Cozy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe

Cozy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe For Fall Magic

Creamy, rich flavors swirl through this decadent slow cooker pumpkin hot chocolate that promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Warm spices blend seamlessly with velvety chocolate, creating a mug of pure indulgence.

Each sip delivers a luxurious blend of pumpkin and cocoa that feels like a warm embrace.

The slow cooker method ensures a smooth, perfectly blended treat that requires minimal effort.

Cozy ingredients mingle together, developing deep, complex flavors that dance on your palate.

Chocolate lovers and pumpkin enthusiasts will adore this dreamy beverage that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Curl up with a steaming mug and let this magical drink melt away your winter blues.

Store Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate For Later

  • Quick Chilling Method: Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or slow cooker, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
  • Batch Preparation Magic: Make a double batch and freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for future cozy moments. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slowly.
  • Travel-Ready Trick: Pack cooled hot chocolate in a thermos for school lunches, outdoor adventures, or workplace comfort. Keep sealed tightly and enjoy within 6-8 hours for best flavor.
  • Flavor Boost Technique: Before reheating, add a fresh splash of milk to revive the creamy texture. Sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice or chocolate shavings to refresh the original taste profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2-3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need For Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

For Liquid Base:
  • Whole Milk: Creates a rich, creamy foundation that helps dissolve other ingredients smoothly.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious thickness and velvety texture to the hot chocolate.
For Chocolate and Sweeteners:
  • Chocolate Chips: Melts into silky smooth chocolatey goodness, providing deep flavor and richness.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor and contributes to deep color.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds complex, warm undertones to the drink.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Introduces autumnal warmth and subtle earthiness to the hot chocolate.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers classic fall flavor with a blend of warming spices.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds aromatic depth.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Gear To Make Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

  • Slow cooker: Your main vessel for mixing and heating the hot chocolate, ensuring even cooking.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly and creating a creamy texture.
  • Measuring cups: Essential for accurately portioning milk, cream, and other liquid ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps precisely add small amounts of spices, vanilla, and maple syrup.
  • Mugs: For serving the delicious pumpkin hot chocolate and making it look inviting.
  • Optional toppings tools (spoon/sprinkler): For adding whipped cream, marshmallows, or cinnamon.

Steps To Make Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

  • Gather Your Cozy Ingredients

Toss all the delightful components into your slow cooker, ready to transform into a velvety autumn dream.

  • Unleash the Flavor Magic

Stir everything together, letting the chocolate chips, pumpkin, and spices dance and mingle, creating a luscious liquid symphony.

  • Let It Simmer Slowly

Cover and let your slow cooker work its enchantment for 2-3 hours, occasionally giving it a gentle stir to ensure smooth, dreamy perfection.

  • Whip Up the Finishing Touches

Grab a whisk and blend everything into a silky-smooth potion, then pour into your favorite mugs.

  • Crown Your Creation

Top with fluffy whipped cream, marshmallow clouds, or a sprinkle of cinnamon magic to complete this warm, comforting beverage that hugs you from the inside out.

Flavor Ideas For Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

  • Creamy Consistency Tip: Whisk the mixture thoroughly before serving to prevent chocolate from settling and ensure a perfectly smooth, velvety texture every time.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap regular milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a luscious plant-based version that's equally rich and indulgent.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the hot chocolate base up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in the slow cooker when ready to serve.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with additional warming spices like ground cardamom, nutmeg, or a dash of cayenne pepper to create a unique flavor profile that adds depth to the classic pumpkin hot chocolate.
  • Kid-Friendly Option: Reduce the amount of cocoa powder and add extra maple syrup for a milder, sweeter version that children will absolutely love.

Serve Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Warm And Cozy

  • Cozy Campfire Companion: Serve this rich hot chocolate during outdoor autumn gatherings around a crackling fire, wrapped in warm blankets while sharing stories.
  • Winter Movie Night Delight: Pair with soft throw pillows, fuzzy socks, and your favorite holiday film for the ultimate comfort drinking experience.
  • Friendship Gathering Treat: Create a hot chocolate bar with various toppings like crushed graham crackers, caramel drizzle, mini chocolate chips, and different spice options for friends to customize their mugs.
  • Festive Family Celebration: Serve in decorative mugs during holiday gatherings, letting kids and adults add their favorite garnishes for a fun, interactive dessert moment.
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Cozy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe

Cozy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Warm comfort arrives with this slow cooker pumpkin hot chocolate, blending rich autumn flavors into a creamy seasonal delight. Spices and chocolate meld perfectly for a comforting drink that wraps you in sweet, spicy warmth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (946 ml) whole milk
  • 2 cups (474 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (120 g) pumpkin puree
  • ⅓ cup (79 ml) maple syrup or brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • whipped cream
  • mini marshmallows
  • cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkle
  • chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Combine milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, pumpkin puree, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt directly in the slow cooker, creating a rich and aromatic base for the hot chocolate.
  2. Blending: Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to achieve a smooth, homogeneous mixture, ensuring no dry pockets or ingredient clusters remain.
  3. Simmering: Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the liquid to gently meld together, stirring occasionally over 2-3 hours to prevent ingredient separation and promote even chocolate melting.
  4. Finishing: Once the chocolate has completely dissolved and the texture becomes velvety smooth, give a final vigorous whisk to guarantee a perfectly integrated, luxurious hot chocolate.
  5. Serving: Pour the decadent pumpkin hot chocolate into individual mugs and garnish with optional toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or a light dusting of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

  • Prevent Ingredient Separation: Whisk thoroughly at the beginning and periodically during cooking to ensure chocolate chips and pumpkin puree blend seamlessly without lumps.
  • Temperature Control Matters: Use low slow cooker setting to gently melt ingredients and prevent scorching, which can create unpleasant burnt flavors.
  • Customize Sweetness Levels: Adjust maple syrup quantity based on personal preference or dietary needs, using alternatives like honey or sugar-free sweeteners for different health requirements.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk and cream with almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences without compromising rich, creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-3 hours
  • Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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