Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy, and bursting with cherry-chocolate flavor, this Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy treat! Perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and delightful to sip. Whether you’re curling up with a book or entertaining friends, this indulgent drink stands out with its unique blend of sweet cherries and smooth chocolate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Just mix everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cherries and chocolate creates a rich, satisfying drink that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for cozy nights at home, holiday parties, or as a fun treat for kids.
• Garnish Options: Top it off with whipped cream and additional cherries for an impressive presentation.
• Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and keep warm for guests or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups
• Whisk (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking while ensuring even heating for rich flavors.
• Mixing spoon: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth hot chocolate.

Ingredients

For the Hot Chocolate 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

1. In your slow cooker, add the whole milk, chocolate chips, the entire jar of maraschino cherries (with juice), cocoa powder, and sugar.
2. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Cook

1. Set your slow cooker to HIGH.
2. Cook for 2 hours. The high temperature helps bring out the cherry flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Serve

1. After cooking, stir the mixture again.
2. Serve hot with a generous topping of whipped cream and additional cherries for garnish.

Enjoy your delightful mug of Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Serving your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can elevate the cozy experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to make your hot chocolate even more enjoyable.

Add Whipped Cream

• Top each serving with a generous swirl of whipped cream for a rich, creamy finish that complements the chocolate and cherry flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Cherries

• Use additional maraschino cherries or fresh cherries as a garnish for a pop of color and an extra burst of cherry flavor.

Serve with Cookies

• Pair your hot chocolate with chocolate chip cookies or shortbread for a delightful sweet treat combination.

Create a Hot Chocolate Bar

• Set up a hot chocolate bar with toppings like crushed candies, sprinkles, and flavored syrups, allowing guests to customize their drinks.

Offer Marshmallows

• Add mini marshmallows on top for a fun, fluffy texture that adds sweetness and charm to each sip.

Use Fun Mugs

• Serve in playful or themed mugs to enhance the cozy vibe and make the experience more memorable.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Making the perfect Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate involves a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Choose Quality Chocolate: Select high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile that enhances the overall taste.

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar amount based on your preference; you can add more or less to suit your taste.

• Stir Regularly: Stir the mixture occasionally during cooking to ensure all ingredients blend well and prevent any sticking at the bottom.

• Let It Rest: Allow the hot chocolate to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this will help improve the flavor infusion from the cherries.

• Experiment with Milk: For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of whole milk; this will provide an indulgent twist.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate enhances your beverage experience. Here are some tasty options.

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies that pair perfectly with hot chocolate, offering a sweet and chewy contrast.
2. Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies complement the chocolate flavors beautifully; serve warm for an indulgent treat.
3. Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers add brightness and balance against the rich hot chocolate; try strawberries or bananas.
4. Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes topped with syrup make for a delightful brunch pairing alongside your warm drink.
5. Scones: Lightly sweet scones provide a buttery bite that works well dipped into hot chocolate.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create an interesting contrast; choose mild cheeses like brie or gouda to keep it light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, there are a few common pitfalls to watch for.

• Bold Flavoring Mistakes: Using low-quality chocolate chips can affect the overall taste. Always choose semi-sweet or high-quality chocolate for rich flavor.
• Bold Ingredient Proportions: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to undesirable results. Use precise measurements, especially for cocoa and sugar.
• Bold Cooking Temperatures: Cooking on low instead of high can result in underwhelming flavors. For the best cherry infusion, always cook on HIGH for the recommended time.
• Bold Garnishing Oversights: Skipping whipped cream or additional cherries can make your drink less appealing. Always finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a few cherries for presentation.
• Bold Storage Errors: Not storing leftovers properly can ruin the hot chocolate’s texture. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers.
• It can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot chocolate in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe mug and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate.

Can I use non-dairy milk for Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy alternatives for a dairy-free version.

How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate?

The total time is about 125 minutes, including 5 minutes of prep and 120 minutes of cooking time on high.

What toppings can I use besides whipped cream?

You can use marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or crushed nuts as alternative toppings for added texture and flavor.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer as described above.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is not just a comforting drink; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors that warm you from the inside out. Feel free to customize it by adding different toppings or adjusting the sweetness to suit your taste. Give this delicious recipe a try—you won’t regret it!