3‑Ingredient Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is the perfect cozy drink you’ll fall in love with immediately. With just three simple ingredients—milk, Belgian chocolate (or chocolate chips), and unsweetened cocoa powder—this recipe delivers rich, creamy comfort with minimal effort. Whether you’re winding down on a chilly evening or hosting friends, it’s effortlessly delicious and fuss-free. In just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does the rest, making it an ideal choice for busy days or leisurely gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This 3‑Ingredient Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
This recipe is a game-changer. First, it’s incredibly simple—only three ingredients, and no need for stovetop monitoring. Just mix everything in the slow cooker, set it, and come back to indulgently smooth hot chocolate. It’s perfect for sharing with family, party-ready if you want to impress guests, and totally adaptable based on the type of chocolate or milk you prefer. Most importantly, it hits that comforting sweet spot with ease and flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
3 cups (750 ml) of your preferred milk—whole, low-fat, plant-based, whatever you like best
1 cup (150 g) Belgian chocolate chips or callets—or feel free to substitute with semi‑sweet or finely chopped dark chocolate depending on your taste preferences
3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make 3‑Ingredient Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Pour the milk into your slow cooker.
Add in the chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Stir for about 2 minutes until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and combined with the milk.
Cover and set the cooker to low heat.
Give the mixture a stir after the first hour of cooking to help the chocolate melt evenly and create a smooth texture.
Allow to cook for a total of 1.5 hours.
Serve immediately, or switch the slow cooker to its Keep Warm setting until you’re ready to enjoy.
Helpful Tips
Milk: Feel free to experiment—whole milk yields the richest flavor, while almond or oat milk make it dairy-free.
Chocolate: Belgian callets are delightful, but semi-sweet or dark varieties work beautifully too. Adjust sweetness by your chocolate choice.
Stirring: A mid-cook stir helps avoid lumps and ensures silky consistency.
Scaling: You can easily double or triple the recipe for larger groups.
Keep Warm: Once done, the slow cooker’s warm setting keeps your drink ready without overcooking.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap in different chocolates—white chocolate for sweeter taste, or dark chocolate for richer, bittersweet flavor.
Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves for a festive twist.
Stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso or coffee powder to enhance the chocolate depth, à la café-style hot chocolate.
For an indulgent adult version, stir in a splash of Baileys, Irish cream, or whiskey just before serving—great for holiday gatherings.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often to bring back its creamy consistency.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: ~363 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~36 g
Protein: ~10 g
Fat: ~21 g (Saturated Fat: ~17 g)
Sugar, calcium, and other micronutrient values vary depending on your specific milk and chocolate choices.
Serving Suggestions
Top your hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flair. For a cozy ambiance, serve with cinnamon sticks or pair with baked treats like cookies or cinnamon rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3‑Ingredient Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk (like soy, almond, or oat) and dairy-free chocolate chips. Most cocoa powders are naturally vegan, but always check the label to be sure.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem! Make it on the stovetop: gently heat milk with chocolate and cocoa until smooth, stirring constantly to avoid scorching.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
Using 8‑ounce (250 ml) cups, this yields about 4 servings. Feel free to double or triple the recipe to serve more guests.
Can I add flavorings?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, or instant espresso powder are delicious additions. For a festive touch, try adding a cinnamon stick or splash of your favorite liqueur.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying this 3‑Ingredient Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate! I hope you enjoy how effortlessly it brings warmth, flavor, and comfort with just a few ingredients and simple steps. It’s a recipe that’s both easy and indulgent—perfect for cozy evenings or sharing with loved ones. I absolutely adore how this creamy drink practically makes itself, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to favorites, too. Warm wishes for delightful sips and happy gatherings—thanks for being part of our food-loving community. Enjoy every comforting cup!
Print
3‑Ingredient Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is smooth, rich, and ridiculously easy. Toss everything in, let it simmer, and serve! Perfect for chilly nights, holiday gatherings, or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
3 cups milk (whole, low-fat, or plant-based)
1 cup Belgian chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
Pour the milk into your slow cooker.
Add in the chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Stir for about 2 minutes until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and combined with the milk.
Cover and set the cooker to low heat.
Give the mixture a stir after the first hour of cooking to help the chocolate melt evenly and create a smooth texture.
Allow to cook for a total of 1.5 hours.
Serve immediately, or switch the slow cooker to its Keep Warm setting until you’re ready to enjoy.
Notes
Swap chocolate type to adjust sweetness.
Use any milk you prefer—dairy or plant-based.
Recipe yields 4 servings (8 oz each).
Easily double for a crowd.
Leftovers can be stored and reheated.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Protein: 10 g