Slow cooker hot chocolate is the easiest way to serve a rich, creamy, chocolatey drink to a crowd without standing over the stove. Milk, cream, and real chocolate melt together gently in the crockpot, which keeps the cocoa perfectly warm for hours.
This easy slow cooker hot chocolate recipe uses a simple mix of chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sweetened condensed milk for a velvety result that tastes like a café treat. A splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt bring out the deep chocolate flavor.
It is perfect for holiday parties, Halloween gatherings, tailgates, and cozy movie nights. Set up a toppings bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and caramel so everyone can build their own mug.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 10 mugs
Category: Beverage
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Rich, creamy, and made with real chocolate
- Only 5 minutes of prep and no stirring over the stove
- Stays warm for hours, perfect for parties
- Easy to scale up for a large crowd
- Fun to customize with toppings
Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and peppermint sticks, for topping
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker or spray it with cooking spray.
- Whisk the cocoa powder with about 1 cup of the milk in the slow cooker until it is smooth and lump free.
- Add the remaining milk, cream, condensed milk, chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt.
- Whisk well to combine, then cover and cook on low for 2 hours, whisking once or twice.
- Whisk until the chocolate chips have fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Reduce the setting to warm and keep it covered until ready to serve.
- Ladle into mugs and top with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a peppermint stick.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Whisk the cocoa with a little milk first. Cocoa powder clumps if added directly to a large amount of liquid.
- Cook on low, not high, so the milk does not scorch or form a skin.
- Whisk before serving each time, since the chocolate can settle to the bottom as it sits.
- Use good-quality chocolate chips or chopped bar chocolate for the smoothest flavor.
Variations to Try
- Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract for peppermint hot chocolate
- Use white chocolate chips for a white hot chocolate
- Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for Mexican hot chocolate
- Swirl in caramel sauce or a spoonful of peanut butter
- Stir in a splash of Irish cream or peppermint schnapps for an adults-only version
How to Store It
Store leftover hot chocolate in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, whisking until smooth.
You can keep the hot chocolate on warm in the slow cooker for up to 3 hours during a party, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does slow cooker hot chocolate stay warm?
On the warm setting, it stays at a perfect serving temperature for about 3 hours.
Can I make slow cooker hot chocolate with almond milk?
Yes. Use a creamy plant-based milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version, though it will be slightly less rich.
Why is my hot chocolate grainy?
The chocolate may not have fully melted or the cocoa clumped. Whisk well at the start and again before serving.
Can I double this slow cooker hot chocolate recipe?
You can double it in a larger 8-quart slow cooker, or make a single batch in a 6-quart one.
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk the cocoa with 1 cup of milk in the slow cooker until smooth.
- Tip: This prevents cocoa lumps.
- Add the remaining milk, cream, condensed milk, chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, whisking once or twice.
- Whisk until smooth and switch to warm.
- Ladle into mugs and add toppings.
Notes
Keeps warm for about 3 hours on the warm setting.