Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 can condensed milk, sweetened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 gallon milk (2%)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Supplies
- crockpot
- whisk
Directions
Place chocolate chips, condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla in the crockpot. Stir to combine ingredients.
Cover, and cook cocoa on low for two hours. Stir occasionally. Set crockpot on warm after two hours. Whisk to make a smooth mixture. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Hot cocoa ingredients may separate while in the slow cooker while on warm setting and need intermittent stirring before serving.
Making hot cocoa in the crockpot can be the perfect way to serve this chocolaty treat during parties and gatherings. While crockpot hot chocolate is similar to hot chocolate made in a pot over the stove, it tends to be more abundant in flavor and creamier in texture. This is typically due to the higher fat content in crockpot hot chocolate. Stovetop hot chocolate typically uses reduced or whole-fat milk, while most crockpot hot chocolate recipes introduce creams which create more delicious creamy flavors.
The set it and forget it approach crockpot hot chocolate means you can enjoy your gathering rather than fire up the stove everytime someone wants a cup. There are several ways to dress up your crockpot hot chocolate. Everything from the main ingredients to the toppings can be mixed and matched to create unique, decadent flavors.
Hot Chocolate Toppings
Toppings are a great way to create a unique hot chocolate for the holidays. If you’re having a party or gathering, you can even set up a toppings bar so guests can create their own hot chocolate creations. Here are a few great hot cocoa toppings ideas to get you started:
- whipped cream
- chocolate sauce
- caramel sauce
- sprinkles
- chocolate chips
- white chocolate chips
- peanut butter chips
- butterscotch chips
- M&Ms
- toffee
- Pepperidge Farm Pirouettes
- crushed cookies
- candy canes
- hershey kisses
- shredded coconut
Mix-Ins To Create Exciting Flavors
Another way to personalize your hot cocoa recipe is to mix new and exciting ingredients into the decadent chocolaty beverage. There are a lot of options available to you, and they can be used to increase or decrease how rich the hot chocolate is. Trying creating a winning crockpot hot chocolate recipe of your own with some of these mix-ins:
- peppermint extract
- orange extract or zest
- peanut butter
- pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup
- cinnamon and cayenne
- ginger
- raspberry jam
- caramel
- eggnog
- chai tea latte concentrate
- coconut cream
Alcohol
There’s no better way to liven up a party, or a cup of hot cocoa in general, than with a bit of liquor mixed in. The flavors in crockpot hot chocolate pair with a wide variety of warming alcohol options. Everything from flavored vodka to bourbon and schnapps is on the table when you’re talking about adding alcohol to hot chocolate. Here’s a list of potential options to get you started.
- peppermint schnapps
- vanilla vodka
- marshmallow vodka
- whipped cream vodka
- cinnamon liqueur
- Bailey’s
- Kahlua
- rum
- tequila
- red wine
- frangelico
- whiskey
- Fireball
Options such as Fireball, peppermint schnapps, cinnamon liqueur, or marshmallow vodka can bring out the holiday spirit in anyone. Of course, all the possibilities above create amazing mixed drinks out of your crockpot hot chocolate.
Try making some crockpot hot chocolate this holiday season, and you won’t be disappointed. The rich and delicious flavor the crockpot method provides works perfectly with the holiday season and cold chilly weather. Just make sure you remember to stir intermittently to prevent some of the ingredients from settling. So snuggle up with some hot cocoa deliciousness of your own!
