Crockpot Hot Chocolate

$- 4 cups whole milk - 2 cups heavy cream - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for topping (optional) For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or coconut cream instead of whole milk and heavy cream. You can also try oat milk for a creamy texture. For sweetness, consider using maple syrup or stevia as sugar substitutes. This way, you can enjoy a healthier version without losing the rich taste. Try these swaps to suit your needs. Enjoying hot chocolate should fit your lifestyle! If you're curious about the full recipe, check out the Crockpot Dreamy Hot Chocolate. 1. In a large crockpot, combine 4 cups of whole milk and 2 cups of heavy cream. Stir well to mix. 2. Next, add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the crockpot. Then, add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix gives the hot chocolate its rich taste. 3. Turn on the crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the mixture heat for about 1 hour. 4. Stir the mixture every 15 minutes. This helps the chocolate melt evenly and blend well. 5. Once it's ready, pour your hot chocolate into mugs. Top each mug with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a nice touch. You can also add a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. 6. Serve your hot chocolate warm. It tastes best when hot, so use sturdy mugs to hold the heat well. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps and ingredient list. To make your hot chocolate just right, you can adjust the sweetness and creaminess. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar. Taste as you go so you find the right balance. For creaminess, add more heavy cream. This will make it richer and smoother. Cooking times also matter. If you want a thicker hot chocolate, let it cook longer. After mixing everything, simmer on low for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and thicken the drink. Using the right crockpot makes a difference. A slow cooker with a large capacity is best. Look for one that has a low setting. This allows the chocolate to melt evenly without burning. For mixing, a sturdy whisk is essential. It helps blend the chocolate and milk smoothly. A ladle is great for serving, too. It makes pouring easy and mess-free. Be careful with hot liquids to avoid burns. Always use oven mitts when handling the crockpot. The sides can get very hot. When serving, pour slowly to prevent spills. After cooking, let the crockpot cool for a bit. This makes it safer to handle. Always place it on a heat-safe surface to protect your counters. {{image_2}} You can change up your hot chocolate in fun ways. Add peppermint extract for a fresh taste. It gives a nice holiday vibe. A drizzle of caramel syrup brings a sweet twist. You can also create a spicy version. Just add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. This adds warmth and heat to your drink. Both options make your hot chocolate even more exciting! If you want a vegan hot chocolate, swap the milk and cream. Use almond milk or oat milk instead. Coconut cream works great, too, for a rich texture. Check labels to ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. For gluten-free friends, this recipe is safe! Just make sure your cocoa powder and sugar are certified gluten-free. Hot chocolate is fun to dress up! Add marshmallows for a classic touch. Toffee pieces add crunch and sweetness. Nuts, like crushed almonds or hazelnuts, give a nice texture. You can also think about gifts. Fill jars with hot chocolate mix and toppings. Tie them with a ribbon for a sweet holiday gift. It’s a perfect way to share the joy of hot chocolate! To store leftover hot chocolate, let it cool first. Pour it into a clean container. Seal the container tightly. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. For reheating, use a pot on low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth. You can also microwave it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze hot chocolate! It’s great for later use. Pour the cooled hot chocolate into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. It can last for up to two months. To make freezer-friendly batches, divide into servings. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need. The best storage containers are glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers. Both are safe and keep flavors fresh. Make sure the container is airtight. Label each container with the date. This helps you track freshness. Store hot chocolate in a cool, dark place if you don't plan to eat it soon. To reheat leftover hot chocolate, use a stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, pour the hot chocolate into a pot. Heat it on low, stirring often. This helps keep the texture smooth and the flavor rich. You can also use a microwave. Place hot chocolate in a microwave-safe mug. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This method warms it without overheating. Always check the temperature before serving to avoid burns. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Prepare the hot chocolate and let it cool. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it. This is great for parties or gatherings. To save time, you can make it a day ahead. Just remember to stir well before serving. This keeps it creamy and delicious. You can make hot chocolate on the stovetop or in the microwave. For the stovetop, combine all ingredients in a pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often until smooth. For microwave preparation, mix all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until melted and smooth. Both methods give you rich hot chocolate without a crockpot. This post covered how to make rich and creamy hot chocolate in a crockpot. You learned about the key ingredients and their alternatives, along with step-by-step instructions. The tips and tricks help you perfect your drink every time. Don’t forget the fun variations and how to store any leftovers. Enjoy experimenting with flavors or adapting the recipe to fit dietary needs. Each sip should warm your heart and home. Dive into your hot chocolate journey today!$

Warm up your winter with this Crockpot Dreamy Hot Chocolate recipe that’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a decadent drink perfect for chilly evenings. This easy recipe guides you through making the ultimate hot chocolate, complete with toppings like whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Click to explore how to warm your heart and home one cozy cup at a time!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups whole milk

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for topping (optional)

Instructions

In a large crockpot, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir well to mix.

Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt into the crockpot.

Turn the crockpot to low heat and let the mixture heat for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes until fully melted and combined.

Once the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract.

Adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar to taste.

Allow the hot chocolate to simmer on low for another 30 minutes to thicken slightly and enhance flavors.

Serve hot with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Servings: 8-10

- Presentation Tips: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle with chocolate shavings for a festive touch. Add a cinnamon stick for an extra flavor twist!