Hot chocolate in a glass with marshmallows.

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You are in for a treat!

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Looking for a delicious homemade hot chocolate slow cooker recipe to keep you warm and cozy this winter? Then look no further; this smooth and rich hot chocolate is not too sweet and perfect for gatherings. You can use this hot chocolate recipe at all your holiday-hosting events!

There’s nothing like sipping a glass of thick hot chocolate with all the toppings. This recipe uses evaporated milk and real chocolate to ensure it’s perfectly creamy. You can also adjust the creaminess by adding more cornstarch to thicken it (this is optional). 

Hot chocolate in a glass with marshmallows.

The problem with most hot chocolate recipes is that they are too sweet. This recipe has the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and sweetness.

Using a slow cooker is the perfect way to make a large batch of hot chocolate. If you need a stovetop version try my homemade hot chocolate.  

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Ingredients

You can use any milk to make this slow cooker hot cocoa recipe, but whole milk will help make it creamy. This recipe uses no cream. Instead, I used evaporated milk. 

  • some milk
  • evaporated milk
  • a few semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • unsweetened cocoa
  • brown sugar
  • pure vanilla extract
  • cornstarch
  • toppings: like some whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings

Hot chocolate in a glass with marshmallows.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Warm 4 cups of milk a bit in the microwave or stove. Do not boil; only until it is a bit warm.

Pour into your Crockpot or slow cooker with the cocoa powder, and whisk until it’s mostly combined; this might take a while. The cocoa won’t be completely combined until the milk is hot inside the slow cooker.

Add the remaining sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Mix and cover the slow cooker.

Add the remaining sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Mix and cover the slow cooker.

Add the remaining sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Mix and cover the slow cooker.

Making slow cooker hot chocolate.

Add the remaining sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Mix and cover the slow cooker.

Place on low for 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes until the chocolate is melted and fully combined. After 40 minutes, add the cornstarch, and mix until fully incorporated.

Add the remaining sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Mix and cover the slow cooker.

Keep on the warm setting before serving.

Serve with your desired toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate syrup.

Hot chocolate in a glass with marshmallows.

How to make thick hot chocolate

Add a bit more cornstarch, about 1/4 teaspoon more for extra thick hot chocolate. I find this texture very nice. It’s not quite thick, but it’s also not too liquid. 

Can milk be used in a slow cooker?

Yes, milk can be used in a slow cooker. Usually, you add milk at the end to prevent curdling. With this slow cooker hot chocolate recipe, you can add it at the beginning and stay smooth. 

Hot chocolate in a glass with marshmallows.

How do you keep hot chocolate warm for a party?

You can keep hot chocolate warm for a party by serving it in your slow cooker or Crockpot on the warming setting or keeping the hot chocolate in a large insulated container. 

Is it better to make hot chocolate with milk or water?

It is best to make hot chocolate with milk instead of water. Milk adds to the flavor and creaminess of hot chocolate. You can also use cream instead of milk for an even thicker hot chocolate. 

Hot chocolate in a glass with marshmallows.

Can you reheat slow cooker hot chocolate?

Yes, you can reheat slow cooker hot chocolate. Reheat the hot chocolate in a saucepan on low heat, whisking often. 

How long does slow cooker hot chocolate last?

Homemade hot chocolate lasts 4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container. 

Hot chocolate in a glass with marshmallows.

How long does slow cooker hot chocolate take?

Hot chocolate made in the slow cooker takes 2 hours to make, stirring every 20 minutes.

More hot chocolate recipes

Hot chocolate in a glass with marshmallows.

What do you think of this easy slow cooker hot chocolate recipe? What would you serve with this hot chocolate? Let me know in the comment section below. 

If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!

Happy baking, friends!

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe

Hot chocolate in a glass with marshmallows.
Yield: serves 4

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Looking for a delicious homemade hot chocolate slow cooker recipe to keep you warm and cozy this winter? Then look no further; this smooth and rich hot chocolate is not too sweet and perfect for gatherings. You can use this hot chocolate recipe at all your holiday-hosting events!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1 ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cornstarch
  • Toppings:
  • Whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Warm the 4 cups of milk a bit in the microwave or stove. Do not boil; only until it is a bit warm.
  2. Pour into your crockpot slow cooker with the cocoa powder, and whisk until it’s mostly combined; this might take a while. The cocoa won’t be completely combined until the milk is hot inside the slow cooker.
  3. Add the remaining sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Mix and cover the slow cooker.
  4. Place on low for 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes until the chocolate is melted and fully combined. After 40 minutes, add the cornstarch, and mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Keep on the warm setting before serving.
  6. Serve with your desired toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate syrup.

Notes

  1. For extra thick hot chocolate add a bit more cornstarch, about 1/4 teaspoon more. I find this texture very nice. It's not quite thick, but it's also not too liquid. 

Making this Recipe?

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