Description
This Healthier Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is a rich and creamy beverage perfect for winter gatherings or holiday cocoa bars. Made with lighter ingredients and naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, it offers a cozy, comforting way to enjoy hot cocoa using a slow cooker. The recipe includes dairy or plant-based milks, dark chocolate chips, and a touch of vanilla, resulting in a delicious and easy-to-make drink that can be kept warm for extended serving.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 4 cups milk (dairy or almond milk)
- 1 cup half-and-half or coconut milk
Chocolate and Sweeteners
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Flavorings
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients—milk, half-and-half or coconut milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt—into the slow cooker.
- Whisk to Blend: Whisk the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring the cocoa powder and sweeteners are well incorporated with the liquids and chocolate chips.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 2 hours, or alternatively, set to HIGH for 1 hour. Stir occasionally during the cooking process to prevent settling or burning at the bottom.
- Serve: Once heated through and creamy, serve the hot chocolate in mugs, topped with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired for added indulgence.
Notes
- The hot chocolate can be kept warm in the crock pot for serving throughout your gathering.
- For a sugar-free version, substitute the maple syrup or honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of peppermint extract to the mixture before cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Drinks, Holiday
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
