Slow-Cooked Comfort: Elevating Store-Bought Hot Cocoa In Your Crock-Pot

Yes, you can make hot cocoa in a crock pot! It's an easy, creamy, and delicious way to make hot chocolate, especially if you're serving a large group of people or want to keep it warm for a few hours. This method is also perfect for cold winter days when you don't want to leave the couch.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

• Heavy whipping cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Milk (whole, 2%, or non-dairy alternatives)
• Chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract
• Marshmallows or other toppings of your choice

Optional Ingredients

• Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate bars
• Sugar or honey
• Salt
• Alcohol or liqueur (added to individual cups)

Method

• Heat one cup of milk in the microwave or on the stovetop until scalding (not boiling).
• Whisk in the cocoa powder until well combined.
• In a slow cooker, combine the remaining milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips.
• Stir in the cocoa milk mixture from step 2.
• Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting.
• When the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is warm, it's ready to serve.
• Ladle into mugs and top with marshmallows or other desired toppings.

Tips

• This recipe typically serves about 12 people, but you can adjust the quantities or double the recipe for a larger crowd.
• To keep the hot chocolate warm, use the "warm" setting on your slow cooker for up to 4 hours.
• For a non-dairy version, substitute non-dairy milk and cream alternatives, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free/vegan.
• Get creative with your toppings! Try crushed candy canes, chocolate flakes, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Hot Chocolate Toppings

Hosting a hot chocolate bar is a fun way to elevate a simple get-together with friends and family. Here are some topping ideas to make your hot chocolate bar a success:

Classic Toppings

Enhance the flavour of your hot chocolate with these classic toppings:

• Marshmallows – Regular, mini, dehydrated, or fruit-flavoured
• Whipped cream
• White, dark, and milk chocolate chips
• A variety of chocolate bars – Orange, chilli, salted caramel, etc.
• Flavoured coffee creamer – Vanilla, pumpkin spice, gingerbread, etc.
• Sweetened coconut shavings
• Crushed peppermint sticks or candy canes
• Crushed cookies – Gingerbread, Oreo, Biscoff, graham crackers, etc.

Stirrers

Add a little something extra to your hot chocolate with these stirrers:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Candy canes
• Long cookies (e.g. Pirouettes)
• Silly straws

Drizzles and Sauces

Take your hot chocolate to the next level with these drizzles and sauces:

• Caramel sauce or caramel bits
• Hot fudge sauce
• Chocolate sauce
• Salted caramel sauce

Crunchy Toppings

Add some crunch to your hot chocolate with these toppings:

• Toffee bits
• Crushed toffee bits
• Sliced or chopped nuts – Almonds, pepitas, etc.
• Chocolate-dipped pretzel rods
• Pretzels
• Shortbread sticks
• Pirouette cookies
• Graham crackers
• Crushed Oreos or other cookies
• Chocolate chips
• Finely chopped nuts
• Candy cane pieces
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Chocolate shavings
• Cinnamon
• Orange zest
• Toasted coconut
• Sprinkles

Alcoholic Toppings

Make your hot chocolate a little more festive with these alcoholic additions:

• Spirits – Vodka, bourbon, whiskey, etc.
• Flavoured vodka – Cherry, whipped cream, caramel, etc.
• Liqueurs – Bailey’s Irish cream, Amarula, Frangelico, etc.

Other Toppings

• Ice cream – Peppermint stick, chocolate, vanilla, etc.
• Raisins/Craisins/dried cherries
• Butterscotch chips
• Mini peanut butter cups
• A pinch of salt
• Cayenne
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Coffee
• Butter
• Peanut butter

How to Make Hot Chocolate in a Crock Pot

Ingredients

• Heavy whipping cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Milk (whole or 2%)
• Chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet)
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• Vanilla extract
• Marshmallows, for serving
• Sugar (optional)

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a crock pot/slow cooker. If you are using cocoa powder, whisk it into the liquid before adding the chocolate chips.
• Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
• When the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is warm, it is ready to serve. Give it a final stir and ladle into mugs.
• Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or other toppings of your choice.

Tips

• You can heat the milk in the microwave first to speed up the melting process.
• Keep the crock pot on a low heat setting to avoid burning or scorching the milk.
• If you are making this for a crowd, set out mugs or heat-proof cups with a ladle so guests can serve themselves.
• Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days and reheated as needed.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Serving Tips

The amount of hot chocolate you can make depends on the capacity of your crock pot. A single batch of hot chocolate fills a 5-quart crockpot, while a double batch requires a 6-7 quart crockpot or larger.

You can keep your crock pot on the warm setting for up to four hours. Be sure to stir the hot chocolate before serving, as chocolate can film over the top or sides.

Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Store leftover hot chocolate in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

The best way to transport hot chocolate to a party is by using a large, insulated container. Give the container a shake before serving to ensure everything is mixed together.

Set out mugs or heat-proof cups with a ladle on a spoon rest next to the crockpot. You can also leave bowls of toppings next to the crock pot for guests to add to their drinks.

Storing and Reheating Hot Chocolate

When storing hot chocolate, it is important to consider the ingredients and their respective expiration dates. Hot chocolate with milk, for example, will have a shorter shelf life than hot chocolate made with longer-lasting ingredients such as water or UHT milk.

Hot chocolate can be stored in a glass jar with a lid or any airtight food storage container. It should be kept in the refrigerator and will typically last for 2-5 days.

When reheating hot chocolate, transfer the desired amount to a small saucepan and heat slowly over medium-low heat. Avoid boiling the hot chocolate, as this can cause the milk to curdle. Additionally, avoid adding water to the hot chocolate, as this can cause the chocolate to seize and become lumpy. If you are reheating a small amount, you can simply use the microwave.

Frequently asked questions