Description
Hearty Pioneer Woman slow cooker hot chocolate beckons with rich, creamy comfort from cozy kitchens across America. Chocolate lovers can savor this warming beverage that wraps cold nights in sweet, indulgent bliss you’ll want to share with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups (1.4 L) whole milk
- 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
- 2 bars (4 oz/113 g) semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 15 jumbo marshmallows, plus extra for serving
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 1 tsp instant espresso or coffee (optional)
- 8 oz (237 ml) Irish cream liqueur like Bailey’s (optional, for adults)
- Shaved chocolate, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Blend Base: Whisk granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder inside the slow cooker until completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
- Liquid Integration: Pour whole milk and heavy cream into the cocoa mixture, stirring consistently to create a homogeneous liquid with no ingredient separation.
- Flavor Enrichment: Incorporate finely chopped dark chocolate, pure vanilla extract, and optional instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate’s complex flavor profile.
- Slow Infusion: Cover slow cooker, set to low temperature, and allow mixture to gently heat for two hours, occasionally whisking to ensure uniform temperature and prevent burning.
- Final Preparation: Once chocolate fully dissolves and liquid reaches a silky consistency, fold in mini marshmallows, letting them melt and create a luxurious topping.
- Adult Enhancement: For sophisticated versions, gently stir Irish cream liqueur into the hot chocolate, adding a warming, nuanced dimension.
- Serving Presentation: Ladle hot chocolate into prewarmed ceramic mugs, garnishing with additional marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or a delicate cocoa powder sprinkle for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Whisk Methodically: Continuous stirring prevents ingredient separation and ensures a smooth, lump-free chocolate base.
- Temperature Control: Low heat setting allows gradual, even melting without scorching, preserving the rich chocolate flavor and velvety texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: Adding dark chocolate, vanilla extract, and optional espresso powder deepens the chocolate complexity and creates a more sophisticated taste profile.
- Serving Pro Tip: Keep hot chocolate in the slow cooker on warm setting to maintain ideal temperature and provide a continuous, inviting beverage station during gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 50 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg