This easy, creamy and indulgent hot chocolate is made in the slow cooker for the perfect winter warmer drink. An easy way to make hot chocolate for a crowd, this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is a must during the festive season, or to be ready when you come in from a walk on a cold day or a snow day. Only 4 ingredients and 1 minute prep time.
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This is the ultimate indulgent hot chocolate, and the best thing is that it is all done in the slow cooker, making it super easy too. You will never use a powdered hot chocolate mix again.
Our hot chocolate in the slow cooker is loaded with whipped cream and marshmallows, and it is our Christmas Eve tradition that the kids LOVE. But, it doesn't just have to be for Christmas or special occasions. Making hot chocolate in the slow cooker is perfect for when you need something easy.
Easy to customise, so either keep this plain or add a flavouring to mix it up a bit. We have added a version with alcohol for the grown-ups too.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Milk - We used full fat milk in this slow cooker hot chocolate, as we find that it helps to make it really thick and creamy. You could use skimmed or semi skimmed, and it would lower the calories, but it would also make it thinner.
- Cream - Heavy cream helps to make it really indulgent. You could leave it out, but it wouldn't be as thick and creamy.
- Chocolate - We used a mixture of milk chocolate and dark chocolate. You could just use one, but we find this balance is just perfect. Try to use the best quality chocolate you can, as you really will taste the difference. You want the best chocolate flavor. You could use a mixture of unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate if you wanted to make it a bit lighter.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Step 1: Put all of the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Cook on low for 2 and a half hours. Stir twice during cooking.
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Flavours
The great thing about this crock pot hot chocolate, is that there are so many different ways to flavour it. You never have to have it the same way twice. Here are some of our favourite ingredients to add to it:
- Orange extract
- Peppermint extract
- Vanilla
- Nutella
- Cinnamon
- Hazelnut syrup
- Rum
- Baileys
- Bourbon
- Kahlua
You could also throw some marshmallows in about 20 minutes before it is finished cooking. Once they have melted, stir them into everything as they make it even creamier.
Toppings
What makes this hot chocolate in the slow cooker really indulgent, is the toppings. You could just serve it as it is and that would lower the calories, but this is meant to be an indulgent treat. Toppings are a must if you are making a serve yourself hot chocolate bar. Here are some of our favourite topping options:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
- Sprinkles
- Dark chocolate chips
- Caramel syrup
- Chocolate syrup
- Orange zest
- Peanut butter
- Cinnamon (or cinnamon sticks)
- Coconut shavings
- Candied ginger
- Your favourite chocolate bars, chopped
- Caramel Sauce
- Candy cane stirrers
- Chopped up fudge
If you have already made your own Hot Chocolate Station, then this is the best hot chocolate to make to go with it.
Dannii's Top Tips
- For best results, stir twice during cooking. This will prevent everything from separating. However, if that isn't an option, then just give it a good stir before serving.
- If you don't want to make this in the slow cooker, then you can follow this exact recipe on a hob. Cook on a low heat, stirring often.
- To give the hot chocolate some frothiness, then whisk really well before serving.
- Make sure to use whole milk, as it's what helps to make the slow cooker hot chocolate really thick and creamy.
- Use the best quality chocolate you can, as you really will be able to taste the difference.
- Add a pinch of chilli powder to your hot chocolate for a little kick of heat.
- Add even more of a chocolate flavour with a couple of tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder mixed in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you certainly can. You can swap the whole milk for almond, cashew or oat milk and then use vegan chocolate. You can either leave the cream out or swap it for a vegan version. We usually leave it out if we are making a vegan version, as we find that the vegan alternative to cream doesn't heat very well. A dairy free version tends to be thinner than this hot chocolate.
Yes, you can make an amazing version for adults, which a few different options. We love rum, baileys Irish cream or bourbon. Just add a splash before serving. Don't cook it with all the other ingredients, as the alcohol will cook off.
Yes, if you have any leftover hot chocolate, it can be kept in the refrigerator until the next day. It is delicious cold, like a milkshake, or you can heat it up on the hob (stove-top). Don't worry if there are some set bits of chocolate in the mix, as this will happen when it gets put in the fridge. They will melt once heated.
More Christmas Drinks
If you've tried this crockpot hot chocolate recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 500 ml (2 cups) of Whole milk
- 150 ml (0.66 cups) of Double (heavy) cream
- 100 g (0.66 cups) of Chocolate - dark; broken into pieces
- 60 g (0.33 cups) of Chocolate - milk; broken into pieces
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 2 and a half hours. Stir twice during cooking.
Recipe Notes
- For best results, stir twice during cooking. This will prevent everything from separating. However, if that isn't an option, then just give it a good stir before serving.
- If you don't want to make this in the slow cooker, then you can follow this exact recipe on a hob. Cook on a low heat, stirring often.
- To give the hot chocolate some frothiness, then whisk really well before serving.
- Make sure to use whole milk, as it's what helps to make the slow cooker hot chocolate really thick and creamy.
- Use the best quality chocolate you can, as you really will be able to taste the difference.
- Add a pinch of chilli powder to your hot chocolate for a little kick of heat.
- Add even more of a chocolate flavour with a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder mixed in.
Nutritional Information
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Where nutritional information is provided, it is approximate and calculated using online tools. Values can vary depending on the ingredients and brands used, but we endeavour to be as accurate as possible.
All timings are a guide and may vary depending on the ingredients, equipment and, where relevant, the appliance used. Changing the serving size may also affect the time needed.
Jacqueline Debono says
What a great way to make hot chocolate when you're expecting a crowd! I love the idea of your Christmas Eve hot chocolate bar!
Pris says
I loved your recipe!! And it's so difficult to choose from your list of suggestions for hot chocolate flavors, I wish I could use them all at once!! :-D
Jenn says
I love that this recipe is made with whole ingredients and not processed sugar-loaded packaged mix! Delish!
Andrea Metlika says
Who knew it could be this easy? This is a perfect recipe and I love that everyone can top theirs to their liking.
Lisalia says
The slow cooker makes everything easier in my kitchen. So excited to have this hot cocoa recipe. Thank you.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Making the hot chocolate in the slow cooker is the best ever! The flavors are just in the spot and better than anything I have ever had.