Real chocolate, a slow cooker and three hours: the easiest way to keep a whole party in hot chocolate.
Prep5 min
Cook3 hr
Total3 hr 5 min
Serves10
LevelAdvanced
What makes it special
Whole milk
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
This is my secret weapon for winter gatherings. Everything goes in the slow cooker, I stir it now and then, and by the time guests arrive there is a big pot of thick, glossy hot chocolate waiting. No packets, no last-minute stovetop stress.
Why use the slow cooker?
It melts the chocolate gently, so nothing scorches or boils over.
It's almost completely hands-off.
It keeps the hot chocolate warm for hours.
Guests can help themselves while you enjoy the party.
The secret to rich, creamy hot chocolate
It's all about real ingredients. Whole milk and cream give body, chocolate chips plus cocoa powder give a deep chocolate flavor, and sweetened condensed milk makes it silky and sweet without any graininess.
My tips
Stay on low. High heat is the enemy of smooth chocolate.
Whisk occasionally to keep it silky.
Use chocolate you like eating. It really shows.
Taste before serving and adjust with a pinch of salt or a splash of milk.
Build a hot chocolate bar
Set out bowls of mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes and caramel sauce, and let everyone go wild.
Flavor twists
Peppermint: half a teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Mexican-style: cinnamon and a tiny pinch of cayenne.
Salted caramel: a swirl of caramel and a few flakes of sea salt.
Mocha: a teaspoon of espresso powder.
Leftovers
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove. It thickens as it cools, so you may want a splash of milk.
Thick, creamy hot chocolate made with real chocolate, milk, cream and condensed milk in the slow cooker. Perfect for serving a crowd.
Drinks Advanced American
Prep
5 min
Cook
3 hr
Total
3 hr 5 min
Servings
10
Ingredients 7 items
Tap to check off as you go
Instructions 5 steps
1
Pour the milk, cream and sweetened condensed milk into the slow cooker.
2
Stir in the chocolate chips, cocoa powder and a pinch of salt.
3
Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
4
When it's smooth and glossy, stir in the vanilla.
5
Switch to warm and let everyone serve themselves with toppings.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
380
Protein
8g
Carbs
42g
Fat
22g
Sugar
36g
Fiber
3g
Sodium
180mg
Questions, answered
Can I cook it on high to save time?
I wouldn't. High heat can scorch the chocolate. Low and slow gives the smoothest result.
How long can I keep it warm?
Up to about 4 hours on the warm setting, stirring now and then.
Can I make it thinner?
Yes. Stir in extra milk, a splash at a time, until it's how you like it.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
