Slow Simmered: The Art Of Crock Pot Hot Cocoa

How to Make Crock Pot Hot Cocoa

There's nothing quite like a warm mug of homemade Crock Pot Hot Cocoa on a cold winter day. This recipe is so easy to make and it tastes absolutely decadent. The slow cooker is perfect for serving a crowd!

Ingredients:

- Milk (whole or reduced-fat)

- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark)

- Heavy whipping cream

- Sweetened condensed milk

- Vanilla extract

Method:

Simply combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker, stir to combine, and cook on Low (stirring occasionally) until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Once you ladle the hot chocolate into a mug, the rest is up to you! Leave it plain or dress it up with your favorite toppings. Marshmallows are the traditional choice, of course, but that's not the only way to take your slow cooker hot chocolate up a notch. Here are some tasty, festive garnishes:

- Whipped cream

- Chocolate chips

- Caramel sauce

- Crushed peppermint

- Cinnamon

- Peppermint schnapps

- Kahlua

- Frangelico hazelnut liqueur

Ingredients

The ingredients for crock pot hot cocoa are simple and easy to find. Here is a detailed list of what you will need:

• Milk: You can use whole milk or reduced-fat milk for this recipe. If you prefer a dairy-free option, go for a creamy plant-based milk like oat milk.
• Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are recommended for a balanced flavor. However, you can also use milk or dark chocolate chips according to your taste preference.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This ingredient adds richness and creaminess to your hot cocoa.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in many decadent dessert recipes, and it plays a crucial role in this hot cocoa recipe.
• Vanilla: A small amount of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and adds a subtle complexity to your drink.

Optional Ingredients and Variations:

While the above ingredients form the base of your crock pot hot cocoa, there are several optional ingredients you can add to customize your drink:

• Alcohol: For an adult twist, try adding a splash of Baileys Irish Cream, peppermint schnapps, Kahlua, or Frangelico hazelnut liqueur to your crock pot hot cocoa.
• Coffee: Combine hot chocolate with coffee to create a café mocha. Add a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee to your cup and top it up with hot cocoa.
• Nutella: For an extra indulgent and nutty flavor, stir in a spoonful of Nutella into your hot cocoa.
• Toppings: Marshmallows are the classic choice, but feel free to get creative with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, crushed peppermint, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a crockpot or slow cooker. This includes milk, chocolate chips, heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. You can also add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder or coffee powder for a more intense flavor.
• Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the cocoa powder is dissolved and not floating on the top.
• Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on low heat for about 2 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it on high heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• During the cooking process, whisk the mixture occasionally to prevent the chocolate from sticking or burning. This is especially important if your slow cooker tends to get very hot.
• The hot chocolate is ready when the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Once the hot chocolate is ready, ladle it into serving mugs or cups.
• Top with your favorite garnishes such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a candy cane.
• If you're serving this at a party, you can keep the crockpot on the "warm" setting to maintain the temperature of the hot chocolate. Just make sure to stir it occasionally.
• Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Toppings

There are many ways to top off your crock-pot hot chocolate. Here are some ideas:

• Marshmallows: mini, regular, or jumbo-sized, you can't go wrong with this classic topping.
• Whipped cream: for a decadent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream.
• Chocolate chips: a handful of milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips will take the chocolate factor up a notch.
• Caramel sauce: drizzle some caramel sauce on top for a tasty finish.
• Crushed peppermint: sprinkle some crushed peppermint on top for a minty and festive twist.
• Cinnamon: finish your hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or add a cinnamon stick for a stirrer.
• Shaved chocolate: chill a chocolate bar and grate it with a cheese grater or vegetable peeler to sprinkle on top.
• Nuts: dip the rim of your mug in melted chocolate and then roll it in a dish of chopped nuts.
• Ice cream topping: add a drizzle of ice cream topping, such as fudge, caramel, or strawberry sauce, over marshmallows or whipped cream.
• Cinnamon sugar: sprinkle the perfect combination of cinnamon and sugar on top of the whipped cream.
• Cherry: put a cherry on top for a classic finish.

Variations

There are many ways to vary your crock-pot hot cocoa recipe to make it even more delicious. Here are some ideas:

Flavours

You can experiment with different flavours to create a unique and tasty hot chocolate. For example, you could try adding a candy cane or some mint extract for a refreshing peppermint hot chocolate. Alternatively, stir in a spoonful of caramel sauce and a pinch of salt for a salted caramel twist. If you're a coffee lover, try adding a spoonful of instant coffee granules for a caffeine boost.

Alcoholic Twist

For an adult-only beverage, you can try adding a splash of your favourite liqueur. Peppermint Schnapps, Kahlua, Rum Chata, Irish cream liqueur, or a dash of whiskey are all great options.

Dairy-Free/Vegan Options

You can easily make this recipe dairy-free or vegan by swapping out a few ingredients. Replace the milk with almond or coconut milk, and leave out the chocolate chips or substitute them with dairy-free chocolate. You can also use canned coconut cream or another dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and opt for dairy-free sweetened condensed milk.

Toppings

Toppings are a great way to elevate your hot chocolate and make it extra indulgent. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Semi-sweet, white, dark, butterscotch, mint, or salted caramel chocolate chips
• Peppermint stick or candy cane to use as a stirrer
• Flavoured syrups such as hazelnut, French vanilla, or pumpkin spice
• Whipped cream topped with crushed peppermint or shaved chocolate
• Dip the rim of your mug in melted chocolate and then roll it in chopped nuts, crushed peppermint, or sprinkles
• Add a teaspoon of Nutella or a drizzle of ice cream topping such as fudge sauce, caramel sauce, or strawberry topping
• Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the whipped cream
• Add a cherry on top!

Storage

Storing your crock-pot hot cocoa is easy! Once it's ready, you can keep it warm in the crock-pot for up to 4 hours. If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy your hot cocoa again, simply rewarm it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking to recombine.

Frequently asked questions