Crock Pot Hot Chocolate: A Warm, Indulgent Treat

Crockpot hot chocolate is a delicious, creamy, and indulgent treat, perfect for cold winter days or holiday parties. But how many calories are in this tasty beverage? Well, that can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. For example, one recipe for crockpot hot chocolate yields about 300 calories per cup, while another recipe has about 490 calories per serving. So, it's safe to say that crockpot hot chocolate is a decadent treat, with calories ranging from 300 to nearly 500 per serving.

Crockpot hot chocolate calories: 160kcal-497kcal

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Calories: 160kcal–497kcal

Crockpot hot chocolate is a delicious and indulgent treat, perfect for warming you up on a cold day. It's easy to make and can be customised with various toppings and flavours. But how many calories are in this tasty beverage? Well, that depends on the recipe and the ingredients used. Let's take a look at some examples.

The Carefree Kitchen's Crockpot Hot Chocolate

The recipe shared by The Carefree Kitchen yields about 8 cups of hot chocolate with approximately 8 ounces per serving. According to their nutritional information, each serving contains about 160 calories. This recipe uses sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt, and whole milk, with the option to substitute 1 cup of milk with heavy cream for an even richer texture.

The Country Cook's Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

On the other hand, The Country Cook's recipe for Crock Pot Hot Chocolate comes in at 497 calories per serving. Their recipe includes unsweetened cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This recipe also yields about 8 cups, but the higher calorie count is likely due to the addition of whipping cream and a larger amount of chocolate chips.

The Recipe Rebel's Crockpot Hot Chocolate

The Recipe Rebel offers a dairy-free and vegan option for crockpot hot chocolate, which affects the calorie count. Their recipe, which serves 8, has 303 calories per cup. It uses whole milk, half-and-half cream, granulated sugar, semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. You can also add mini marshmallows as a topping.

Your Homebased Mom's Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Your Homebased Mom shares a recipe that falls somewhere in the middle, with 257 calories per serving. Their recipe includes unsweetened cocoa powder, hot water, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, whole milk, and optionally, malted milk powder. This recipe yields about 4 servings and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

One Good Thing by Jillee's Crockpot Hot Cocoa

Lastly, One Good Thing by Jillee's crockpot hot cocoa recipe has 435 calories per serving. Their recipe is quite indulgent, including heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips. It serves about 12 cups of hot chocolate, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.

In conclusion, the calorie count for crockpot hot chocolate can vary depending on the ingredients and serving sizes. It's a treat that can be customised to your taste and dietary preferences, whether you're looking for a rich and indulgent dessert or a lighter, dairy-free option.

Dairy-free/vegan crockpot hot chocolate

Dairy-free and vegan crockpot hot chocolate is a delicious, creamy, and chocolatey treat that can be enjoyed by people with dietary restrictions or preferences. Here is a guide on how to make it, along with some tips and tricks to make it your own!

Ingredients

The ingredients for this hot chocolate can be adjusted based on your preferences and dietary needs. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Dairy-free milk: Options include soy milk, rice milk, oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or hemp milk.
• Sweetener: You can use powdered sugar, coconut sugar, or vegan cane sugar. You can adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste preferences.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-free Chocolate: Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, or a chocolate bar. You can also use dairy-free chocolate syrup.
• Flavorings: Vanilla extract, peppermint extract, cinnamon, or other spices can be added for extra flavor.
• Toppings: Marshmallows (regular or vegan), candy canes, whipped coconut cream, or crushed nuts can be offered on the side.

Method

The method for making crockpot hot chocolate is simple and allows you to adjust it to your taste:

• Combine the dry ingredients: In your crockpot or slow cooker, combine the dairy-free milk powder, sweetener, cocoa powder, and any additional flavorings like cinnamon or arrowroot starch. Whisk them together to ensure they are well mixed.
• Add liquid ingredients: Pour in your chosen dairy-free milk and any liquid sweeteners. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low or high heat. Cooking times will vary depending on your crockpot and the amount of liquid. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
• Serve: Once the hot chocolate is heated through and all the ingredients are combined, it is ready to serve. Keep the crockpot on a low setting to keep the drink warm. Offer toppings on the side so your guests can customize their cups of hot chocolate.

Tips and Variations

• For a larger crowd, simply double or triple the recipe.
• If you want to make it ahead of time, prepare the mixture and store it in the crockpot in the fridge until you're ready to turn on the heat.
• To make it extra creamy, add a cup of dairy-free cream or substitute a cup of milk with cream.
• Experiment with different flavors by adding a splash of flavored extracts like peppermint or almond.
• For a festive touch, serve the hot chocolate with candy canes and cinnamon sticks for stirring.
• If you like your hot chocolate extra sweet, you can add additional sweetener or use sweetened condensed milk.

Storing and reheating crockpot hot chocolate

• For a single serving, pour it into a mug and use the microwave. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it's warmed through.
• For multiple servings, you can use the stovetop method. Pour the desired amount into a small pot and gently reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
• If you're reheating a large batch, you can also use the slow cooker. Turn the crockpot to warm for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.

Remember, it's important not to overheat your hot chocolate, as this can cause the chocolate and sugars to burn. The ideal temperature range is between 160°F and 185°F (71°C and 85°C).

Crockpot hot chocolate toppings

The Classic Toppings

For a classic hot chocolate experience, you can't go wrong with marshmallows and whipped cream. Whether you prefer mini marshmallows, regular marshmallows, or jumbo-sized ones, they make for a beloved and classic topping. For a decadent treat, top your hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream.

Chocolatey Toppings

For an extra chocolatey treat, sprinkle a few semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. You could also experiment with white chocolate, dark chocolate, butterscotch, mint chocolate, or salted caramel chips. A handful of milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips will take the chocolate factor up a notch.

A Minty Twist

For a minty and festive twist, sprinkle some crushed peppermint over the top. Alternatively, use a peppermint stick or candy cane as a drink stirrer. As it melts, it will add a burst of mint flavour to the chocolate.

Drizzle Something Sweet

Try drizzling some caramel sauce or ice cream topping over your marshmallows or whipped cream.

Nuts About Toppings

Dip the rim of your mug in some melted chocolate, then roll the rim in a dish of chopped nuts, crushed peppermint, or sprinkles for a decorative finish.

For the Coffee Lover

Try adding a spoonful of instant coffee granules for an afternoon caffeine boost.

Crockpot hot chocolate for a crowd

Ingredients:

• Milk (whole or reduced-fat)
• Chocolate chips (semisweet, or dark)
• Heavy whipping cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Optional: a pinch of salt
• Optional: toppings such as whipped cream, crushed Oreos, mini marshmallows, crushed nuts, candy canes, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate

Method:

• Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and stir to mix.
• Cover and cook on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Once the hot chocolate is ready, ladle it into mugs and add your desired toppings.

Tips:

• Experiment with unique flavour additions such as a splash of peppermint or almond extract.
• For an adult beverage, try adding some Kahlua, Peppermint Schnapps, or Rum Chata.
• If you're short on time, you can make this recipe on the stovetop by combining the ingredients in a large pot and heating on medium heat until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as the milk may separate.
• This recipe can also be made in the microwave, but it is not ideal for a large batch. Combine the ingredients in a large microwave-safe bowl, leaving some room at the top, and microwave in two-minute intervals, stirring well each time, until hot.
• For a dairy-free or vegan option, swap the milk for almond or coconut milk, and leave out the chocolate chips or substitute them with dairy-free chocolate.

Frequently asked questions