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Cozy Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar with Toppings Station

cozy slow cooker hot cocoa bar - featured image
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This rich, velvety slow cooker hot cocoa is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering. Set up a toppings station so everyone can customize their own cup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups whole milk (1.9 liters)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (120 grams)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (175 grams, optional)
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup whipped cream (1 can or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate shavings
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes
  • 1 cup crushed cookies (Oreos, shortbread, or graham crackers)
  • 6–8 peppermint sticks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker. Give the insert a quick rinse and dry it. Plug it in and set it to LOW.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until no lumps remain.
  3. Add the milk and cream. Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Add the dry ingredient mixture on top. Whisk until the cocoa and sugar are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Add the vanilla and chocolate chips. Stir in the vanilla extract. If using, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  5. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Cover and cook, stirring every 30-45 minutes, until steaming hot and chocolate chips have melted. (Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 1-1.5 hours.)
  6. Taste and adjust. Add a pinch more salt or a splash more vanilla if needed.
  7. Set up the toppings station. While the cocoa cooks, arrange small bowls on a tray. Fill each with a different topping: marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, caramel sauce, sea salt flakes, crushed cookies, and peppermint sticks. Place small spoons or tongs in each bowl.
  8. Serve and enjoy. Switch the slow cooker to WARM. Place it next to the toppings station. Ladle hot cocoa into mugs and let everyone customize their own cup.

Notes

For a smoother texture, make a cocoa paste by whisking the cocoa powder and sugar with a few tablespoons of hot water before adding to the milk. Do not let the cocoa boil; if it starts bubbling, turn to WARM immediately. Warm the mugs before serving to keep the cocoa hot longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker hot cocoa, hot chocolate bar, toppings station, party drink, winter beverage, holiday drink

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-slow-cooker-hot-cocoa-bar-with-toppings-station/