Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso at the Table

A mug of slow cooker hot chocolate with espresso topped with chocolate shavings and marshmallows.
A mug of slow cooker hot chocolate with espresso topped with chocolate shavings and marshmallows.

Indulge in the standout 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 go-to chocolate, milk, and a dash of espresso for that extra kick, this hot chocolate is reliable for any occasion from cuddling up on a snowy day, hosting a movie night with friends, or throwing a festive holiday party.

A mug of hot chocolate with espresso topped with chocolate shavings and marshmallows.

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 reliable for feeding a large crowd!
Ingredients to make hot chocolate in a slow cooker.

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 silky texture.
  • Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder forms the base of the rich, chocolate flavor.
  • GranulatedSugar – 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!

A mug of hot chocolate with espresso topped with marshmallows.

Slow Cooker Espresso Hot Chocolate Easier than a Powederd Mix

This espresso slow cooker hot chocolate is so simple 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Add the dark Chocolate. Stir in the chocolate, making sure it melts completely.
  3. Cook. Cover the slow cooker, and cook on high.
  4. Serve. Whisk the ingredients again, making sure every is well mixed. Then, divide your hot chocolate with espresso into mugs, add your go-to toppings, and serve warm!
A mug of slow cooker hot chocolate with espresso topped with marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

Topping Ideas

You can serve this espresso hot chocolate on its own, but we prefer to add extra toppings for the finest flavor! Some of our favorites include:

  • Marshmallows
  • Whipped Cream
  • GroundCinnamon
  • 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:

close up image of a mug of slow cooker hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso

How do you keep hot chocolate warm for a crowd?

If you want to serve hot chocolate at a party, keeping it in a slow cooker is the easiest way to make sure it stays warm.

How to serve hot chocolate at a large event?

If you’re hosting a large gathering, be sure to keep the slow cooker with the hot chocolate in a safe and accessible spot. Then, be sure to include cups, ladles, and bowls or jars with add-ins on toppings nearby.

Does the use of marshmallows in hot chocolate keep it warmer?

Yes! The marshmallows help to keep some of the heat in a mug of hot chocolate.

What should be included in a hot chocolate bar?

You can include any sweets that you like! Try offering whipped cream, mini-marshmallows, or even jumbo marshmallows (depending on the size of your mugs). You can also serve nuts, sprinkles, candy cane pieces, mini-chocolate chips, or crushed cookies and graham crackers. Candy canes also make great stirrers!

More Holiday Recipes

If you’re looking for most decadent treats to celebrate the season, we’ve got your back!

A mug of slow cooker hot chocolate with espresso topped with chocolate shavings and marshmallows.the Ayyem kitchenServings: 16 servings

Prep: 2 mins
Cook: 1 hr
Total: 1 hr 2 mins

Make this slow cooker hot chocolate with espresso for the richest, creamiest hot cocoa you'll ever taste, and don't forget the toppings! Email

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

  1. 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
  2. Add the chocolate and espresso, and stir.4 ounces high-quality dark chocolate
  3. Cover, and cook on high for 1 hour.
  4. Remove the lid, and stir again until smooth and silky.
  5. Divide the hot chocolate into mugs, top with marshmallows, if using, and enjoy!Optional: Marshmallows for serving

Equipment

1 Slow Cooker

Notes

*Nutrition information does not include marshmallow topping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving
| Calories: 178kcal
| Carbohydrates: 16g
| Protein: 5g
| Fat: 12g
| Saturated Fat: 7g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
| Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
| Trans Fat: 0.002g
| Cholesterol: 28mg
| Sodium: 41mg
| Potassium: 247mg
| Fiber: 2g
| Sugar: 13g
| Vitamin A: 370IU
| Vitamin C: 0.1mg
| Calcium: 131mg
| Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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