Description
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate is a cozy and comforting fall beverage combining rich cocoa, creamy pumpkin puree, and warm spices. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s slow-cooked to perfection to meld the flavors beautifully, topped optionally with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Instructions
- Combine base ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the whole milk and canned pumpkin puree. Whisk together until smooth and well combined to ensure an even pumpkin base.
- Add spices and cocoa: Add granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Slow cook the mixture: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the mixture for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom and burning.
- Add vanilla and chocolate: After 2 hours, stir in the vanilla extract and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix well until the chocolate melts completely and the hot chocolate becomes smooth.
- Continue heating: Keep the mixture heated for an additional 30 minutes on low to ensure thorough blending of flavors and a hot serving temperature.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the pumpkin hot chocolate into mugs. Top each serving with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice if desired for a festive finish.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of fall in every sip.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during cooking to avoid burning or sticking at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- For a richer hot chocolate, use whole milk as specified; skim or plant-based milk can be used but may alter texture and creaminess.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less sugar.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice greatly enhance the flavor and presentation.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings by using a bigger slow cooker.
