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Easy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 81 reviews
  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and perfectly sweetened beverage that's effortlessly made using your slow cooker. Combining milk, evaporated milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and brown sugar, this hot chocolate is ideal for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat on chilly days. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a smooth and indulgent drink that's easy to prepare and serve.


Ingredients

Hot Chocolate Base

  • 4 cups milk
  • 12 ounce can evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cornstarch


Instructions

  1. Combine Milk and Cocoa Powder: Add the 4 cups of milk, 12-ounce can of evaporated milk, and 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the crock pot. Whisk the mixture gently to start combining; note that the cocoa powder won't fully dissolve until the milk warms up during cooking.
  2. Add Chocolate Chips, Sugar, and Vanilla: Stir in the 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the pot, distributing the ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
  3. Set Crock Pot to Low: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the heat to low to begin the slow cooking process.
  4. Initial Heating and Stirring: Let the mixture heat for 40 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes to help dissolve the chocolate chips and brown sugar completely and prevent burning on the edges.
  5. Add Cornstarch and Incorporate: After 40 minutes, add ¼ teaspoon cornstarch to the hot chocolate and mix thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully incorporated, which will help slightly thicken the drink.
  6. Continue Cooking and Stirring: Allow the hot chocolate to heat for an additional 80 minutes on low, stirring every 20 minutes to maintain a smooth texture and avoid any scorching.
  7. Keep Warm Setting: Once done cooking, switch the crock pot to the 'keep warm' setting to maintain the ideal serving temperature.
  8. Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

  • Stirring regularly is essential to prevent the hot chocolate from burning on the sides of the crock pot.
  • Cornstarch helps to thicken the hot chocolate slightly for a creamier texture but can be omitted if a thinner consistency is preferred.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and evaporated milk with almond or oat milk, but cooking times may vary slightly.
  • Add toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or cinnamon for extra flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.