Indulge in the ultimate cozy drink with this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso recipe — it’s the richest, creamiest, most decadent hot chocolate you can imagine! With just a handful of simple ingredients, including your favorite chocolate, milk, and a dash of espresso for that extra kick, this hot chocolate is perfect for any occasion from cuddling up on a snowy day, hosting a movie night with friends, or throwing a festive holiday party.
Table of Contents
- Why We Love this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker Espresso Hot Chocolate Easier than a Powederd Mix
- Topping Ideas
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions About This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso
- More Holiday Recipes
- Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso Recipe
Why We Love this Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso
Nothing is more comforting than a warm cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day. However, we took the standard recipe up a notch with this decadent slow cooker hot chocolate with espresso!
- It comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients.
- All you have to do is dump the ingredients in your slow cooker and come back later. No standing over the stovetop required!
- Featuring espresso, it has an elevated flavor and provides a boost of caffeine for extra energy.
- One batch is perfect for feeding a large crowd!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a few basic ingredients can make the richest, most indulgent slow cooker espresso hot chocolate! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Whole Milk – This is our secret to creating a velvety consistency and an extra rich taste! Substitute non-dairy milk like almond milk or coconut milk if needed.
- Heavy Cream – Included for an even creamy texture.
- Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder forms the base of the rich, chocolate flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Adjust the sugar to suit your flavor preferences. For a lower-calorie option, swap it out with Stevia or Swerve instead.
- Dark Chocolate – Melted into the mixture, dark chocolate makes for an even more indulgent flavor. Just make sure it’s a good quality chocolate like Lindt or Ghiradelli!
- Espresso – Use a fully brewed espresso shot, not espresso powder. Regular or decaf both work well, creating a rich mocha hot chocolate taste.
Note: To create a vanilla mocha taste, feel free to include a splash of vanilla extract, too!
Slow Cooker Espresso Hot Chocolate Easier than a Powederd Mix
This espresso slow cooker hot chocolate is so easy that we can barely call it a recipe. However, it’s so good not sharing the recipe would be selfish! Here’s what to do:
- Create the hot chocolate base. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and espresso to your slow cooker. Whisk until they are well combined and smooth.
- Add the dark Chocolate. Stir in the chocolate, making sure it melts completely.
- Cook. Cover the slow cooker, and cook on high.
- Serve. Whisk the ingredients again, making sure every is well mixed. Then, divide your hot chocolate with espresso into mugs, add your favorite toppings, and serve warm!
Topping Ideas
You can serve this espresso hot chocolate on its own, but we prefer to add extra toppings for the best flavor! Some of our favorites include:
- Marshmallows
- Whipped Cream
- Ground Cinnamon
- Chocolate Sauce
- Caramel Sauce
- Chocolate Chips
- Candy Canes
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate Shavings
Serving Suggestions
A steaming cup of hot chocolate always tastes better when paired with a snack! Satisfy your sweet tooth, and treat yourself with festive options such as:
- Chocolate Truffles
- S’mores Cookies
- Cookies ‘n Cream Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Andes Mints
- Wafer Cookies
Frequently Asked Questions About This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso
Nope! Keeping the slow cooker on low helps warm the ingredients without actually making the milk steaming hot.
Yes. Your slow cooker hot chocolate will still be delicious, it just won’t be as creamy or as rich.
Sure! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this recipe in a large Dutch oven or pot. Just add all the ingredients, and cook them on low until they melt and combine, stirring frequently.
No, semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate both taste great.
Yes, transferred to an airtight container, leftover hot cocoa with espresso will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. To serve, warm it in the crockpot on low, or just pop it in the microwave!
More Holiday Recipes
If you’re looking for most decadent treats to celebrate the season, we’ve got your back!
- Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Cocoa
- S’mores Graham Cracker Toffee Bars
- Christmas Monster Cookies
- Easy Christmas Crack
- Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup espresso shot decaf or regular
- 4 ounces high-quality dark chocolate
- Optional: Marshmallows for serving
Instructions
- In the bowl of the slow cooker, add the whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and espresso. Whisk to combine.6 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup espresso shot
- Add the chocolate and espresso, and stir.4 ounces high-quality dark chocolate
- Cover, and cook on high for 1 hour.
- Remove the lid, and stir again until smooth and creamy.
- Divide the hot chocolate into mugs, top with marshmallows, if using, and enjoy!Optional: Marshmallows for serving
Equipment
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
