Description
Creamy slow cooker hot chocolate delights winter evenings with rich chocolate and marshmallow goodness. Warm mugs of this comforting beverage will wrap you in sweet, indulgent memories of cold-weather bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (14 oz/397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed candy canes
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Liquid Fusion: Combine milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk in the slow cooker, whisking to create a harmonious base for the decadent hot chocolate.
- Chocolate Integration: Gradually add chocolate chips into the liquid, stirring gently to ensure smooth melting and preventing any potential scorching.
- Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate a nuanced pinch of salt and pure vanilla extract to deepen the chocolate’s complexity and elevate the overall sensory experience.
- Slow Transformation: Set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a luxurious, velvety consistency over 2-3 hours.
- Periodic Refinement: Whisk the mixture every 45 minutes, promoting even chocolate distribution and preventing any sediment from forming at the bottom of the cooker.
- Serving Preparation: Once the chocolate fully dissolves and the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy texture, prepare for presentation.
- Artful Presentation: Ladle the hot chocolate into pre-warmed mugs, garnishing with optional toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or a delicate cocoa powder dusting.
- Continuous Enjoyment: Maintain the hot chocolate’s optimal temperature and texture in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to ensure a consistent, indulgent experience for subsequent servings.
Notes
- Prevent Chocolate Burning: Stir chocolate chips gradually and whisk every 45 minutes to ensure smooth melting without scorching or clumping at the bottom.
- Control Temperature Carefully: Maintain low slow cooker setting to develop rich flavors and prevent milk from scalding or separating during the cooking process.
- Enhance Flavor Complexity: Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and consider experimenting with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or semi-sweet for varied taste profiles.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free versions, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate different dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Drinks, Desserts
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg