Another delightful recipe from Pioneer Woman is this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate, made with granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, whole milk, heavy cream, and semisweet chocolate. This comforting Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate recipe is a warm beverage that takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 bars (4 ounces each) semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee (optional)
- 15 jumbo marshmallows, plus extra for serving
- 8 ounces Irish cream liqueur like Bailey’s (optional, for adults)
- Shaved chocolate, for garnish (optional)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Prepare the dry mix: In your slow cooker, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Add milk and cream: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to blend it with the cocoa mixture. Then, whisk in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate chocolate and flavors: Add the chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and optional instant espresso. The espresso enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Cook the mixture: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for about 2 hours, whisking occasionally until the chocolate melts and the mixture is hot and smooth.
- Melt marshmallows: Add the marshmallows and let them melt into the hot chocolate for about 2 minutes. If serving to adults, stir in the Irish cream liqueur now.
- Serve warm: Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting. Serve the hot chocolate in mugs, topping with additional marshmallows and shaved chocolate if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate bars for a richer and smoother hot chocolate.
- Stir regularly: Whisk the mixture every 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and prevents any sticking.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the hot chocolate before serving and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- Keep warm: After cooking, keep the slow cooker on the warm setting to maintain the perfect drinking temperature.
- Add flavor variations: Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
What To Serve With Hot Chocolate
Serve your comforting Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with cinnamon-dusted churros, vanilla scones, chocolate-dipped biscotti, fresh fruit skewers, and mini waffles.
You can also pair with almond croissants, caramel popcorn for a delightful combination.
How To Store Hot Chocolate
To Refrigerate: Let the hot chocolate cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave-safe mug.
To Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing may slightly change the texture, but it still tastes delicious.
How To Reheat Hot Chocolate
In The Oven: Pour the hot chocolate into an oven-safe pot and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating; or add a bit of extra milk if it thickens too much.
In The Microwave: Transfer the hot chocolate to a microwave-safe mug. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent overheating; or use a microwave cover to avoid spills.
In The Air Fryer: This method is not recommended for reheating hot chocolate due to the liquid nature of the drink; or try using the stovetop for the best results, heating slowly and stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of milk for this hot chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with any type of milk, including almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. The texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on the milk you use, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this hot chocolate less sweet?
To make the hot chocolate less sweet, reduce the amount of granulated sugar. You can also use a dark chocolate bar instead of semisweet chocolate to achieve a richer, less sweet flavor.
Can I prepare this hot chocolate in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the hot chocolate in advance. After cooking, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove or in a microwave before serving.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 253kcal
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 352mg
- Potassium: 85mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Rice
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Description
Another delightful recipe from Pioneer Woman is this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate, made with granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, whole milk, heavy cream, and semisweet chocolate. This comforting Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate recipe is a warm beverage that takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Prepare the dry mix: In your slow cooker, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Add milk and cream: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to blend it with the cocoa mixture. Then, whisk in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate chocolate and flavors: Add the chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and optional instant espresso. The espresso enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Cook the mixture: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for about 2 hours, whisking occasionally until the chocolate melts and the mixture is hot and smooth.
- Melt marshmallows: Add the marshmallows and let them melt into the hot chocolate for about 2 minutes. If serving to adults, stir in the Irish cream liqueur now.
- Serve warm: Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting. Serve the hot chocolate in mugs, topping with additional marshmallows and shaved chocolate if desired.