When the chill of winter settles in (and it has), there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming hot cup of something delicious. Enter Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate—a rich, velvety treat that’s as easy as it is indulgent. Perfect for parties, family get-togethers, or cozy nights in, this recipe serves a crowd with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
This creamy hot chocolate goes soooo well with these amazing oatmeal butterscotch cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe
It's Customizable: Adjust the richness to your liking or add festive toppings for a personalized touch.
Effortless Preparation: Just five minutes of prep time and your slow cooker does the rest.
Perfect for Entertaining: No need to babysit the stove. Set it, stir occasionally, and serve when ready.
Rich and Creamy: Made with heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and real chocolate chips for a decadent, café-worthy experience.
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Ingredient Notes
This recipe is all about quality and simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate creamy crock pot hot chocolate:
- Heavy Cream (2 cups): Adds richness and creaminess to the base.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 14-ounce can): Provides sweetness and a velvety texture.
- Milk (6 cups): Balances the richness and gives the perfect consistency.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the flavor and gives a warm, aromatic touch.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¼ cup): Delivers a deep, chocolatey base.
- Milk Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Melt into the mixture for a luscious, smooth finish. For a deeper flavor, mix with semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Pinch of Salt: A little goes a long way to enhance the sweetness and chocolate flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
1. Combine Ingredients
Start by adding the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, milk, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt directly into your slow cooker. Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together. Don’t worry if the cocoa powder and chocolate chips don’t fully dissolve at this stage—it will blend as the mixture heats.
2. Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to LOW and cover. Let the hot chocolate cook for about two hours, stirring occasionally to help the chocolate chips melt evenly and prevent sticking. The slow and steady heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Serve and Enjoy
Once the mixture is fully melted and heated through, give it a good stir. Use a ladle to serve the hot chocolate into mugs. If you’re not serving immediately, switch your slow cooker to the WARM setting, keeping it ready to enjoy for up to two hours.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your hot chocolate will depend on the quality of your chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Splurge on good brands for the best results.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you find the hot chocolate too rich or sweet, substitute one cup of heavy cream for an additional cup of milk.
- Stir Occasionally: Don’t skip the stirring! This ensures the chocolate melts evenly and prevents any scorching at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the hot chocolate warm. If it sits for too long, give it a good stir before ladling into mugs.
Topping Ideas For Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Half the fun of hot chocolate is the toppings! Here are some delicious ways to elevate your creamy crock pot hot chocolate:
- Marshmallows: Classic and kid-approved. Try mini marshmallows or festive peppermint-flavored ones.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a fluffy, decadent touch.
- Candy Canes: Stir with a candy cane for a festive minty flavor.
- Cocoa Powder or Cinnamon: Dust the top for added warmth and aroma.
- Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle with milk or dark chocolate shavings for a professional look.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over whipped cream for a sweet, salty twist.
Hosting a Hot Chocolate Bar
Turn your creamy crock pot hot chocolate into the centerpiece of your next party by creating a DIY hot chocolate bar. Here’s how:
- Set Up a Topping Station: Lay out bowls of toppings like marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed peppermint, and whipped cream.
- Offer Mix-Ins: Provide guests with flavored syrups like caramel, hazelnut, or peppermint for a personalized twist. I use Torani syrups - they're handy for my coffee station, too!
- Add Some Flair: Serve with festive mugs, fun straws, or candy canes as stirrers.
- Label Everything: Use cute chalkboard labels or tags to identify toppings and mix-ins.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), let the hot chocolate cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in your slow cooker.
Why Make Hot Chocolate in a Crock Pot?
If you’ve never made hot chocolate in a slow cooker, you’re in for a treat. The low, even heat ensures the chocolate melts perfectly without burning. Plus, it frees you up to focus on hosting or enjoying the festivities. No stovetop stirring or reheating required!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in your refrigerator. When ready, pour the mixture into your slow cooker and heat as directed.
Can I Use a Smaller Slow Cooker?
This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker, but you can halve the ingredients for smaller batches. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What Type of Chocolate Chips Should I Use?
Milk chocolate chips are a crowd-pleaser, but you can mix in semi-sweet or even dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor.
Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a similar richness.
Festive Recipes For The Season
It's Christmas time, so to bring some holiday cheer to the ones you love, make some of these easy and delicious no-bake treats.
Happy Holidays! If you make this Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate for a holiday gathering, please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.
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Printable Recipe
Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Rubber spatula
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 14- ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or a combination of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a crockpot, add the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, milk, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt. Stir together until combined.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to LOW, cover, and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to make sure the chocolate melts evenly and the mixture is smooth.
- Serve: Once the hot chocolate is fully melted, creamy, and heated through, ladle it into mugs or keep it on the WARM setting until ready to serve. Make sure to give it a good stir it after it sits. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, a candy cane, or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
Notes
- This is the perfect large-batch hot chocolate recipe when entertaining!
- This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Keep on the warm setting for up to 2 hours for guests to enjoy throughout an event.
- If you prefer your hot chocolate to be a bit less rich, substitute one cup of heavy cream for an extra cup of milk.
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