Introduction

Warm up your chilly evenings with this luscious slow cooker hot chocolate. Rich, creamy, and perfectly chocolaty, it’s a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

A red and black checkered mug filled with smooth, rich brown hot chocolate, topped with a layer of small, fluffy white marshmallows piled high on the surface, placed on a white marbled textured surface with a teal cloth nearby and a blurred second mug in the background, along with hints of a golden spoon and scattered marshmallows around the scene, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups heavy cream (divided)
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups whole milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
12 ounces semi-sweet baking bar (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Your favorite toppings (marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1: Add 2 cups of the heavy cream to the slow cooker. Whisk in the cocoa powder until fully dissolved and combined, which may take a few minutes.
Step 2: Add the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, finely chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 3: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes or so, until the chocolate is melted, fully combined, and hot.
Step 4: Switch the slow cooker to the warm setting to keep the hot chocolate ready for serving for up to 3 hours. If it thickens too much while sitting, stir in additional milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk or a combination of milk and cream for the creamiest results.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder for a spiced twist.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk based on your taste.

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, adding a splash of milk as needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A red mug with white snowflake and geometric patterns is filled with hot chocolate topped by a thick layer of small, white marshmallows, some partially melted and dipped in chocolate. A red and white striped candy cane is placed inside the mug on the right side, slightly leaning out. A woman's hand holds the mug from the side handle, and the background shows a soft, out-of-focus white marbled surface with festive blurred lights and soft colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

Yes, standard unsweetened cocoa powder is best for rich flavor, but avoid sweetened varieties as they can alter the sweetness and texture.

Do I need to stir the hot chocolate while it cooks?

Yes, stirring every 20 minutes helps the cocoa and chocolate melt evenly and prevents scorching on the sides of the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 510 reviews

This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate recipe creates a rich, creamy, and indulgent treat perfect for cozy evenings. Using a slow cooker to melt and blend premium chocolate, cocoa powder, and a mix of cream, milk, and sweetened condensed milk ensures a smooth, luxurious texture and deep chocolate flavor. Finished with your favorite toppings like marshmallows or whipped cream, it’s an effortless way to enjoy warm homemade hot cocoa.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids and Dairy

4 cups heavy cream (divided)
4 cups whole milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Chocolate and Cocoa

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
12 ounces semi-sweet baking bar, finely chopped

Toppings (Optional)

Marshmallows
Whipped cream
Chocolate syrup
Crushed candy canes

Instructions

Combine Cocoa and Cream: Add 2 cups of the heavy cream to the slow cooker. Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until it is fully dissolved and combined. This process may take a few minutes to ensure there are no lumps and the cocoa is well incorporated.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, finely chopped semi-sweet baking chocolate, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the mixture for 3 hours. Stir every 20 minutes or so to help the chocolate melt evenly and prevent scorching. The hot chocolate should become fully combined, creamy, and heated through by the end of this time.
Keep Warm and Adjust Thickness: After cooking, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting and keep the hot chocolate warm for up to 3 hours for serving. If the hot chocolate thickens too much while sitting, gradually stir in additional milk until your desired consistency is reached.
Serve with Toppings: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or crushed candy canes, to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Notes

Whisking the cocoa powder into warm cream helps dissolve it better and prevents lumps.
Stirring periodically during the slow cooking process ensures even melting and prevents burning on the bottom of the slow cooker.
If the hot chocolate becomes too thick when kept warm, adding milk will adjust the consistency without compromising flavor.
Feel free to customize toppings to suit your taste preferences for extra indulgence.

Keywords: slow cooker hot chocolate, crockpot hot cocoa, creamy hot chocolate, easy hot chocolate recipe, warm winter drinks