Simmering Hot Chocolate: The Slow Cooker's Sweet Secret

Yes, you can make hot chocolate in a crock pot! It's a great way to make a large batch for a crowd, and it's easy to do. You can make it with just hot chocolate powder and water, or add milk, cream, and chocolate chips for a richer, creamier version. You can also add a range of toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Ingredients

There are many ways to make hot chocolate in a crock pot, and the ingredients you'll need will depend on your preferred recipe. Here are some common ingredients and variations to consider:

Milk

Milk is a key ingredient in most crock pot hot chocolate recipes. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even chocolate milk for a richer flavour. If you're making hot chocolate for a large group, you can also use gallons of chocolate milk as a simple and tasty option. If you're catering to those who don't drink milk or have dairy intolerances, you can use water or a dairy-free alternative.

Cream

Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream is often used in crock pot hot chocolate to add thickness and a creamy texture. You can adjust the amount of cream to your preference, using less for a thinner consistency and more for a richer, indulgent drink. Half and half is another option to consider for a creamy texture.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is a common ingredient in crock pot hot chocolate recipes, adding extra creaminess and a boost of sweetness. If you don't have any on hand, you can increase the amount of cream or milk and add some granulated sugar instead.

Chocolate

Chocolate is, of course, a crucial ingredient in hot chocolate! You can use a variety of chocolate types and forms, including semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or a chopped-up chocolate bar. Using chocolate chips can make it easier for the chocolate to melt before the milk gets too hot. You can also use unsweetened cocoa powder, adding as much or as little as you like to suit your taste.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is often added to crock pot hot chocolate to enhance the flavour and bring all the ingredients together. Just a teaspoon can make a difference in combining the flavours.

Other Ingredients and Toppings

You can also add a pinch of salt and cinnamon to boost the flavour of your crock pot hot chocolate. For toppings, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes are all popular choices.

Recipe Variations

There are many ways to customise your crock pot hot chocolate. For a more bitter taste, you can use dark or bittersweet chocolate. For a festive twist, add a couple of teaspoons of peppermint extract instead of vanilla extract. For an adult beverage, you can even add a splash of Kahlua, Peppermint Schnapps, or Rum Chata.

Final Thoughts

The great thing about crock pot hot chocolate is that it's easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. You can adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your taste preferences and the number of people you're serving. Enjoy your warm and delicious treat!

How to Make Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• Milk (whole or 2%)
• Heavy cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes)

Method

• Combine all the ingredients, except the toppings, in a slow cooker. If you are using cocoa powder, mix it with a small amount of hot water first to prevent lumps.
• Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate has melted.
• If desired, add a pinch of salt and cinnamon to enhance the flavour.
• Turn the slow cooker to the warm setting until you are ready to serve.
• Stir the hot chocolate, ladle it into mugs, and add your favourite toppings.

Tips

• It is recommended to cook the hot chocolate on low heat to prevent the milk from boiling or the chocolate from burning.
• If you are making a smaller batch, you can cook it on the stove over medium-low heat.
• You can prepare the hot chocolate in advance and reheat it when needed. Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For a more bitter taste, use dark or bittersweet chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
• If you prefer your hot chocolate less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or add extra milk or water.

How to Serve Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate

Crock-pot hot chocolate is a great way to serve a large crowd and is perfect for cold winter days and holiday parties. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve delicious and indulgent hot chocolate from a crock-pot.

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact measurements will depend on the number of servings you require, but the basic ingredients are:

• Milk (whole or reduced-fat)
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, or a mix of milk and semi-sweet)
• Cream (heavy whipping cream or heavy cream)
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt and/or cinnamon (optional)

Optional Extras

• Marshmallows (mini or large)
• Whipped cream
• Peppermint sticks or crushed candy cane
• Malted milk powder
• Peppermint or mint extract

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in your crock-pot/slow cooker. It is important to note that you should not use the high heat setting as this may cause the milk to boil or the chocolate to burn.
• Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
• If you are using marshmallows, add them to the crock-pot 20-30 minutes before serving so they become soft and melted.
• Once the hot chocolate is ready, turn the crock-pot to the warm setting until you are ready to serve.
• When serving, ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and add your choice of toppings or extras.

Tips

• For a more bitter taste, use dark or bittersweet chocolate.
• If you are making this for a large group, it is a good idea to set up a hot chocolate bar with various toppings and extras so people can customise their drink.
• If you are short on time, you can heat the milk in the microwave first and then add the cocoa powder to ensure it is fully combined before adding to the crock-pot.
• For an adult-only crowd, you can add a shot of Kahlua, Peppermint Schnapps, or Rum Chata to the hot chocolate.

Storing and Reheating

• Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, you can use the microwave or a saucepan on the stovetop. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

So, there you have it! A delicious and indulgent crock-pot hot chocolate that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate Toppings

Making hot chocolate in a crock-pot is a great way to serve a large batch of the drink to guests at a party or gathering. It's also a fun way to keep warm and cozy with your family on a cold day.

Marshmallows

Go for mini marshmallows, regular marshmallows, or jumbo-sized marshmallows. You can even add some crushed candy canes or peppermint candies to your marshmallows for a festive twist.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream on top of your hot chocolate will make it extra decadent. You can also sprinkle some crushed peppermint or shaved chocolate on top of the whipped cream for added flavor and texture.

Chocolate Chips

Add a handful of milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips to your hot chocolate to intensify the chocolate flavor. You can also experiment with white chocolate, butterscotch, mint chocolate, or salted caramel chips.

Drizzle with Sauce

Try drizzling some caramel, fudge, or butterscotch sauce over your hot chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. You can even add a drizzle of ice cream topping over marshmallows or whipped cream.

Cinnamon

A sprinkle of cinnamon on top of your hot chocolate will give it a warm, spicy kick. You could also add a cinnamon stick to your drink as a stirrer.

Nutella

Stir in a spoonful of Nutella into your hot chocolate for an extra rich and tasty experience.

Alcohol

For an adult beverage, add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream, peppermint schnapps, Kahlua, brandy, or Frangelico hazelnut liqueur to your hot chocolate.

Other Creative Ideas

• Dip the rim of your mug in melted chocolate, then roll it in a dish of chopped nuts, crushed peppermint, or sprinkles.
• Add a teaspoon of Nutella or a spoonful of instant coffee granules to your mug before pouring in the hot chocolate.
• Put a cherry on top!
• Use a peppermint stick or candy cane as a drink stirrer.

Storing Leftover Hot Chocolate

Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To ensure it stays fresh, it should be stored in a sealed container. Before serving, simply reheat it in a small saucepan on the stove until hot.

It is important to note that hot chocolate should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can cause bacteria to grow and spoil the drink. Additionally, hot chocolate should not be reheated in the microwave, as this can cause the chocolate to ignite. Instead, it should be slowly reheated over medium-low heat on the stove.

If you are storing a large batch of hot chocolate, you can keep it warm in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot. This is a great option if you are serving hot chocolate at a party or gathering. Another option for keeping hot chocolate warm is to use a thermos.

Hot chocolate bombs, which are candy bars made from chocolate and marshmallows, can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for several days. These are a fun and festive way to enjoy hot chocolate.

When making hot chocolate, it is important to use the right ingredients and techniques to ensure the best flavor and texture. For example, using a combination of chopped chocolate and cocoa powder will give the drink a pleasant thickness. Additionally, using 2% milk or whole milk will yield the best flavor and texture.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, leftover hot chocolate for several days!

Frequently asked questions