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overhead view of glass containing hot chocolate with marshmallows and a cinnamon stick with another glass in background with scattered marshmallows on table
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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.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 699kcal
Author Jennifer Draper

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 699kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 767mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 1293IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 376mg | Iron: 4mg