Using Your Crock Pot To Make Hot Chocolate: A Cozy Winter Treat

Yes, you can put hot chocolate mix in a crock pot. In fact, it's a popular way to make hot chocolate, especially when serving a large group of people or at a party. It's easy to make and stays warm in the crock pot, so you can keep coming back for refills.

Crockpot hot chocolate with alcohol

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 6 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch process cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder or coffee powder (optional)
• Alcohol of choice (Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, bourbon, rum, peppermint schnapps, Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, etc.)
• Toppings of choice (marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, crushed peppermint, cinnamon, etc.)

Method

Place all the ingredients, except the alcohol and toppings, into a 3-quart slow cooker (or a 5-quart or larger if doubling the recipe): milk, half-and-half, chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, espresso powder, and salt. Whisk briskly to dissolve the cocoa powder and prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until nothing floats to the top.

Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Whisk occasionally to prevent the chocolate from burning or sticking to the bottom of the crockpot. Once the chocolate is smoothly melted, you can serve it. To keep it warm, switch to the "low" or "keep warm" setting. Do not keep it on high, as the chocolate may burn or separate if it gets too hot.

Finally, add your alcohol of choice and ladle into serving cups. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips

• This recipe is perfect for holiday parties or gatherings, as it serves a crowd and can be kept warm in the crockpot.
• For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol.
• To prevent the chocolate from burning, stir every 30 minutes or so.
• For extra decadence, swap the half-and-half for heavy whipping cream.
• If you prefer your hot chocolate less sweet, reduce or omit the sugar.
• For a thicker, richer hot chocolate, use whole milk instead of 2% or another type of milk.
• To store leftovers, refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days and reheat gently on a stovetop.

How to make crockpot hot chocolate

Ingredients

• Heavy whipping cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
• Whole milk
• Half-and-half or heavy cream
• Dark or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch process cocoa powder
• Instant espresso powder or coffee powder (optional)
• Salt

Method

• Place all the ingredients, except for the toppings, into a 3-quart slow cooker (or a 5-quart or larger if you are doubling the recipe): milk, half-and-half or heavy cream, chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, espresso powder, and salt.
• Briskly whisk to dissolve the cocoa powder and keep whisking until none of it floats to the top. This may take 1 to 2 minutes.
• Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Whisk occasionally to make sure the chocolate isn't sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
• Once it's hot and the chocolate is melted smoothly, you can serve it. Keep it on low or switch to "keep warm" if your crockpot has that setting. Do not keep it on high, as the chocolate may burn or separate if it gets too hot.
• Ladle into serving cups and add your toppings of choice.

Tips

• If you are serving this at a party and leaving the slow cooker on, check periodically to make sure the chocolate isn't burning or curdling. This is especially important as the amount of hot chocolate in the crockpot lessens.
• You can keep this hot chocolate warm for about 4 hours using the warm setting on your crockpot. Just be sure to give it a stir before serving!
• You can reheat any leftover hot chocolate in your microwave or in a pot on your stovetop.
• To store, refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Variations and Toppings

• Alcohol: Add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream, Peppermint Schnapps, Kahlua, Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, or brandy for an adult beverage.
• Coffee: Mix hot chocolate and coffee together to create a drink called café mocha. Add a shot of espresso or a pour of strongly brewed coffee to your cup, then top with as much hot chocolate as you like.
• Nutella: Stir in a spoonful of Nutella for an extra rich and tasty hot chocolate.
• Marshmallows: Whether you prefer mini, regular, or jumbo-sized marshmallows, this classic topping never goes out of style.
• Whipped Cream: For a decadent treat, top your hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Chocolate Chips: A handful of milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips will take the chocolate factor up a notch.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce on top is a tasty addition.
• Crushed Peppermint: For a minty and festive twist, sprinkle some crushed peppermint over the top.
• Cinnamon: Finish your hot chocolate batch with a sprinkle of cinnamon or add some cinnamon sticks.

Crockpot hot chocolate toppings

Making hot chocolate in a crockpot is a great way to serve a crowd, and there are endless ways to top off this indulgent drink. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

Classic Toppings

For a classic take on hot chocolate, stick to toppings like:

• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate chips
• Cinnamon
• Cinnamon sticks

Festive Toppings

For a festive twist, try these toppings:

• Peppermint marshmallows
• Candy cane pieces or mini candy canes
• Crushed peppermint
• Peppermint schnapps, Baileys, or Kahlua
• Salted caramel sauce
• Chocolate bark

Indulgent Toppings

For an extra indulgent treat, why not try:

• White, dark, butterscotch, mint chocolate, or salted caramel chips
• A peppermint stick or candy cane as a stirrer
• Flavoured syrups like hazelnut, French vanilla, or pumpkin spice
• Shaved chocolate
• A drizzle of ice cream topping, such as fudge, caramel, or strawberry sauce
• A cherry

Adult-Only Toppings

For an adult-only beverage, you could add a splash of:

• Peppermint schnapps
• Kahlua
• Baileys
• Frangelico
• Brandy

There are endless ways to customise and top your crockpot hot chocolate, so get creative and enjoy!

How to store leftover hot chocolate

Storing leftover hot chocolate is simple. You can keep it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or heat it in the microwave in 30-second increments. Make sure to stir or whisk the hot chocolate as it reheats to prevent it from burning or curdling.

If you're storing a large batch of hot chocolate, you can keep it warm in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot, or use a thermos to maintain its temperature.

Hot chocolate can spoil if not stored or handled properly, so it's important to consume it within 3 to 5 days and always check for any signs of spoilage before drinking.

Dairy-free crockpot hot chocolate

Ingredients:

• Dairy-free chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Sugar (white or brown)
• Sea salt
• Dairy-free milk (soy, almond, cashew, rice, or coconut milk)
• Vanilla extract or paste
• Optional: instant espresso powder, cinnamon, peppermint, or other flavourings

Method:

• Add all the ingredients, except your chosen toppings, to a 3-quart slow cooker (or a 5-quart or larger if doubling the recipe).
• Whisk briskly for at least 3 minutes to prevent clumping and ensure the cocoa is fully mixed in.
• Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Whisk occasionally to prevent the chocolate from sticking or burning.
• Ladle into serving cups and add your chosen toppings.

Tips:

• For a richer flavour, use whole milk and a touch of half-and-half or heavy cream.
• For extra decadence, swap the half-and-half for heavy whipping cream.
• To intensify the chocolate flavour, add a small amount of instant espresso powder.
• To store, refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days and reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop.

Toppings:

• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate chips
• Caramel sauce
• Crushed peppermint
• Cinnamon

Frequently asked questions