Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate: Rich, Creamy, and Effortlessly Decadent

There’s nothing quite like a warm mug of hot chocolate to fend off the chill of winter, and this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate recipe makes it even better with minimal effort. Imagine a creamy, rich, and indulgent cocoa that simmers away in your slow cooker while you focus on entertaining or relaxing. With layers of luxurious chocolate flavor, this is a go-to recipe for family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy evenings at home.

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Ingredients

• 4 cups heavy cream, divided
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups whole milk
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 12 ounces semi-sweet baking bar, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Your favorite toppings (marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes, etc.)

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Instructions

1. Start with the Base:

• Add 2 cups of heavy cream to your slow cooker.
• Gradually whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until it’s fully combined. This might take a few minutes, but it’s worth the time to ensure no clumps remain. A small whisk works best for this step. (See note below for more tips on whisking.)

2. Add the Remaining Ingredients:

• Pour in the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream, along with the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.

3. Cook Low and Slow:

• Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes or so. This prevents the chocolate from settling at the bottom and ensures that it melts evenly into the mixture.

4. Serve and Keep Warm:

• Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting for up to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to maintain the perfect texture.
• If the hot chocolate becomes too thick over time, simply stir in more milk to reach your desired consistency.

5. Add Your Toppings and Enjoy:

• Serve the hot chocolate in mugs with your favorite toppings like fluffy marshmallows, a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive touch!

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Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate:

• Whisking the Cocoa Powder: To avoid lumps, whisk the cocoa powder into the cream gradually, allowing it to dissolve fully before adding other ingredients. Sifting the cocoa powder before whisking can also help create a smoother base.
• Chocolate Choices: The recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate, but feel free to experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier drink.
• Serving Large Crowds: This recipe makes enough to serve a group, but can easily be doubled or even tripled if you’re hosting a party.
• Storage Tip: Leftover hot chocolate can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a little extra milk when reheating if it thickens up.

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This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is a dream for chocolate lovers and is sure to become a favorite during the colder months. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, this creamy, velvety treat will warm you right up!