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Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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