Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate (Slow Cooker)
The easiest way to serve rich, velvety hot chocolate to a crowd! Simply dump all ingredients into the slow cooker, stir occasionally, and keep warm for hours.
Equipment
- 6-quart (or larger) Slow Cooker/Crockpot
- Whisk
- Ladle
Ingredients
Dairy and Liquids
- 6 cups Whole Milk Or use 2% milk
- 2 cups Heavy Cream Half-and-Half can be substituted for a lighter consistency
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk 14-ounce can
Chocolate Components
- 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Milk Chocolate Chips Use all Semi-Sweet chips for a deeper, darker chocolate flavor
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Flavoring and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt Crucial for enhancing chocolate flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Ensure the interior of the slow cooker insert is clean and dry. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and salt directly into the insert.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Use a sturdy whisk to thoroughly mix the liquids with the cocoa powder until the powder is fully dissolved and no clumps remain.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Pour in both the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. Give the mixture one final gentle stir to distribute the chips.
Cooking Process
- Set the Heat: Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook the mixture on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours.
- Stir Frequently: During the cooking process, lift the lid and stir the mixture every 30 to 45 minutes. This is essential to prevent the chocolate from settling or scorching on the bottom edges of the pot and ensures the chips melt completely.
- Finish Flavoring: Once the cook time is complete, the mixture should be completely smooth, lump-free, and uniformly dark brown. Turn the slow cooker off or switch it immediately to the KEEP WARM setting. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
Serving
- Maintain Temperature: Keep the Crockpot set to the 'KEEP WARM' setting for easy self-serving during parties or gatherings.
- Serve: Use a ladle to pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Serve with optional toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or peppermint sticks.
Notes
For a mocha variation, dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules along with the cocoa powder at the beginning of the preparation stage. You can easily double this recipe in an 8-quart slow cooker.