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Ultimate Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar for a Crowd

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This easy slow cooker hot cocoa bar is the ultimate hands-off hosting hack. Dump everything in, set it, and forget it until your guests are ready for the creamiest, most decadent hot chocolate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups whole milk (64 ounces or 1.9 liters)
  • 2 cups heavy cream (16 ounces or 480 milliliters)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (120 grams)
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (340 grams)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional for the bar setup: mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, caramel sauce, sprinkles, cinnamon sticks, peppermint extract

Instructions

  1. Prep your slow cooker. Give the insert a quick rinse and dry it. If you’re worried about sticking, spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Add the dry ingredients first. Whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Then pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
  3. Add the chocolate chips. Dump them right on top of the cocoa mixture. Don’t stir yet.
  4. Pour in the milk and cream. Slowly pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir with a wooden spoon, just until the cocoa powder starts to blend in.
  5. Add the vanilla. Drizzle in the vanilla extract and give everything one more stir.
  6. Set it and forget it. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or on HIGH for 1 to 1.5 hours. The cocoa is ready when it’s steaming hot and the chocolate chips have completely melted. Give it a good stir about halfway through.
  7. Stir before serving. Once the time is up, give the cocoa a thorough stir. It should be smooth, glossy, and deeply chocolatey. Taste it and adjust sweetness if needed.
  8. Switch to WARM. Turn the slow cooker to the WARM setting. This keeps the cocoa at the perfect drinking temperature for hours without scorching.
  9. Set up your cocoa bar. While the cocoa is cooking, arrange your toppings in small bowls. Lay out the mugs, a ladle, and napkins. Let guests serve themselves.

Notes

Don’t use low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives without testing first. Oat milk or full-fat coconut milk work best for dairy-free versions. Watch the heat—slow cookers vary, and boiling will cause curdling. The salt is not optional; it enhances the chocolate flavor. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent cocoa powder from settling. Keep the lid on to maintain heat. This cocoa can be made a day in advance and reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker hot cocoa, hot chocolate bar, crowd-pleasing hot cocoa, easy hot chocolate, holiday drink, party drink, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/ultimate-slow-cooker-hot-cocoa-bar-for-a-crowd-easy-recipe/