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Cozy Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

slow cooker salted caramel hot chocolate - featured image
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This velvety, deeply rich hot chocolate with a ribbon of homemade caramel and flaky sea salt is made effortlessly in a slow cooker. It’s the perfect cozy drink for cold days, filling your home with the aroma of chocolate and caramel for hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (1.4 liters)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (340 grams)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 grams)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5 grams)
  • ½ cup caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought (120 ml)
  • Flaky sea salt, for garnish (e.g., Maldon)
  • Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Make a cocoa slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and about ½ cup of the whole milk until smooth and lump-free.
  2. Combine everything in the slow cooker: Pour the remaining 5½ cups of whole milk and the heavy cream into the slow cooker. Add the cocoa slurry and whisk until well combined.
  3. Add the chocolate chips: Pour in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir to distribute evenly.
  4. Cook on low: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours. After about 45 minutes, give it a stir to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in the caramel: After 2 hours, stir in the caramel sauce until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness if needed.
  6. Keep warm until serving: Switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. The hot chocolate will stay drinkable for up to 4 hours. If it thickens, stir in a splash of milk.
  7. Serve and garnish: Ladle into big mugs. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not rush the cocoa slurry to avoid lumps. Add caramel at the end to preserve its flavor. For dairy-free, use full-fat oat milk or almond milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate chips. This hot chocolate tastes even better the next day; store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker hot chocolate, salted caramel hot chocolate, cozy drink, winter beverage, hot chocolate recipe, crockpot hot chocolate

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-slow-cooker-salted-caramel-hot-chocolate-recipe/