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Creamy, rich and decadent, this hot chocolate in slow cooker It’s made with real melted chocolate and is enough to serve a crowd. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to prepare and then the slow cooker takes over. A cup of this easy homemade hot chocolate is sure to warm you up and chase away the winter blues; don’t forget the whipped cream either marshmallows!
I originally published this recipe in 2016. and we have since added new photos and additional tips for success.
Eat your chocolate and drink it too!
I shared this recipe years ago and it has become a cold weather must-have that tastes especially comforting on cold snowy days.
Homemade Hot Chocolate – Easier Than You Think!
The process is *almost* as easy as opening a package of store-bought hot chocolate mix. Mix all the ingredients in your slow cooker, whisk occasionally and you’re done. The “recipe” requires only 10 minutes of preparation and 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high. Have it warmed up in the slow cooker for all your cookie or gift exchange parties, holiday parties, snow days, and other cold weather gatherings.
This hot chocolate is made in the slow cooker, a versatile kitchen device that’s not just for savory foods like sweet potato and turkey chili either turkey meatballs.
It’s mega creamy and undeniably rich and chocolatey flavor that should come with a warning label. It honestly tastes like pure melted chocolate with a creamy, foamy consistency. Because guess what? It’s made with pure melted chocolate!
Grab These Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
The full printable recipe is below, but let me explain each ingredient so you understand its importance. To ensure every sip is as delicious as expected, avoid making substitutions unless otherwise noted.
- whole milk – This is the base of the drink and I choose whole milk to ensure a thick and rich consistency. Skim milk, 1% or 2% would be fine, as long as you keep the heavy cream.
- thick cream – For a silkier, creamier consistency, I highly recommend using heavy cream. This is especially important if you are using low-fat milk. If using whole milk, half and half would be a good substitute for heavy cream.
- Sugar – To sweeten the drink.
- semisweet chocolate – Use 8 ounces of semisweet chocolate (the bars sold in the baking aisle next to the chocolate chips). Semisweet is the best because it provides the perfect balance between sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. Bittersweet chocolate can work instead, but avoid using unsweetened chocolate. While it’s wonderful in some baking recipes, it lacks the natural sweetness needed for your hot chocolate drink!
- cocoa powder – This adds more cocoa flavor and helps keep the mixture thick. Here you can use natural or Dutch process cocoa.
- vanilla extract – To give it flavor. It’s not just for vanilla flavored baked goods!
No, I highly recommend using chocolate bars such as 2 4-ounce bars of Ghirardelli or Bakers brand semisweet chocolate. Save the chocolate chips for chocolate chip cookies. Because? Chocolate chips do not melt very easily and will separate from the liquid of the hot chocolate drink.
Yes, absolutely. Beat the milk, cream and sugar in a large dutch oven or pot over medium-low heat. Once it simmers around the edges, add the remaining ingredients. Whisk occasionally until the mixture is warmed and the chocolate is melted, about 20 minutes.
Whisk all ingredients together in your slow cooker. If you need a recommendation, own and love this. Any slow cooker between 4.5 and 7 quarts is fine. The one in the photo is the same brand and I bought it at Target. I can’t find the exact same color anymore, but here it is in a darker shade of blue.
While the slow cooker does its job, be sure to whisk the mixture every 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cook on low heat for 5 hours or on high heat for 3 hours.
Required to serve: lots of marshmallows or even homemade marshmallows. Or even a (LARGE) tablespoon of whipped cream! And if you really want to go overboard with dessert (don’t we all?), serve this hot chocolate with hot chocolate cookies.
Optional toppings and flavors:
- Candy: spray a little salted caramel on top of each portion.
- Mint: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mixture when you add the vanilla extract. As the cocoa heats, taste and add more if desired. Garnish each cup with a candy cane.
- Espresso: Before mixing all the ingredients in the slow cooker, heat 1 cup of whole milk in the microwave or on the stove. Whisk together 1 tablespoon espresso powder, then combine the espresso milk with the other ingredients in the slow cooker according to recipe directions.
Homemade hot chocolate in a slow cooker
Preparation time:
10 minutes
Cooking time:
5 hours
Total time:
5 hours, 10 minutes
Produce:
about 10 cups
Category:
Drink
Method:
slow cooker
Kitchen:
American
Description
This is an extra creamy, extra rich, gloriously decadent hot chocolate made in the slow cooker. Be sure to whisk the mixture every 45 minutes to 1 hour to ensure the chocolate doesn’t burn on the bottom. See recipe note for cooking recipe.
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large slow cooker. (Here’s one I have and love.!) Whisk vigorously to mix the cocoa powder as much as possible; you don’t want everything floating on top. Continue beating for a minute or two until everything is combined.
- Cook on low heat for 5 hours or on high heat for 3 hours, whisking the mixture every 45 minutes to 1 hour to ensure the chocolate does not burn on the bottom.
- Serve hot chocolate in mugs and top with marshmallows or other optional toppings.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and heat them on the stove or in the microwave.
Grades
- Special tools (affiliate links) large clay pot | Whisk | Clear glass cups (I love these mugs!)
- Heavy cream: For a silkier, creamier consistency, I highly recommend using heavy cream. This is especially important if you are using low-fat milk. If using whole milk, half and half would be a good substitute for heavy cream.
- Can I use chocolate chips? No, I highly recommend using chocolate bars such as 2 4-ounce bars of Ghirardelli or Bakers brand semisweet chocolate. Chocolate chips do not melt very easily and will separate from the liquid of the hot chocolate drink.
- No slow cooker? No problem! Beat the milk, cream and sugar in a large dutch oven or pot over medium-low heat. Once it simmers around the edges, add the remaining ingredients. Whisk occasionally until the mixture is warmed and the chocolate is melted, about 20 minutes.
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