On cold winter nights there is nothing better than sitting by a crackling fire and warming up your hands with a hot drink. Our Hot Chocolate Crock Pot Recipe is rich and creamy with a just the right amount of sweetness. Top with marshmallows, chocolate syrup or shavings to elevate your sipping experience!
Whether it is enjoyed on its own, part of our morning coffee ritual, or as the base for a delicious cocktail, we love making Hot Chocolate year-round in our house. You may find yourself using this recipe to make Peppermint Mocha Recipe on repeat!
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Easy Hot Chocolate Crock Pot Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe Crock Pot
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store This Easy Hot Chocolate in Crock Pot
- What to Serve with Hot Chocolate Crock Pot Recipe
- Top Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Hot Chocolate in Crock Pot
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Hot Chocolate Crock Pot Recipe
If hot beverages are your jam, you may also love our Spiked Apple Cider Crockpot, Caramel Mocha Coffee, or Old Fashioned Hot Toddy recipes.
Why You Will Love This Easy Hot Chocolate Crock Pot Recipe
- Minimal Sugar: Making your own hot chocolate allows you to control the flavor, but also the sugar content.
- Better than Store-Bought: In the winter months we always keep the ingredients to make this in the house so we can make up a batch on a whim! The rich creamy flavor and subtle sweetness is the perfect combination.
- Simple Recipe: Making this in the Crockpot allows you to walk away while the magic happens!
- Easy to Double: If you have a larger slow cooker you can easily double this recipe.
Ingredients
If you're like me, you will make sure these are always in the house.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Whole Milk: Acts as the base ingredient. We recommend whole for additional flavor but you can use another type.
- Heavy Cream: This adds that richness and smooth texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Used to provide some sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate: Provides a deep, rich colour, without adding too much sweetness. I prefer to use 85-90% chocolate, but you can experiment with others.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds additional richness to the flavor profile.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the light sweetness.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand a 3-quart slow cooker, measuring cups and spoons, and a whisk.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of homemade drinks is how much you can play with them and make them your own. Here are some helpful ways you may want to change this recipe up next time!
- Dairy-Free Milk: Use your favorite dairy-free milk if that is your preference. We recommend using coconut milk for a smooth beverage.
- Maple Syrup/Honey: You can use these in replace of, or cohesively with sugar and find a blend you enjoy.
- Chocolate Percentages: A lot of dark chocolate lovers will choose pretty high percentages, but you can experiment with 55-70% for a sweeter version. I would recommend that you try a small sample around 2.5 hours, and add any necessary sweetener at that time.
- Chocolate Types: Instead of using a bar, you can use dark chocolate chips, or semi-sweet if you prefer. Alternatively, try a White Hot Chocolate Crockpot Recipe and use white chocolate and amber maple syrup.
- Extracts/Syrups: You can play around with the flavor by adding peppermint syrup a to make a Peppermint Mocha, or try a vanilla or hazelnut mochas. We love using the Torani brand for their peppermint syrup, vanilla syrup, and hazelnut syrup.
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe Crock Pot
You will love seeing how quick and easy this recipe is made (with very little effort)!
Add all ingredients into the base of a 3-quart slow cooker.
Set to LOW and cook for 3 hours (whisk every 30-60 minutes) or until warmed to your desired temperature.
Hint: The cocoa powder will sit on the top for about the first 20-30 minutes, but do not worry! The first time you come around to whisk it up, you'll see it incorporate quickly.
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How to Store This Easy Hot Chocolate in Crock Pot
While Hot Chocolate is typically bet when fresh and hot, if you have leftovers or make a double batch, here is what we recommend.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container and use within 5 days. I like to portion mine out into mason jars, and then use what I need, when I need it. Do not add any toppings until you are ready to serve.
- Reheating: Give the container a good shake as the chocolate will have separated some. For best results, gradually reheat on medium-low heat on the stove top, whisking periodically. Alternatively, you can warm up in the microwave.
- Make Ahead: You can pre-portion your ingredients in advance, but it comes together so quickly you will likely not need to. Chopping your chocolate bars up takes a few minutes, so you can do that in advance if needed.
What to Serve with Hot Chocolate Crock Pot Recipe
- Marshmallows: This needs no explanation. Marshmallows are the perfect pairing to hot chocolate.
- Chocolate Syrup: Add an extra layer of decadence with some homemade or store-bought chocolate syrup.
- Whipped Cream: Top with some light and fluffy whipped cream to balance the rich flavors.
- Crushed Candies: Whatever candy your heart desires will work great, candy canes are an excellent choice if you're making this a festive drink.
Top Tip
If you use the keep warm setting on the slow cooker, continue to whisk the Hot Chocolate every 30-60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Hot Chocolate in Crock Pot
Do you have questions about making an Easy Hot Chocolate Crock Pot Recipe?
Absolutely, you can make this recipe cater to your dietary needs and preferences. Use your favorite dairy-free or vegan substitute as needed. We recommend coconut milk for its richness.
Yes, you can make a unique blend, or a stand alone flavor. Try using a variety of, or any other alternative, such as white chocolate, milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate or your favorite dark.
We recommend a more low and slow (3 hour) method to ensure the ingredients have more time to meld together and not burn. You can use your slow cooker on high and complete the recipe in 1-2 hours. It is recommended that you whisk it a little more often.
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Hot Chocolate Crock Pot Recipe
Equipment
- 3-quart Crockpot/ Slow Cooker
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 50 grams granulated sugar about ¼ cup
- 4 ounce dark chocolate I use 85-90%
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into the base of a 3-quart slow cooker.
- Set to LOW and cook for 3 hours (stir every 30-60 minutes) or until warmed to your desired temperature.
Notes
- If you don’t have kosher salt, you can use ½ teaspoon sea salt.
- Any cream works, but heavy offers a rich and creamier texture.
- Easy to double in a larger slow cooker.
- If you don’t have a keep warm setting, use LOW but stir every 30-60 minutes.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Eva Filer says
This recipe has such a balance of flavor and so creamy. My little guy loves when we make it, and we keep it in the fridge to last the week!
Seija says
This was my first time making hot chocolate in the crock pot instead of on the stovetop and I don’t think I’ll ever go back! It was so easy and cooked while we went to go cut down our Christmas tree. It was ready to go once we finished decorating!
Eva Filer says
Oh that sounds like the perfect way to make it, and what a great treat at the end of it! Thanks for sharing.