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Oh my goodness, friends, is there anything better than a warm, cozy drink on a chilly evening? Especially when that drink practically makes itself! Today, I’m bubbling over with excitement to share my absolute favorite way to make crockpot hot chocolate. Seriously, if you’re looking for an easy, hands-off method to whip up a dreamy, creamy batch for a crowd (or just yourself, no judgment!), this is it. It’s perfect for holiday parties, cozy movie nights, or just because. I first started making this for our big annual Christmas Eve gathering here in Seattle, and it was such a hit. It keeps everyone happy and warm, and it’s zero fuss for me, which is a total win!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Honestly, you’re going to wonder where this crockpot hot chocolate has been all your life! It’s one of those recipes that just makes life a little bit sweeter and a whole lot easier. Seriously, here’s why I just can’t get enough of it:
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Ingredients for Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Alright, let’s talk ingredients for this magical creamy crockpot hot chocolate! The beauty here is that it’s all super basic, pantry-friendly stuff. You don’t need anything fancy, just good quality ingredients to make that rich, chocolatey goodness. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 gallon whole milk (trust me, whole milk makes it so lusciously creamy!)
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (your favorite brand is just fine!)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- A tiny pinch of salt (this really brightens up all that chocolate flavor!)
How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, now for the fun part: actually making this fantastic homemade hot chocolate! This is where the magic of the slow cooker truly shines. It’s so hands-off, you’ll feel like you’re cheating, but I promise, the results are pure deliciousness. Just remember, we’re aiming for warm and melty, not boiling!
- Pour in all the milks: Grab your big 6-quart (or larger!) slow cooker. Pour in the entire gallon of whole milk, the can of sweetened condensed milk, and the evaporated milk. Easy peasy!
- Add the chocolatey goodness: Now, dump in your semi-sweet chocolate chips, the unsweetened cocoa powder, that little pinch of salt (seriously, don’t skip it!), and the vanilla extract.
- Give it a good stir: Take a whisk and really get in there! Stir everything together until it looks pretty well combined. Don’t worry if the chocolate chips aren’t melting yet, that’s what the crockpot is for!
- Set it and forget it (mostly!): Pop the lid on and set your crockpot to LOW. Let it cook for 2-3 hours. Here’s the key: you’ll want to give it a good stir every 30-45 minutes or so, just to make sure those chocolate chips are melting evenly and nothing’s sticking. The goal is hot and smooth, but definitely NOT boiling.
- Keep it warm: Once it’s all melty, smooth, and wonderfully hot, switch your crockpot to the “warm” setting. This keeps it at the perfect serving temperature for hours without overcooking.
- Serve it up! Ladle it into mugs and get ready for pure bliss!
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Okay, so you’ve got the basic steps down, but if you really want your homemade crockpot hot chocolate to sing, I’ve got a few little secrets up my sleeve for ya! These are the things I’ve learned over countless batches that really make a difference. Trust me, these tiny tweaks will elevate your hot chocolate game from good to absolutely *unforgettable*.
- Don’t Be a Stranger to that Whisk: I know it’s a slow cooker, but those chocolate chips can be a little stubborn! Give it a good stir every 30-45 minutes, especially in the first hour. It helps everything melt evenly and stops anything from sticking to the bottom.
- Heat, Don’t Boil: This is a big one! We want a gentle warmth, not a rolling boil. Boiling can scorch the milk and change the texture of your lovely hot chocolate. Low and slow is truly the way to go.
- Quality Matters (a little!): While you don’t need fancy dark chocolate bars, using a good quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips really does make a difference in the depth of flavor.
- Salt is Your Friend: Seriously, don’t skip that pinch of salt! It magically brings out all the chocolate notes and balances the sweetness. It’s like a secret flavor enhancer!
- Scale with Care: This recipe makes a big batch, which is awesome for parties. If you’re cutting it down, remember to adjust all the ingredients proportionally!
Serving Suggestions for Your Crockpot Hot Chocolate Bar
Okay, so your crockpot hot chocolate is ready, warm, and waiting – now comes the *best* part, building an epic hot chocolate bar! This is where you can really get creative and let everyone customize their perfect cup. It’s such a festive and fun way to serve a crowd, and honestly, setting out toppings is almost as much fun as drinking the hot chocolate! Think about all the possibilities:
- Whipped Cream & Marshmallows: The classics! Keep a can of whipped cream handy or whip up a fresh batch. Mini marshmallows are always a hit, but big, fluffy ones are too!
- Chocolate Shavings & Chips: More chocolate is always a good idea, right?
- Peppermint Sticks & Crushed Candy Canes: Especially around the holidays, these add a delightful minty kick.
- Caramel Sauce & Chocolate Syrup: For those who love a little extra drizzle of sweetness.
- Sprinkles & Candies: Fun for kids (and adults, let’s be real!).
- Spices: A little cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne (for a Mexican hot chocolate vibe!) can be amazing.
- Cookies: Put out some cookies for dipping! Gingersnaps or shortbread are fantastic.
- Boozy Add-ins (for the grown-ups!): Irish cream, Kahlua, or a splash of peppermint schnapps can turn it into a grown-up treat. (Just make sure these are clearly labeled and separate!)
Seriously, make it a whole experience with a full-blown hot cocoa bar! Your guests will love it, and it makes serving super easy for you.
Common Questions About Crockpot Hot Chocolate
I get a lot of questions about making homemade hot chocolate in the crockpot, which makes total sense! It’s such a genius method, but sometimes there are little tweaks or concerns. So, I’ve rounded up some of the most common things people ask me about this slow cooker hot chocolate, and I’ll spill all my secrets to make sure yours turns out perfectly every single time!
Can I make dairy-free crockpot hot chocolate?
Absolutely! You can totally make this a dairy-free crockpot hot chocolate. Swap the whole milk for unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. For the condensed and evaporated milks, look for dairy-free versions (they exist!). Just make sure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free, and you’re good to go!
How do I prevent my crockpot hot chocolate from becoming too thick or thin?
Great question! To keep your creamy crockpot hot chocolate just right, make sure you don’t let it boil; that can make it too thick. Stirring occasionally is also super important to ensure even heating and melting. If it gets a little too thick, just whisk in a splash more milk (dairy or non-dairy!) until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, you might need a bit more chocolate or cocoa powder next time!
What are the best chocolate chips for crockpot hot chocolate?
For this recipe, I usually stick with semi-sweet chocolate chips because they strike a nice balance between sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. Milk chocolate chips work too if you like a sweeter, milder flavor, but they can make it quite sweet! Dark chocolate chips are fantastic if you want a really intense, less sweet hot chocolate. Just avoid those super waxy baking chocolate chips, as they don’t melt as smoothly.
Storage and Reheating Your Crockpot Hot Chocolate
So, you’ve made a giant batch of this amazing crockpot hot chocolate, and somehow there’s some leftover? (Honestly, I’m impressed!). Don’t let it go to waste! It’s super easy to store and reheat. Just let it cool down completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. When you’re ready for another cozy mug, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or back in your crockpot on the “warm” setting. Just be careful not to boil it again, we want that creamy goodness to stay!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Just a little heads-up about the nutritional info for this tasty crockpot hot chocolate! Please remember that any numbers you see are just estimates. They can totally change based on the specific brands of milk, chocolate chips, and other ingredients you use. I always recommend checking the labels on your own ingredients for the most accurate details for your batch!
Enjoy Your Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate!
So, there you have it, folks! My absolute favorite, super simple, and oh-so-delicious crockpot hot chocolate recipe. I really hope you give this a whirl for your next gathering, or even just for a quiet, cozy evening at home. It truly makes life a little sweeter!
If you try it out, please, please let me know what you think! Drop a comment below, or better yet, rate the recipe and tell me what your favorite toppings were. I just love hearing from you and seeing all your delicious creations!
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Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 min
- Yield: Many servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make hot chocolate in a crockpot. This recipe is for a crowd and uses milk, chocolate chips, and cocoa powder.
Ingredients
Scale- 1 gallon milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pour all the milk (whole, condensed, and evaporated) into a large crockpot (6-quart or larger).
- Add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the crockpot.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is hot and smooth. Do not let it boil.
- Once hot, switch the crockpot to the “warm” setting to keep the hot chocolate at an ideal serving temperature.
- Serve with your favorite toppings such as whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or peppermint sticks.
Notes
- Use a 6-quart or larger crockpot for this recipe.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even melting.
- Do not let the hot chocolate boil.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg