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Hi Bold Bakers!
Not only is slow-cooker hot chocolate is like a warm embrace — it’s a super-easy way to make a lot of hot chocolate for your whole family!
When dinner is in the oven, the house still needs tidying, and you still haven’t gotten dressed, popping these ingredients into your slow cooker is one less thing for you to worry about! In only two steps, you can serve this creamy, chocolatey holiday drink to anyone who wants some. Not to mention, I personally think everything looks instantly more appetizing simmering in a slow cooker.
You can turn one of your tables into a festive hot chocolate bar with appealing and creative mix-ins, like Homemade Whipped Cream, Homemade Marshmallows, Homemade Sprinkles, and Peppermint Sticks — which are an absolute favorite. The grown-ups can top of their rich, sweet beverages with a drop of Grand Marnier, Peppermint Schnapps, Irish cream liqueur, or Irish whiskey for some added fun. When the party is over the next day, you can even blend the leftovers with ice for a Café-Style Frozen Hot Chocolate treat!
I love that this recipe has no hassle and a beautiful outcome. Pull out your favorite holiday mugs and put on your comfiest sweater. It’s hot cocoa time!
What You Need To Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Slow Cooker
- Ladle
- Mugs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How To Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate:
There is nothing better than minimal input and a decadent outcome. Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is like my Best-Ever Hot Chocolate — but easier! With only two easy steps, you’ll want to make this again and again. Here are the steps (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below):
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Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and stir to combine.
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Cook on high, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours. Use a ladle to pour into mugs.
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Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate:
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook this recipe on the stove. Put all the ingredients in a pot and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is melted and it’s nice and hot.
- You can set up a holiday hot chocolate bar with fun mix-ins – put the slow cooker on a table with mugs and mix-ins like homemade whipped cream, homemade marshmallows, homemade sprinkles, and peppermint sticks.
- For an adult hot chocolate bar, a little Grand Marnier, Peppermint Schnapps, Irish cream liqueur, or Irish whiskey can be a lovely and festive addition.
- Leftover hot chocolate? Store it in the refrigerator and blend it with some ice the next day for a frozen hot chocolate treat!
How To Store Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate:
Feel free to store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat on the stove or in the microwave in no time.
If you want to switch things up, blend the leftover hot cocoa with some ice the next day for a frozen hot chocolate treat!
Make More Drinks At Home!
Check out my new cookbook, Bigger Bolder Baking Every Day – it makes a great holiday gift!
Full (and printable) recipe below!
Slow-Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe


Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (9oz/255g) chopped semi-sweet chocolate
- ¼ cup (1oz/28g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (4oz/115g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (8floz/225ml) heavy cream
- 6 cups (42floz/1305ml) whole milk
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook on High stirring occasionally, for 2 hours. Use a ladle to pour into mugs.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Could we just use your own hot chocolate mix and mix it with whatever milk we prefer and put it in the slow cooker? Thanks
I’m wondering how to use up left over easter eggs! Yes we have leftovers! so hoping I can melt them and make this? what do you think?
Does this hot chocolate thicken at all, or is it very runny? I like a thicker hot chocolate than, say, a cup of Cadbury’s. How can I get that with my slow cooker?
Can you use frozen heavy cream for this? or will the texture be different?
Will the milk scald? Could it work on low heat or would that scald it?
I was wondering, can you use chocolate chips instead of chopping semi-sweet chocolate? What size slow cooker would this be? I’m planning on doubling the recipe and want to make sure that it will fit in my slow cooker. Thank you!
Is there a way to quicken the process…? Cuz it says two hours…. can I use ur mix and put it in a big dish and put it in the microwave???? Also, love ur work!!!!