Rich, creamy, and bursting with cherry-chocolate flavor, this Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy treat! Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or chilly afternoons, this indulgent drink combines the sweetness of cherries with rich chocolate for a delightful experience. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert drink or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights in with family.
- Customizable Garnishes: Top with whipped cream and extra cherries for an extra special touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whipped cream dispenser (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for even heating and helps develop rich flavors without constant supervision.
- Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon is essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly for a smooth hot chocolate.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that every ingredient is balanced perfectly for delicious results.
Ingredients
For the Base
- ½ gallon whole milk
- 11 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz. jar maraschino cherries (juice and all; about 23 cherries and ¾ cup juice)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup sugar
For Serving
- Whipped cream (canister is fine)
- Additional cherries for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Add the whole milk, chocolate chips, the entire jar of maraschino cherries (with juice), cocoa powder, and sugar into the slow cooker.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Cook on High
- Set your slow cooker to HIGH.
- Allow it to cook for 2 hours. This high temperature helps to enhance the cherry flavor within the cocoa.
Step 3: Serve
- Once cooked, stir well again before serving.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
- Garnish each serving with additional cherries if desired.
Enjoy this delightful Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate with friends or family as you sip on its luxurious flavor!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate
Serving your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can be a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to elevate this warm drink and impress your guests.
Classic Whipped Cream Topping
- Top each cup with a generous swirl of whipped cream for a creamy finish that complements the rich chocolate and cherry flavors.
Fresh Cherry Garnish
- Add a few extra maraschino cherries on top for a pop of color and an extra burst of cherry flavor in every sip.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the whipped cream to intensify the cocoa goodness in your hot chocolate.
Serve with Biscotti
- Pair your drink with crunchy biscotti for a nice textural contrast. The sweetness of the biscotti goes well with the rich flavors of the hot chocolate.
Create a Hot Chocolate Bar
- Set up a hot chocolate bar where guests can customize their drinks with toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or flavored syrups.
Add a Pinch of Sea Salt
- A light sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweet and savory notes in your hot chocolate, making each sip more complex and satisfying.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate
Making your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is easy, but there are ways to enhance its flavor and texture. Follow these tips for perfect results every time.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips: Opt for premium semi-sweet chocolate chips for deeper flavor and smoother melting.
- Choose Whole Milk for Creaminess: Whole milk gives the hot chocolate its rich, creamy texture. Avoid low-fat options as they can make it watery.
- Stir Frequently While Cooking: Stirring occasionally ensures that all ingredients blend well and prevents any sticking or burning at the bottom.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Taste your hot chocolate before serving. If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add more sugar gradually until desired sweetness is achieved.
- Experiment with Flavorings: Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor that complements the chocolate and cherry.
- Allow Enough Cooking Time: Cooking on HIGH for two hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t rush this step!
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can elevate your cozy experience. Here are some tasty suggestions that complement its richness:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: These classic cookies offer a sweet, chewy contrast to your drink’s creaminess.
- Marshmallow Fluff Brownies: Fudgy brownies topped with marshmallow fluff create a delightful combination of textures.
- Peanut Butter Cups: The salty-sweet profile of peanut butter cups pairs beautifully with the cherry-chocolate flavor.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a tangy balance that offsets the sweetness of the hot chocolate.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements each sip.
- Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers (like strawberries or bananas) offer a refreshing contrast to the rich hot chocolate.
- Scones with Jam: Light scones paired with jam add a delightful British twist that enhances your warm beverage experience.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: These soft pretzels bring warmth and spice, making them perfect companions alongside hot chocolate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, it’s easy to make mistakes that could affect the final taste and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Skipping the stirring: Failing to stir the mixture thoroughly at the beginning can lead to uneven melting of the chocolate chips. Make sure to mix well for a smooth consistency.
Using low-quality chocolate: Subpar chocolate chips can result in a less rich flavor. Always opt for semi-sweet or high-quality chocolate chips for the best results.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Eyeballing your ingredients may throw off the balance of flavors. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
Cooking on low instead of high: Cooking on low may not extract as much flavor from the cherries and cocoa. Always use the high setting for optimal flavor infusion.
Skipping garnishes: Neglecting whipped cream and additional cherries can make your hot chocolate less appealing. These toppings enhance both taste and presentation, so don’t forget them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) while stirring until warm.
Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate:
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
How can I customize my Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate?
Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. You can also mix in other flavors like vanilla or peppermint extract.
What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?
You can use fresh cherries or frozen cherries instead. Just ensure they are pitted and chopped before adding them to the recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 8 servings, perfect for sharing during gatherings or cozy nights in!
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors creates a comforting drink that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or flavors to make it your own! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate
Experience the ultimate cozy indulgence with our Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate. This rich and creamy drink blends luscious chocolate and sweet cherries, creating a delightful treat perfect for chilly afternoons, movie nights, or festive gatherings. Simply toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this easy-to-make hot chocolate will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget the whipped cream and extra cherries for that special touch!
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ½ gallon whole milk
- 11 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz maraschino cherries (with juice)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Combine whole milk, chocolate chips, maraschino cherries (with juice), cocoa powder, and sugar in the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 2 hours.
- Stir again before serving in mugs. Top with whipped cream and garnish with additional cherries if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg