Easy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate For A Crowd
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is the rich, cozy drink that’s made for a crowd. Better than any powdered mix, this homemade version uses real chocolate chips and stays warm in the slow cooker – ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, and anytime you can’t make cups fast enough! Serve with marshmallows, whipped cream, or candy canes to customize the perfect treat.
Want me to send this recipe right to your inbox?
We'll email this post right to your inbox, so you can easily find it later!
Hot Chocolate vs. Hot Cocoa
Hot chocolate and hot cocoa are often used interchangeably to describe the sweet and toasty drink topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, but the ingredients vary slightly.
They differ slightly in that hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder or a premade mix, combined with either milk or water, and typically has a thinner consistency. Alternatively, hot chocolate is made from actual melted hot chocolate and blended with hot milk, or a combination of milk and cream for a richer, thicker consistency. This recipe is a true hot chocolate, made with cocoa powder for a deep flavor, and also featuring melted chocolate chips that make it rich and smooth.
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- The easy, made-from-scratch recipe makes a large batch that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or cozy gatherings. It stays warm in the slow cooker and is ready to serve for up to 2 hours.
- This chocolatey recipe yields a rich and creamy flavor from the combination of milk, cream, and real melted chocolate. You won’t need any condensed or evaporated milk for this recipe, which can sometimes add an unusual flavor profile.
- Choose this “set it and forget it” method for the slow cooker so you can focus on your party guests! Set out simple toppings for a fun hot chocolate bar and let everyone customize their own cup.
- Enjoy the subtle espresso and cinnamon for depth without overpowering the classic, chocolate flavor. You can also leave it out if desired and make it caffeine-free!
Ingredients Needed
- Whole milk – Whole milk creates a rich and creamy texture in the hot chocolate. Don’t swap for a lower-fat option if you want the most whole flavor and thickness.
- Heavy cream – Heavy cream makes this extra-luxurious and a true treat. Combined with milk, it creates a silky-smooth base.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder – Adding cocoa or cacao powder deepens the chocolate flavor, complementing the melted chocolate chips. Either option will work, but cocoa will be a less intense flavor, and cacao powder will be less sweet.
- Granulated sugar – Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, based on your desired sweetness and the type of chocolate you’re using.
- Vanilla extract – A bit of vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- Espresso powder (or instant coffee granules) – This is an optional addition, but it brings a subtle mocha depth to the hot chocolate. It will not add coffee flavor, but it will add a slight amount of caffeine.
- Ground cinnamon – Add just a pinch of cinnamon for warmth and a homey aroma. This keeps it cozy and multilayered with flavor without being overpowering.
- Pinch of salt – This balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate taste.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Find a high-quality brand for the smoothest melt and balanced sweetness.
How To Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Add milk, heavy cream, cocoa or cacao powder, sugar, vanilla, espresso powder, cinnamon, and salt to your slow cooker.
- Whisk ingredients to combine well.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Switch to the warm setting for serving, and stir before ladling into mugs.
Pro Tips
- Whisk cocoa powder into a bit of warm milk before adding the other ingredients to prevent clumping.
- Stir occasionally to keep the chocolate from settling on the bottom.
- Chocolate chips (as opposed to chocolate bars or chunks) are the best option for even melting, as the pieces are small and uniformly sized.
- Keep on the “warm” setting (instead of low) during serving to avoid scorching. Hot chocolate can stay on the warm setting for approximately 2 hours.
- To prepare ahead, combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and keep in the fridge overnight. Pour into the slow cooker when ready to heat.
- Serve hot chocolate directly from the slow cooker with a ladle for easy self-service at parties or gatherings.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Swap semi-sweet chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate for different flavor profiles – or use a combination of chips!
- Use dairy-free milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version (and also make sure to use chocolate chips that do not contain milk).
- Add a splash of peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
- Spike the hot chocolate with Bailey’s, Kahlua, or bourbon for an adult version.
- Adjust the amounts of cinnamon and espresso to taste, or omit them if preferred or to keep the drink caffeine-free.
- For more flavor variations, try these unique combinations that make a tasty dessert or decadent treat:
Stovetop Hot Chocolate
- Combine all ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a large saucepan and whisk continuously over low to medium heat, being careful not to let the mixture boil.
- When the mixture is simmering, stir in the chocolate chips until they are melted and well combined.
- Turn off the heat and serve immediately, or transfer hot chocolate to a slow cooker and set it to the warm setting for up to 2 hours.
How To Serve Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Ladle steaming hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle.
Serve alongside cookies, biscotti, or pound cake for dipping. Make it a deluxe dessert spread with other yummy treats, such as:
- Slow Cooker White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Bars
- Salted Caramel Cookie Bars In The Slow Cooker
- Slow Cooker S’mores Cookie Bars
A big slow cooker batch of creamy hot chocolate makes an easy, customizable self-serving treat. Offer plenty of these tasty toppings for a luxe hot chocolate bar at your next gathering:
- Whipped cream (classic or flavored)
- Mini or large marshmallows
- Crushed peppermint candy or peppermint candy canes
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Crushed cookie pieces
- Red hot candies
- Chocolate or peppermint sprinkles
- Caramel sauce or hot fudge drizzle
- Cinnamon sticks (stir sticks)
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store cooled leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended since the dairy may separate when thawed.
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
To reheat the hot chocolate, warm gently on the stove over low heat, or add it to the slow cooker again on low until hot, whisking to recombine.
Easy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate For A Crowd
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 8 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder or instant coffee granules
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add milk, heavy cream, cocoa or cacao powder, sugar, vanilla, espresso powder, cinnamon, and salt to slow cooker
- Whisk ingredients to combine well
- Stir in chocolate chips
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth
- Switch to warm setting for serving, and stir before ladling into mugs
Notes
- Store cooled leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the slow cooker on low until hot, whisking to recombine.
- Whisk cocoa powder into a bit of warm milk before adding to the other ingredients to prevent clumping.
- Stir occasionally during heating and serving to keep the chocolate from settling on the bottom.
- Keep the slow cooker on “warm” (not low) during serving to avoid scorching.
- Hot chocolate can stay in a warm setting for about 2 hours.
- Serve directly from the slow cooker with a ladle for easy self-service at parties or gatherings.
