Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Instant Mix

Hot chocolate is the quintessential cold-weather companion. It warms the hands and heart, bringing back cherished memories of snow days and holiday cheer. While the traditional stovetop method has its charms, I’ve discovered a game-changer for serving a crowd or just indulging in a personal treat: Crockpot Hot Chocolate made with Instant Mix.

How to make Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Instant Mix

Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Instant Mix is a simple and delicious way to make creamy, comforting hot chocolate using a slow cooker (Crockpot). It typically combines an instant hot chocolate mix with additional ingredients like milk, cream, or marshmallows to create a rich, warm beverage perfect for cold weather or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 to 1.5 cups of Instant Hot Cocoa Mix: For a personalized touch, choose your favorite brand or flavor. The amount can be adjusted based on your taste preference and the number of servings you need.
• 6 cups of Milk: Whole milk is ideal for a creamier texture, but you can use any milk you choose, including dairy-free alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk for a vegan option.
• 2 cups of Heavy Cream: This adds a layer of richness and creaminess but can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract: To enhance the flavors and add a hint of sweetness.
• Optional for Serving: For garnish, whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or a dash of cinnamon can be used.

Instructions:

1. Blend the Ingredients: In your crockpot, whisk together the instant hot cocoa mix, milk, and heavy cream until the cocoa mix is well dissolved. The goal is to have a smooth base without any lumps.
2. Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic flavor that complements chocolate so well.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and set your crockpot on low heat. Let the hot chocolate cook for 2 hours, gently stirring every now and then to ensure the mixture remains smooth and evenly heated.
4. Serve Warm: After 2 hours, your hot chocolate should be steaming hot and infused with flavor. Give it a good stir and switch the crockpot to the “warm” setting to keep it at the perfect temperature for serving.
5. Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and add your favorite toppings. Whether you love a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a generous helping of marshmallows, this is where you can get creative.

Tips for Success:

• Stir Regularly: While the crockpot does most of the work, occasional stirring helps prevent the milk from scalding and ensures the chocolate remains evenly distributed.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the cocoa mix, milk, and cream amounts to get the desired richness and thickness. Remember, hot chocolate is personal!
• Serve with Options: Offering a variety of toppings and mix-ins lets everyone customize their mug to their liking. If you’re entertaining, consider setting up a “hot chocolate bar.”
• Sanitize Your Crockpot First: Make sure your crockpot is clean and doesn’t have lingering odors from previous meals, as this could affect the taste.
• Use Quality Cocoa Mix: The better the cocoa mix, the better the resulting hot chocolate. Look for mixes with a high cocoa content and fewer additives for the best flavor.

What to serve with

Enhancing the experience of a steaming mug of Crockpot Hot Chocolate made with Instant Mix involves pairing it with the perfect complementary treats.

Sweet Treats:

• Classic Cookies: A variety of cookies such as chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, or gingerbread make for a timeless combination with Crockpot Hot Chocolate made with Instant Mix. Their crispy texture contrasts delightfully with the creamy beverage.
• Marshmallows: Of course, homemade marshmallows in various sizes and flavors like vanilla, caramel, or peppermint offer a gooey sweetness that melds into the hot chocolate, creating creamy sips of bliss.
• Biscotti: These Italian, twice-baked cookies are ideal for dipping. Almond, chocolate, or hazelnut biscotti add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to your hot cocoa experience.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes are a luxurious companion to the warm, chocolatey goodness of your crockpot creation, adding a creamy texture and a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.

Savory Snacks:

• Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels pairs exceptionally well with the sweet, creamy hot chocolate, providing a delightful contrast in flavors.
• Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, especially those that are slightly salty or creamy, can surprisingly complement the richness of hot chocolate. Consider softer cheeses like Brie or Camembert for a gourmet touch.

Festive Specials:

• Holiday Cookies: Seasonally shaped sugar cookies, such as gingerbread men or snowflake spritz cookies, add a festive touch and are also wonderful for dipping and enjoying hot chocolate.
• Stollen or Panettone: These traditional Christmas breads, studded with dried fruits and nuts, offer a sweet and slightly spiced flavor that pairs nicely with the richness of hot chocolate.

Comfort Foods:

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic grilled cheese sandwich can be a comforting and satisfying pairing for those who adore the interplay of sweet and savory flavors.
• Popcorn: A bowl of lightly salted or caramel popcorn alongside hot chocolate offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for movie nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a delicious Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Instant Mix is both comforting and convenient, especially during the chilly months. However, there might be times when you need to improvise due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply because you find yourself short of certain ingredients.

Instant Hot Chocolate Mix:

• Homemade Mix: Combine cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the sweetness and cocoa intensity according to your taste. Use about 2 tablespoons of your homemade mix for every packet of instant mix required.
• Dairy-Free/Healthier Mix: Look for dairy-free or lower-sugar chocolate mix options in stores, or make your own using sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a sugar-free version.

Milk:

• Non-Dairy Alternatives: Almond, coconut, oat, and soy milk are excellent non-dairy substitutes with similar creaminess and richness. The flavor profile might slightly change based on the milk used; for instance, coconut milk adds a tropical hint.
• Half-and-Half or Cream for Richer Texture: If dietary restrictions aren’t a concern, replacing part of the milk with half-and-half or cream makes for an even creamier consistency.

Sweetened Condensed Milk:

• Evaporated Milk + Sugar: If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can use the same amount of evaporated milk and add sugar to taste. Normally, 1 to 1 ½ cups of sugar per can of evaporated milk should do the trick, depending on your desired sweetness.
• Coconut Condensed Milk: For a dairy-free version, coconut condensed milk is a fantastic alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

Heavy Cream:

• Coconut Cream: For those avoiding dairy, coconut cream is a great substitute for heavy cream, lending a rich and slightly tropical flavor to your hot chocolate.
• Milk + Butter: If you’re out of heavy cream in a pinch, combine ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of melted butter. This can replicate the fat content of heavy cream, although it’s more suitable for recipes that don’t rely on cream for whipping.

Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Bars:

• Cocoa Powder: You can use cocoa powder if you don’t have solid chocolate. Approximately 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate is equivalent to 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder combined with 1 tablespoon of butter, oil, or shortening. Adjust the sugar in your recipe as necessary.
• Different Chocolate Types: You can use dark, semi-sweet, milk, or a mix of the three depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preference. White chocolate can also add a delightful twist.

Flavor Enhancers (Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, etc.):

• Alternative Extracts: If you’re out of vanilla, try almond extract, but reduce the quantity by half as it’s stronger.
• Spices: No cinnamon? Nutmeg or allspice can provide a similar warm spice profile, albeit with their distinct flavors. Start with small amounts and adjust according to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Instant Mix recipe is not just about creating a warm drink; it’s about crafting an experience. It is a simple yet profoundly satisfying way to bring joy and warmth to your table.

More Drinks Recipes:

• Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate Recipe