Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Drinks

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Updated: Sep 13, 2024 · Published: Nov 28, 2020 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 9 Comments

135 shares
  • 120
Diet: Gluten Free / Vegetarian
Jump to Recipe

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. Only 4 ingredients and 1 minute prep time.

Two festive mugs topped with whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

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 slow cooker hot chocolate is loaded with whipped cream and marshmallows, this 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 cook 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.

Looking for some other hot drinks to enjoy this festive season? Why not try our Oat Milk Hot Chocolate, Chai Tea Latte, Cinnamon Coffee, Slow Cooker Mulled Wine, Christmas Snowman Hot Chocolate or Mulled Apple Juice?

Jump to:
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate - Step by Step
  • Why Use a Slow Cooker?
  • Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Flavours
  • Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Toppings
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Christmas Drinks
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

The ingredients needed to make this recipe on a stone surface each with a text overlay label.

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 the hot chocolate really indulgent. You could leave it out, but it wouldn't be as thick and creamy.
  • Chocolate - We used a mixture of milk 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 by Step

A slow cooker bowl containing milk, cream and chunks of chocolate.
  1. Step 1: Put all of the ingredients in the slow cooker.
A slow cooker bowl containing hot chocolate.
  1. Step 2: Cook on low for 2 and a half hours. Stir twice during cooking.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

Hot chocolate is pretty quick and simple to make on the hob, so why make it in the slow cooker? Well, there are a couple of reasons. If we are having a Christmas party, then this is an easy way to make a huge batch of it. Plus, you don't have to stand over pan whilst it cooks.

Cooking hot chocolate in the slow cooker also means that it can stay warm for a while. This is also good if you are serving it up at a party, as people arrive at different times. We set up a hot chocolate bar on Christmas Eve, with loads of different toppings, and let everyone create their own ultimate hot chocolate.

We like to also put it on before we go out for a walk, so we come home to warming hot chocolate ready to ladle into a mug. This slow cooker hot chocolate recipe is best when it is stirred twice during cooking, otherwise it does separate a little. However, you can just put it on and leave it, and then stir well before serving.

This exact recipe does work in a pan on the hob too. Just cook on a low heat, stirring often.

Whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate shavings on top of two mugs of hot chocolate as viewed from above.

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.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate 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
  • 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.

Extra Tips

  • For best results with this slow cooker hot cocoa, 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.
A spoon lifting out some cream from a mug of hot chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a dairy free slow cooker hot chocolate?

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.

Can you add alcohol to this?

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.

Can you reheat leftovers?

Yes, if you have any leftovers, then it can be kept in the fridge until the next day. It is delicious cold, like a milkshake, or you can heat it up on the hob. 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

  • Two glasses of Baileys Hot Chocolate topped with cream.
    Baileys Hot Chocolate
  • Cranberry Smoothie in a tall glass decorated with stars.
    Cranberry Smoothie
  • A Christmas Snowman Hot Chocolate surrounded by fairy lights.
    Christmas Snowman Hot Chocolate
  • Christmas glasses containing Mulled Hot Apple Juice . An apple, cracker and red towel are in the background.
    Mulled Apple Juice

If you’ve tried this crockpot hot chocolate, 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 next to a red towel and a stack of pink doughnuts.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

By: Dannii Martin
This easy, creamy and indulgent hot chocolate is made in the slow cooker for the perfect winter warmer drink.
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
5 from 19 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: British, Christmas
Prep: 1 minute min
Cook: 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Total: 2 hours hrs 31 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 388kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy

Ingredients

  • 500 ml (2 cups) Whole milk
  • 150 ml (0.66 cups) Double (heavy) cream
  • 100 g (0.66 cups) Chocolate - dark; broken into pieces
  • 60 g (0.33 cups) 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 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 cocoa powder mixed in.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 200ml | Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 415mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 754IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 187mg | Iron: 3mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • A glass full of strawberry watermelon smoothie next to a blue towel.
    Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
  • A glass of watermelon slushie with slices of watermelon and lime on the rim.
    Watermelon Slushie (Just 4 Ingredients)
  • Two glasses of Ninja Creami Creamiccino next to a purple towel.
    Ninja Creami Creamiccino
  • A glass of banana date smoothie in front of a purple towel.
    Banana Date Smoothie

Comments

  1. Jacqueline Debono says

    November 29, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  2. Pris says

    November 29, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    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

    Reply
  3. Liz says

    November 29, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    I've never made hot chocolate from scratch before! I'm definitely going to have to try this recipe out! I didn't realize its so few steps!

    Reply
  4. Chris Collins says

    November 29, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    5 stars
    I never thought of making hot chocolate in the slow cooker! Will definitely try it - it looks so delicious!

    Reply
  5. Michelle says

    November 29, 2020 at 10:21 am

    5 stars
    I've just bought a slow cooker and have been looking for ideas for it. I love the idea of making hot chocolate in the slow cooker. Can't wait to try this!

    Reply
  6. Jenn says

    November 28, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    5 stars
    I love that this recipe is made with whole ingredients and not processed sugar-loaded packaged mix! Delish!

    Reply
    • Andrea Metlika says

      November 28, 2020 at 7:49 pm

      5 stars
      Who knew it could be this easy? This is a perfect recipe and I love that everyone can top theirs to their liking.

      Reply
  7. Lisalia says

    November 28, 2020 at 5:15 pm

    5 stars
    The slow cooker makes everything easier in my kitchen. So excited to have this hot cocoa recipe. Thank you.

    Reply
  8. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

    November 28, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
5 from 19 votes (10 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 120

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.