Description
Indulgent hot chocolate blends rich cocoa, creamy milk, and sweet chocolate for a comforting winter treat. Warmth and sweetness combine in this simple slow cooker recipe that invites you to savor each delightful sip.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) semi-sweet baking bar, finely chopped
- 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups (960 ml) whole milk
- 4 cups (960 ml) heavy cream, divided
- ⅓ cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
- Favorite toppings (marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes, etc.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Whisk cocoa powder into heavy cream inside the slow cooker, ensuring a perfectly smooth, lump-free foundation for the hot chocolate.
- Ingredient Fusion: Merge remaining heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract, stirring comprehensively to create a harmonious liquid blend.
- Slow Cooking Process: Set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the rich mixture to gently simmer for three hours, stirring intermittently to facilitate even chocolate melting and prevent ingredient separation.
- Temperature Management: Once chocolate fully dissolves and the mixture achieves a uniform, velvety consistency, transition the slow cooker to “warm” setting to maintain optimal serving temperature for up to three hours.
- Consistency Adjustment: If the hot chocolate thickens during holding, gently reintroduce milk to restore the ideal liquid texture.
- Garnishing Finale: Elevate the beverage with decadent toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or crushed candy canes, transforming the drink into a sensory indulgence.
Notes
- Prevent Lumps: Whisk cocoa powder carefully into heavy cream to ensure a silky, smooth chocolate base without any unwanted clumps.
- Chocolate Melting Technique: Stir periodically during slow cooking to promote even chocolate dissolution and prevent ingredient separation.
- Temperature Management: Keep slow cooker on low heat for three hours, then switch to “warm” setting to maintain perfect serving temperature without scorching.
- Consistency Control: Add a splash of milk if hot chocolate thickens during holding to restore its ideal rich, velvety texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Drinks, Desserts
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg