Description
Homemade crockpot hot chocolate brings warmth and comfort to winter gatherings. Rich cocoa blends with milk, chocolate, and sweet spices create a delightful beverage you’ll savor with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Chocolate Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
Dairy Ingredients:
- 3 cups (720 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) half-and-half
Sweeteners and Enhancers:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Optional Toppings:
- marshmallows
- whipped cream
- caramel
- chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pour milk, half-and-half, chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, espresso powder, and salt into a 3-quart crockpot.
- Whisk ingredients thoroughly for 2 minutes, ensuring cocoa powder completely dissolves and ingredients are fully integrated.
- Cover crockpot and set to low temperature, cooking for 2-3 hours or high temperature for 45-60 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent ingredient separation.
- Monitor chocolate melting process, gently whisking every 45 minutes to maintain smooth consistency and prevent scorching.
- Once chocolate is fully melted and mixture reaches desired temperature, reduce crockpot setting to warm to maintain heat.
- Carefully ladle hot chocolate into serving mugs, ensuring even distribution of rich, creamy liquid.
- Customize individual servings with preferred toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the luxurious, velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor.
Notes
- Customize dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free or vegan preferences while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
- Elevate the drink’s complexity by experimenting with dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate varieties to suit different taste profiles.
- Control sweetness levels by gradually adding sugar and tasting, ensuring a perfectly balanced hot chocolate without overwhelming sugary notes.
- Prevent chocolate scorching by whisking consistently and using low, steady heat to create smooth, creamy texture throughout cooking process.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg