Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe is the perfect cozy treat for chilly days. Rich, creamy, and effortlessly made in your slow cooker, it’s ideal for warming up family and friends with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 7 cups whole milk (divided)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version)
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (optional, enhances the chocolate flavor)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan or microwave until warm but not boiling. Stir in the cocoa powder until dissolved.
2. Step 2: In your Crock Pot, combine the cocoa powder milk, remaining 6 cups of milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to help the chocolate chips melt evenly.
4. Step 4: After 2 hours, whisk the hot chocolate until smooth and fully combined. If not serving immediately, switch the Crock Pot to the “keep warm” setting.
5. Step 5: Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut or almond milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a spicy twist.
• Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter and creamier flavor.
• Stir every 30 minutes during cooking to prevent burning on the sides.

Storage

Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well to restore its smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this hot chocolate without a Crock Pot?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe on the stovetop by heating all ingredients over low heat and stirring frequently until smooth and heated through.

How can I make this less sweet?

Use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate and reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly to suit your taste.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 145 reviews

This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and indulgent warm drink perfect for cozy gatherings or chilly evenings. Made with whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and melted chocolate chips, this hot chocolate is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring a deeply chocolatey and smooth consistency without constant stirring.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Milk & Cream

• 7 cups whole milk, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk

Chocolate & Flavorings

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version)
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (optional, enhances the chocolate flavor)

Instructions

1. Warm the Milk and Dissolve Cocoa Powder: Heat 1 cup of whole milk in a saucepan or microwave until warm but not boiling. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder thoroughly until it dissolves, creating a smooth chocolate milk base.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Pour the cocoa-infused milk into the Crock Pot along with the remaining 6 cups of whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if using.
3. Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the Crock Pot and set it to low heat. Let the mixture cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate chips melt evenly and the drink develops a rich, full chocolate flavor.
4. Finish and Maintain Warmth: After 2 hours, whisk the hot chocolate thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a smooth and velvety consistency. Adjust the Crock Pot to ‘keep warm’ mode if serving over an extended period to maintain the perfect drinking temperature without burning.
5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top as desired with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to elevate the drink and add a personal touch.

Notes

• Using milk chocolate chips will produce a sweeter and milder hot chocolate.
• Stirring occasionally during cooking helps prevent chocolate from sticking and burning on the sides.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based milk and cream alternatives.
• The pinch of salt is optional but enhances the chocolate’s depth of flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored refrigerated and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Keywords: hot chocolate, crock pot, slow cooker, creamy hot chocolate, winter drink, chocolate beverage