Description
This creamy and comforting Crock Pot Pumpkin Hot Chocolate combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and chocolate in a slow-cooked, velvety drink perfect for chilly days and festive gatherings. Made with milk, pumpkin puree, cocoa, and milk chocolate chips, it’s easy to prepare and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 1 gallon whole milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling mix)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 22 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
Toppings (Optional)
- Marshmallows
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In your crock pot, add the whole milk, pumpkin puree, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, milk chocolate chips, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Set Slow Cooker: Place the lid on the crock pot and set it to heat on high. Let the mixture cook for 2 ½ hours to allow the flavors to meld and the chocolate to fully melt and incorporate.
- Stir Occasionally: Every 30 minutes, carefully open the lid and give the hot chocolate a good stir to ensure the mixture stays smooth and the ingredients blend well throughout the cooking process.
- Serve and Garnish: After 2 ½ hours, ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each serving with whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, add marshmallows, and sprinkle a little cinnamon if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added spices and sugars that can alter the flavor.
- Stirring regularly prevents milk from scorching on the bottom of the crock pot.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on your sweetness preference.
- For a richer taste, whole milk is recommended, but you can substitute with 2% or plant-based milk if desired.
- Chocolate chips melt better than chunks for a smoother hot chocolate texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
