Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy, and bursting with cherry-chocolate flavor, this Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy treat! Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, this delightful drink combines the sweetness of cherries with rich chocolate. With minimal prep and a slow cooker to do the work, you can enjoy this luscious beverage at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the magic for you.
• Decadent Flavor: Indulge in the irresistible combination of chocolate and cherries that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves eight, making it ideal for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in with friends.
• Customizable Toppings: Top it off with whipped cream and extra cherries for an added touch of sweetness and presentation.
• Year-Round Enjoyment: While perfect for winter, this hot chocolate can be enjoyed anytime you want a sweet treat.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious drink, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure that your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is smooth and rich.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It slowly melds all the flavors together while keeping everything warm without constant attention.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly for an even flavor distribution.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and richness in your hot chocolate.
• Ladle: A ladle makes serving easy and prevents spills while pouring this delightful beverage.

Ingredients

Rich, creamy, and bursting with cherry-chocolate flavor, this Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy treat! 🍒☕

For the Base

• ½ gallon whole milk
• 11 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 oz. jar maraschino cherries (juice and all) (about 23 cherries and ¾ cup juice)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup sugar

For Serving

• Whipped cream (canister is fine)
• Additional cherries for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add the whole milk, chocolate chips, the entire jar of cherries (with juice), cocoa powder, and sugar into your slow cooker. Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Cook on High

Set your slow cooker to HIGH for 2 hours. Cooking at a high temperature enhances the cherry flavor as it melds with the cocoa.

Step 3: Serve

After cooking, stir well again before serving. Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream and additional cherries for garnish. Enjoy your delicious creation!

With its rich flavors and simple preparation method, this Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate will surely become a favorite in your home.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Serving your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can elevate the experience, making it even more delightful. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this cozy treat.

With Whipped Cream

• Top your hot chocolate with a generous dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and sweetness.

Garnished with Cherries

• Add a few extra maraschino cherries on top for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Accompanied by Cookies

• Serve alongside freshly baked cookies like chocolate chip or sugar cookies for a sweet pairing.

In Festive Mugs

• Use colorful or themed mugs to present your hot chocolate, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

With a Side of Marshmallows

• Include mini marshmallows as an optional topping for extra fluffiness and sweetness in every sip.

Drizzled with Chocolate Syrup

• A drizzle of chocolate syrup over the whipped cream adds an extra layer of decadence to your drink.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh milk and quality chocolate chips will enhance the overall flavor and creaminess of your hot chocolate.

• Control the Temperature: Ensure you cook on HIGH for the specified time to fully extract the cherry flavors.

• Stir Regularly: Give it a stir halfway through cooking to ensure even melting and distribution of flavors.

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar content according to your taste preferences; start with less if you prefer it less sweet.

• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like crushed nuts or flavored whipped cream for variety in each serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can create a well-rounded snack experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft and gooey cookies that complement the rich flavors of the hot chocolate.
2. Brownies – Fudgy brownies can add an extra layer of chocolate bliss when enjoyed together.
3. Fruit Skewers – Fresh fruit skewers provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy hot chocolate.
4. Pretzel Bites – Salty pretzel bites offer a nice balance to the sweetness of your drink.
5. Mini Cheesecakes – Individual cheesecakes add a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the cherry-chocolate notes.
6. Puffed Rice Treats – Chewy and crunchy, these treats add fun texture alongside your warm beverage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that could affect the final taste. Here are key points to keep in mind.

• Using the wrong type of chocolate: Always use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich flavor. Avoid milk chocolate as it may make the drink overly sweet.
• Skipping the cocoa powder: Don’t forget to add unsweetened cocoa powder. It enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness from the cherries and sugar.
• Not stirring enough: Make sure to stir the mixture well before cooking. This ensures even melting and prevents burning on the bottom of your slow cooker.
• Overcooking the hot chocolate: Cooking for too long can affect flavor and texture. Stick to 2 hours on HIGH for the best results.
• Neglecting garnishes: Whipped cream and additional cherries add a lovely finishing touch. Don’t skip these; they enhance both presentation and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The hot chocolate can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months, but note that texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place hot chocolate in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate?

Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is a creamy, rich drink made with whole milk, chocolate chips, maraschino cherries, cocoa powder, and sugar. It’s perfect for cozy evenings!

Can I use different types of milk?

Yes! You can use almond milk or oat milk as alternatives if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

How can I customize my Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate?

Feel free to add flavors like vanilla extract or peppermint for a twist. You can also substitute different toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles.

Is it possible to make this hot chocolate vegan?

To make it vegan, replace whole milk with plant-based milk and omit whipped cream or choose a vegan alternative.

How long does it take to prepare?

Preparation only takes about 5 minutes! After that, it cooks in the slow cooker for 2 hours.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is an indulgent treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Its creamy texture combined with cherry-chocolate flavor makes it irresistible! Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or flavors for a personal touch. Enjoy this delightful drink at your next gathering or cozy night in!