Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is a rich and creamy recipe, which is made with semisweet chocolate and heavy cream. It’s the ultimate cold-weather treat, ready in about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 (4-oz.) semisweet chocolate bars, chopped
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. instant espresso or coffee
- 15 marshmallows, plus more for garnish
- 8 oz. Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey’s), optional
- Shaved chocolate, for garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
- Mix the base: In the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Gradually whisk in the milk until there are no lumps. Then, whisk in the heavy cream, chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and instant espresso.
- Slow cook the chocolate: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for about 2 hours, whisking occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is hot and smooth.
- Add marshmallows and serve: Stir in the marshmallows and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to melt into the hot chocolate. Stir in the Irish cream liqueur, if you are using it.
- Garnish and serve: Set the slow cooker to the “WARM” setting. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with more marshmallows and some shaved chocolate for garnish, if desired.
Recipe Tips
- How do you prevent the hot chocolate from scorching? The secret is the low, gentle heat of the slow cooker. It’s also important to whisk the mixture occasionally (about every 30-45 minutes) to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Can I use a different kind of chocolate? Yes. This recipe is very flexible. For a sweeter, milkier version, you can use milk chocolate bars. For an even richer, more intense flavor, use a bittersweet or dark chocolate.
- What does the instant espresso do? You won’t taste coffee! The small amount of instant espresso powder simply enhances and deepens the flavor of the chocolate, making it taste richer and more complex.
- Can I make this non-alcoholic? Absolutely! The Irish cream liqueur is completely optional. To make a delicious, family-friendly version, simply omit it with no other changes needed.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
This rich and decadent hot chocolate is a treat all on its own, but it’s even more fun with a variety of toppings and dippers. Set up a hot chocolate bar with bowls of:
- Mini marshmallows
- Freshly whipped cream
- Shaved chocolate or mini chocolate chips
- Caramel or chocolate sauce for drizzling
- Shortbread cookies or biscotti for dipping
How To Store Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
- Refrigerate: Let the hot chocolate cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, whisking frequently, or in the microwave. The hot chocolate will thicken as it chills; it will return to a smooth consistency when warmed.
Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 40g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What’s the difference between this and using a hot cocoa packet?
The difference is huge! This recipe uses real, chopped chocolate and heavy cream, which results in a much richer, creamier, and more intensely chocolatey beverage than the powdered mixes.
Why did my hot chocolate form a skin on top while on the u0022WARMu0022 setting?
This is a completely normal reaction when heating milk and cream. It’s just the milk proteins solidifying on the surface. Simply give the hot chocolate a good whisk and the skin will incorporate right back into the drink.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try, but the texture will be quite different. You would need to substitute the milk and cream with a creamy dairy-free alternative (like a mix of oat milk and full-fat canned coconut milk) and use dairy-free chocolate bars.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Swiss Steak Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Ham Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Sirloin Tip Roast Crock Pot Recipe
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Description
The ultimate rich and creamy hot chocolate, made easy in the slow cooker with real chocolate, heavy cream, and marshmallows for a perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then whisk in the heavy cream, chopped chocolate, vanilla, and espresso.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, whisking occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Stir in the marshmallows and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to melt.
- Stir in the optional Irish cream liqueur.
- Set the slow cooker to u0022WARMu0022 and serve in mugs, topped with extra marshmallows and shaved chocolate.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for this recipe is to cook it on LOW and stir occasionally to prevent the chocolate from scorching on the bottom.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing real, chopped chocolate bars in addition to cocoa powder is the secret to an extra rich and creamy texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe instant espresso powder is a flavor enhancer that makes the chocolate taste more chocolatey; you won’t taste any coffee.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is the perfect u0022set it and forget itu0022 drink for a holiday party; you can leave it on the WARM setting for guests to serve themselves.u003c/liu003e
