Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

When the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm cup of hot chocolate to bring comfort and joy. Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is not just a drink; it’s an experience that warms the heart and fills the room with delightful aromas. This recipe is simple, easy, and allows you to prepare a rich and creamy hot chocolate without any fuss. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or holiday celebrations, this slow cooker version allows you to serve multiple servings with minimal effort.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is loved for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly rich and creamy thanks to the combination of heavy cream and whole milk. The chocolate flavor is deep and satisfying, making it a favorite for chocolate lovers. The use of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing you up to enjoy time with family or guests. You can also customize it with your favorite toppings, making every cup unique and special. Whether it’s snowing outside or you’re just craving something warm and sweet, this creamy hot chocolate is sure to delight.

HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Making Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is easy and straightforward. Just gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps. In no time, you will have a delicious drink ready to serve.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this delicious hot chocolate, you will need the following equipment:

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife (for chopping chocolate)
• Ladle (for serving)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups whole milk
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 12 ounces semi-sweet baking bar, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Your favorite toppings (like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or crushed candy canes)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Making Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:

1. Add heavy cream: Pour half of the heavy cream into the slow cooker.
2. Whisk cocoa: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder to the heavy cream. Use a whisk to mix until well combined.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients: Pour in the rest of the heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Set the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 3 hours. Stir every 20 minutes during this time. This will help the chocolate melt and mix well.
5. Check the thickness: When the 3 hours are up, your hot chocolate should be perfectly creamy and warm. If it gets too thick, don’t worry! Just stir in a little more milk until it reaches your desired thickness.
6. Serve warm: Keep the hot chocolate on the warm setting if you are serving it throughout the evening.
7. Add toppings: Top each cup with your favorite toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or even crushed candy canes for an extra treat.

 

HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Serve your Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate in warm mugs. You can set up a little toppings bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and other fun toppings. This adds an interactive element to your serving and lets everyone customize their drink. Enjoy it with friends and family on a cold day for a perfect treat!

STORAGE & FREEZING: Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

If you have leftover hot chocolate, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pour it back into the slow cooker or warm it on the stovetop over low heat. If you want to freeze it, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate pairs well with several treats. Consider serving it with cookies, brownies, or even a slice of chocolate cake for an indulgent dessert. It also makes a great addition to holiday gatherings alongside a cheese platter or festive snacks.

VARIATIONS

There are many variations you can try with your Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate:

• Minty Hot Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
• Spicy Hot Chocolate: Mix in some cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm kick.
• Nutty Hot Chocolate: Stir in a little almond or hazelnut extract for a nutty flavor.
• Baileys Hot Chocolate: Add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream for an adult version!

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk? Yes, but using whole milk gives the creamiest result. Low-fat milk will work too, but the texture might be lighter.
2. How long can I keep the hot chocolate warm in the slow cooker? You can keep it warm for up to 3 hours. After that, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator.
3. Can I use unsweetened chocolate instead of a baking bar? Yes, you can use unsweetened chocolate, but you may want to add more sugar to balance the bitterness.
4. What kind of chocolate can I use? Semi-sweet chocolate works best, but you can also try dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can measure out the dry ingredients and chop the chocolate in advance. Store them in a sealed container until you are ready to make the hot chocolate. On the day you want to make it, simply mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker. This makes it easy to whip up a batch on a busy day or for gatherings. Enjoy the cozy flavors of Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate anytime!

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