Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso is the richest, creamiest, most delicious hot chocolate you’ll ever taste! Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for snow days, movie nights, holiday parties, and more. Top it off with marshmallows or whipped cream for the best cold-weather drink! 

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 perfect 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 creamy texture.
  • Cocoa Powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder forms the base of the rich, chocolate flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar – 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 easy 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 favorite toppings, and enjoy serve warm! 
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03/20/2024 06:10 pm GMT
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 best taste! Some of our favorites include: 

  • Marshmallows
  • Whipped Cream
  • Ground Cinnamon 
  • 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

Will the milk curdle in the slow cooker? 

Nope! Keeping the slow cooker on low helps warm the ingredients without actually making the milk steaming hot.

Can I leave out the heavy cream? 

Yes. Your slow cooker hot chocolate will still be delicious, it just won’t be as creamy or as rich. 

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker? 

Sure! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this recipe in a large Dutch oven or pot. Just add all the ingredients, and cook them on low until they melt and combine, stirring frequently. 

Do I have to use dark chocolate?

No, semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate both taste great.

Can I store this recipe for later?

Yes, transferred to an airtight container, leftover hot cocoa with espresso will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. To serve, warm it in the crockpot on low, or just pop it in the microwave!

More Holiday Recipes

A mug of slow cooker hot chocolate with espresso.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate with Espresso

5 from 3 votes
Author: Food Dolls
Servings: 16 servings
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 2 minutes
Make this slow cooker hot chocolate with espresso for the richest, creamiest hot cocoa you'll ever taste, and don't forget the toppings!

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 

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

Equipment

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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Meet Alia & Radwa

Welcome to Food Dolls! We’re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do! Learn more about us!

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