Dreamy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe for Fall

Chilly afternoons call for a warm, comforting slow cooker pumpkin hot chocolate that wraps you in autumnal bliss.

Creamy, rich flavors dance through this delightful beverage, promising pure indulgence with every sip.

Pumpkin spice meets chocolate in a magical blend that warms your soul instantly.

Cozy mugs await this luxurious drink that combines seasonal spices with velvety chocolate notes.

Seasonal ingredients mingle effortlessly, creating a decadent treat perfect for lazy weekends or intimate gatherings.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Grab your slow cooker and prepare to transform an ordinary moment into a delectable memory.

FAQs For Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

• Can I use different types of milk in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap whole milk for almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free alternative. Just keep the same measurement to maintain the creamy consistency.

• Is this hot chocolate safe for kids?

Absolutely! It’s a family-friendly recipe with no alcohol or strong ingredients. Kids will love the sweet pumpkin and chocolate flavor.

• What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are perfect. Dark chocolate chips can work too if you prefer a richer taste. Just ensure they’re good quality for the best flavor.

• How do I know when the hot chocolate is ready?

The mixture will be smooth, glossy, and all chocolate chips will be completely melted. Stirring occasionally helps prevent burning and ensures even heating.

Why Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Feels Like Fall

• Effortless Comfort: Whip up this cozy pumpkin hot chocolate with minimal effort using a slow cooker, perfect for lazy weekends or chilly evenings when you want a delicious treat without complicated cooking steps.
• Hands-Off Hospitality: Simply dump all ingredients into the slow cooker, stir occasionally, and let the magic happen over 2-3 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax or handle other tasks while your drink prepares itself.
• Seasonal Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe transforms classic hot chocolate into a festive autumn delight by incorporating pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, making it an ideal beverage for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or cozy family nights.
• Customizable Indulgence: Easily personalize your hot chocolate with various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or a cinnamon sprinkle, allowing everyone to create their perfect mug of warm, comforting goodness.

Everything Needed For Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich and creamy foundation for smooth hot chocolate, provides luxurious texture and depth of flavor. Whole milk adds richness, while heavy cream enhances silkiness.

• Chocolate Chips, Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor with smooth melting quality. Dark or semi-sweet chips work best for rich taste. Cocoa powder adds intense chocolate depth.

• Maple Syrup, Vanilla Extract, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Salt: Natural sweetener with complex flavor. Vanilla adds warmth and rounds out sweetness. Pumpkin pie spice brings cozy autumn notes. Salt balances and heightens overall flavor profile.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds seasonal pumpkin flavor and creamy texture. Pure pumpkin puree recommended, not pumpkin pie filling. Provides subtle earthiness and smooth consistency.

Steps To Make Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Gather Warm Ingredients

In your trusty slow cooker, pour in creamy milk, rich heavy cream, decadent chocolate chips, smooth pumpkin puree, deep cocoa powder, golden maple syrup, fragrant vanilla extract, aromatic pumpkin pie spice, and a tiny pinch of salt. Grab a wooden spoon and give everything a gentle, loving stir until all ingredients start to mingle and become friends.

Step 2: Slow and Cozy Brewing

Cover your slow cooker with its lid and let the magic happen on low heat. Allow the mixture to simmer and dance together for 2-3 hours. Every 30-45 minutes, peek in and give a quick stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom and everything blends beautifully.

Step 3: Whip It Good

Once the chocolate has melted completely and the mixture looks silky smooth, grab a whisk and give it a vigorous swirl. This final whisking ensures every sip will be luxuriously creamy and perfectly combined.

Step 4: Create Your Dreamy Mug

Carefully ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Crown each serving with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream, scatter some marshmallows like sweet little pillows, or dust with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth.

Enjoy your comforting pumpkin hot chocolate that feels like an autumn hug in a mug!

Tips For Rich Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

• Customize Creamy Consistency: Adjust milk-to-cream ratio for a lighter or richer hot chocolate texture based on personal preference.
• Boost Dietary Flexibility: Swap dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free and vegan-friendly version without compromising flavor.
• Prevent Chocolate Clumping: Chop chocolate chips finely or use high-quality melting chocolate to ensure smooth, lump-free hot chocolate.
• Control Sweetness Levels: Reduce maple syrup or use alternative sweeteners like honey or stevia for a less sugary drink that suits different taste preferences.
• Elevate Flavor Depth: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to create unique, sophisticated pumpkin hot chocolate variations.

How To Store Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

• Refrigerate leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
• Avoid freezing, as dairy-based drinks can separate and lose their creamy texture when thawed.
• For best flavor, consume within 2-3 days and always store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

• Cozy Up with Fall-Inspired Cookies: Pair this rich pumpkin hot chocolate with soft, spiced gingersnap or pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for a delightful autumn treat that complements the drink's warm, comforting flavors.
• Enhance with Nutty Crunch: Serve alongside toasted pecan or almond biscotti, adding a delightful textural contrast and nutty depth that perfectly matches the chocolate's creamy sweetness.
• Warm Beverage Companions: Create a complete dessert experience by adding a scoop of cinnamon or pumpkin spice ice cream as a luxurious topping, turning your hot chocolate into an indulgent dessert drink.
• Cheese Board Delight: Offer a small plate of mild, creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone to balance the rich chocolate and provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the sweet beverage.

Add-Ins To Try In Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap cow's milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a creamy, plant-based version that's equally rich and indulgent.
• Spicy Chocolate Adventure: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ground chili for a warm, unexpected kick that complements the pumpkin's sweetness.
• Mexican-Inspired Mocha: Incorporate a shot of espresso or strong coffee to transform this into a decadent pumpkin mocha with deeper, more complex flavors.
• White Chocolate Wonder: Replace dark chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a lighter, more subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin's earthy notes.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy slow cooker pumpkin hot chocolate brings warmth and comfort to chilly evenings, blending rich seasonal spices with smooth chocolate notes. Cozy mugs filled with this indulgent beverage promise delightful sips that will embrace and comfort weary souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) whole milk
• 2 cups (474 ml) heavy cream
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) maple syrup or brown sugar

Chocolate and Pumpkin Ingredients:

• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120 grams) pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup (25 grams) cocoa powder

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Whipped cream
• Mini marshmallows
• Cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkle
• Chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Assemble the velvety mixture by gently pouring milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, pumpkin puree, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt into the slow cooker.
2. Thoroughly blend the ingredients using a whisk to ensure a uniform consistency, eliminating any potential clumps.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low temperature, allowing the decadent liquid to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 2-3 hours.
4. Periodically stir the mixture during the cooking process to prevent ingredients from sticking and to promote even melting of the chocolate chips.
5. Once the chocolate has completely dissolved and the texture appears smooth and creamy, vigorously whisk the hot chocolate to guarantee a perfectly integrated blend.
6. Carefully transfer the luxurious pumpkin hot chocolate into individual mugs, creating an inviting beverage that promises warmth and comfort.
7. Elevate the presentation by crowning each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a scattering of marshmallows, or a delicate sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Notes

• Slow cookers distribute heat evenly, making the chocolate melt smoothly without burning, creating a rich and creamy texture.
• Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or semi-sweet chips to customize the flavor intensity and sweetness level.
• For a dairy-free version, swap regular milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, which adds a subtle nutty undertone to the hot chocolate.
• Control the spice level by adjusting pumpkin pie spice or creating a homemade blend to match your personal taste preferences, ensuring a perfectly balanced warmth in every sip.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg