. The other half of our chocolate flavor duo. Making this crockpot hot chocolate with cocoa powder provides intensity. Whole Milk + Half-and-Half. Yes, you can put milk in the crockpot. In order to achieve the most smooth and creamy texture, it’s important to make crockpot hot chocolate with milk. I used whole milk. I also used half-and-half to keep things a little lighter than heavy cream while still tasting indulgent.
Sugar. Helps balance out any bitterness in the chocolate. Vanilla. A can’t-miss addition that gives this drink an extra layer of coziness. Instant Espresso Powder. While optional, I find that it helps intensify the chocolate flavor further (it will not make the hot chocolate taste like coffee).
The Directions
Ways to Flavor Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Alcohol. Crockpot hot chocolate with alcohol would make a scrumptious adult beverage! I’d recommend Baileys Irish cream, peppermint schnapps, Kahlua, or Frangelico hazelnut liqueur. YUM! Coffee. Mix hot chocolate and coffee together to create a drink called café mocha. Add a shot of espresso or a pour of strongly brewed coffee to your cup, then top with as much hot chocolate as you like. We have this every Christmas morning, and it’s divine.Nutella. For an out-of-this-world rich and tasty hot chocolate, stir in a spoonful of Nutella.
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Toppings
Add a flourish to your mug with one of these hot chocolate toppings:
If you will be serving this at a party and leaving the slow cooker on, check periodically to make sure the chocolate isn’t burning or curdling if your slow cooker tends to get fairly hot. This is especially important as the amount of hot chocolate in the crockpot lessens.
Marshmallows. Whether you prefer mini marshmallows, regular marshmallows, or jumbo-sized marshmallows, you can’t go wrong with this classic and beloved topping. Whipped Cream. For a decadent treat, top your hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream.Chocolate Chips. A handful of milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips will take the chocolate factor up another notch.Caramel Sauce. A drizzle of caramel sauce on top would be tasty!Crushed Peppermint. For a minty and festive twist, sprinkle some crushed peppermint over top. Cinnamon. Finish your hot chocolate batch with a sprinkle of cinnamon. You could also add some cinnamon sticks.
Storage Tips
To Store. Store leftover hot cocoa in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To Reheat. Rewarm gently in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking to combine.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Slow Cooker. Enjoy slow cooker hot chocolate on demand!Small Whisk. The smaller size of this whisk helps keep liquids from splashing.Ladle. How to serve large amounts of hot chocolate.
Wishing you all warm fuzzies, a cloud of marshmallows, and plenty of crock pot hot chocolate refills!
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