Description
Create a cozy and customizable hot chocolate bar perfect for gatherings using a slow cooker. This rich, creamy hot chocolate is blended with Dutch process cocoa, sugar, milk, and cream, slowly cooked to perfection, and served with an array of fun toppings so everyone can tailor their mug.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Chocolate Base
- 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 3/4 up to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups whole milk (divided)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or more milk as alternative)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Toppings (suggested)
- Cookies, crushed
- Pretzels, crushed
- Nuts, crushed
- Whipped cream
- Additional sauces as desired (e.g., caramel, chocolate syrup)
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the Dutch process cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and 1 cup of whole milk. Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the blended cocoa mixture into a slow cooker, making sure to scrape the blender to get every bit into the pot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining 5 cups of whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set it to the low setting, and cook for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking or scorching. Avoid using the high setting to prevent curdling. The hot chocolate is ready once it reaches a warm temperature suitable for serving.
- Prepare Toppings: Use a nut grinder, small food processor, or mini blender to pulse cookies, pretzels, and nuts into your desired coarseness. Line a muffin tin with muffin liners or arrange miniature bowls to display these toppings attractively for guests.
- Assemble Serving Station: Set up your serving area by placing the slow cooker filled with hot chocolate, an assortment of sauces, toppings, and whipped cream. Make sure there are enough cups for guests to serve themselves comfortably.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle warm hot chocolate into mugs, add favorite toppings, and enjoy a customizable and comforting drink experience with your guests.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar to taste depending on your preference for sweetness.
- For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the heavy cream with additional whole milk.
- Do not cook the hot chocolate on high in the slow cooker to prevent the milk from curdling.
- Optional toppings can include marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, peppermint candies, or chocolate chips for extra flair.
- This hot chocolate can be kept warm in the slow cooker on the low setting for up to 2 hours.
