Slow-Cooked Comfort: Mastering Hot Chocolate In A Crock Pot

Making hot chocolate in a crock pot is a great way to serve a large batch of hot chocolate at a gathering or party. It's easy to make, stays warm for hours, and is a great alternative to using a stovetop. The recipe typically involves combining milk, cream, chocolate chips, sugar, and vanilla extract in a slow cooker and cooking on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is hot.

Ingredients and measurements

The ingredients and their measurements for making hot chocolate in a crock pot vary slightly between recipes. Here is a list of ingredients and their measurements collated from several recipes:

• 3 cups of whole milk (or 6 cups if you don't want to use heavy cream)
• 1-2 cups of heavy whipping cream (or half-and-half)
• 14 oz of sweetened condensed milk
• 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (or 1 tablespoon)
• 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract (or 1 tablespoon)
• 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or coffee powder (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• 6-10 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars (or 2 cups)

Some recipes also suggest various toppings and add-ins, such as:

• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate chips
• Caramel sauce
• Crushed peppermint
• Cinnamon
• Alcohol (e.g. Baileys Irish Cream, peppermint schnapps, Kahlua, Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, or brandy)
• Nutella
• Candy canes

Variations and Substitutions

Some recipes offer variations and substitutions for certain ingredients:

• For a less creamy version, you can use 2% milk instead of whole milk.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
• You can use different types of sugar, such as white sugar, organic cane sugar, or honey.
• You can use any variety of chocolate, including milk, semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate.
• You can substitute vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste or the seeds from a vanilla bean.
• If you want to make the hot chocolate dairy-free or vegan, you can use canned coconut cream or another dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream, dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free/vegan chocolate chips.

Step-by-step instructions

How to Make Hot Chocolate in a Crock Pot

Making hot chocolate in a crock pot is a great way to make a large batch for a group of people. It's also a good way to keep hot chocolate warm for a long period of time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

You will need the following ingredients:

• Milk (whole milk is recommended for the creamiest result, but 2% milk can also be used)
• Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream (half-and-half can be used as a substitute)
• Granulated sugar (white sugar, organic cane sugar, or honey can also be used)
• Chocolate (either chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars; semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate are good options)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Instant espresso powder or coffee powder (optional)

You will also need a crock pot or slow cooker. A 4-quart or larger capacity is recommended.

Step 2: Prepare the Cocoa Powder

In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder with a small amount of hot milk and whisk until smooth. This step helps to prevent lumps in the final product.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Add all the ingredients to the crock pot, including the cocoa powder mixture from the previous step. The order of adding the ingredients does not matter. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Step 4: Cook the Hot Chocolate

Cover the crock pot and cook the hot chocolate on low heat for about 2 hours. Whisk the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking or burning. The hot chocolate is ready when all the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and hot.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the hot chocolate is ready, ladle it into mugs and serve. You can top it with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or other desired toppings.

Notes and Variations:

• This recipe can be made dairy-free by substituting coconut milk or other non-dairy milk for the dairy milk and cream.
• For a festive touch, add a candy cane or peppermint stick as a stirrer.
• To make an adult version, add a splash of liqueur such as Baileys, peppermint schnapps, or brandy.
• Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Topping ideas

There are endless possibilities when it comes to topping ideas for your hot chocolate. Here are some classic and creative suggestions to get you started:

Classic Toppings

• Marshmallows: Go for regular, mini, or even snowflake-shaped marshmallows for a festive touch.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to your hot chocolate.
• Chocolate Shavings or Sprinkles: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings or coloured sprinkles for added sweetness and texture.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Not for eating, but a fun and aromatic stirrer for your hot chocolate.

Stir-Ins

• Liquid Coffee Creamers: Experiment with different flavours like vanilla, caramel, or pumpkin spice.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some homemade caramel sauce into your hot chocolate for a indulgent treat.
• White Chocolate Truffles: Allow these to melt into your hot chocolate for an extra creamy and decadent experience.

Sprinkle on Top

• Chopped Peppermint Bark: Adds a refreshing minty flavour and a festive touch.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Especially delicious when paired with caramel sauce, adding a savoury contrast to your drink.
• Crushed Biscuits or Cookies: Try Biscoff, graham crackers, gingerbread cookies, or even Oreo cookies for a unique crunch.
• Chopped Reese's Cups: For peanut butter lovers, this will be a delightful surprise in their hot chocolate.

Dipping Treats

• Cookies: Chocolate chip, double chocolate, peanut butter, or wafer cookies are all excellent choices for dipping into your hot chocolate.
• Chocolate Peppermint Swizzle Sticks: A fun and festive way to stir your hot chocolate while adding a minty flavour.
• Rolled Wafer Cookies: Try chocolate- or strawberry-filled wafer cookies for a sweet and crunchy treat.
• Pretzel Balls: Yogurt-covered pretzel balls offer a sweet and salty contrast to your drink.
• Chocolate-Covered Caramels: For an extra indulgent treat, allow these to melt into your hot chocolate.

Storing and reheating

When you're ready to reheat, simply reheat it in the microwave using a microwave-safe mug. Heat the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring after each one, until it's warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove. Place the leftover hot chocolate in a small saucepan and heat it slowly over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired temperature.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve hot chocolate made in a crock pot. Here are some ideas:

Toppings

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

• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
• Mini candy canes
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• White chocolate chips
• Dark chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips
• Mint chocolate chips
• Salted caramel chips
• Crushed peppermint
• Sprinkles
• Chopped nuts

Rim garnishes

Take your hot chocolate to the next level by dipping the rim of your mugs in melted chocolate and then rolling the rim in a dish of:

• Chopped nuts
• Crushed peppermint
• Sprinkles

Stirrers

Add a burst of flavour to your hot chocolate by using a peppermint stick or candy cane as a drink stirrer.

Sauces

Add a drizzle of sauce over your marshmallows or whipped cream as a finishing touch. Here are some sauce ideas:

• Homemade fudge sauce
• Homemade caramel sauce
• Butterscotch sauce
• Strawberry topping

Alcoholic beverages

For an adult beverage, try adding a splash of one of the following:

• Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey's)
• Kahlua
• Peppermint schnapps
• Brandy
• Whiskey
• Rum Chata

Extras

For an extra special touch, try adding one of the following to your mug before pouring in the hot chocolate:

• A teaspoon of Nutella
• A teaspoon of instant coffee granules

Frequently asked questions