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, this delightful drink is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. With its easy preparation in a slow cooker, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a rich, indulgent taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a movie night at home, this drink fits right in.
• Customizable Garnishes: Top with whipped cream and extra cherries for a beautiful presentation.
• Comforting Warmth: Enjoy this luxurious hot chocolate on cold days to warm up from the inside out.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, you’ll need some essential tools. These will ensure you achieve the best results while keeping the process simple.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, making it easy to prepare without constant supervision.
• Mixing spoon: Essential for combining ingredients evenly before cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

To create your delicious Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Base

• ½ gallon whole milk
• 11 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 oz. jar maraschino cherries (juice and all)

For Sweetness

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup sugar

For Topping

• Whipped cream (canister is fine)
• Additional cherries for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 2: Cook on High

1. Set your slow cooker to HIGH heat.
2. Let it cook for about 2 hours. This high temperature helps enhance the cherry flavor.

Step 3: Serve

1. After cooking, stir the mixture again to ensure an even consistency.
2. Serve hot in mugs topped with whipped cream and additional cherries for an attractive finish.

Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, a drink that promises warmth and indulgence in every sip!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Serving Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is not just about pouring it into a cup; it’s an experience! This delightful drink can be customized in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation.

Whipped Cream Delight

• Top your hot chocolate with a generous swirl of whipped cream for added richness and creaminess.

Cherry Garnish

• Add a few extra cherries on top for a pop of color and an extra burst of cherry flavor.

Chocolate Shavings

• Grate some chocolate over the whipped cream for an elegant touch and added chocolate intensity.

Marshmallow Topping

• Toss in mini marshmallows for a fun, fluffy texture that melts beautifully into the hot chocolate.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• Finish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce to elevate the visual appeal and intensify the chocolate flavor.

Serve with Cookies or Biscotti

• Pair your hot chocolate with cookies or biscotti on the side for a complete cozy treat experience.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for richer flavor.

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste before serving, and feel free to adjust sugar levels according to your preference.

• Blend Well: Stir thoroughly after cooking to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the flavors meld perfectly.

• Keep Warm: If you’re serving later, keep the hot chocolate on warm in the slow cooker instead of turning it off, so it stays creamy and delicious.

• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cherry-chocolate combination.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can enhance your overall enjoyment. Here are some delightful options:

1. Sugar Cookies – Soft and sweet, these cookies provide a comforting balance to the rich drink.
2. Chocolate Chip Muffins – Moist muffins filled with gooey chocolate chips complement the hot chocolate’s flavors.
3. Gingerbread Cookies – The spiced warmth of gingerbread adds a festive touch alongside this cozy beverage.
4. Brownies – Fudgy brownies create a decadent pairing that chocolate lovers will adore.
5. Cinnamon Rolls – Fluffy rolls drizzled with icing offer a sweet contrast to the drink’s richness.
6. Fruit Skewers – Fresh fruit adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the chocolaty indulgence.
7. Pecan Pie Bars – These bars have a nutty sweetness that pairs nicely with cherry notes in the hot chocolate.
8. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to this sweet drink, making it an interesting pairing choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your drink turns out perfectly.

• Using Low-Fat Milk: Low-fat or skim milk can alter the creamy texture. Stick to whole milk for the best results.
• Not Stirring Enough: Failing to stir well before cooking can lead to uneven melting of chocolate. Make sure to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
• Overcooking: Cooking for too long can scorch the chocolate. Set your slow cooker on HIGH and stick to the 2-hour time limit.
• Skipping Whipped Cream: Whipped cream adds a delightful finish. Don’t forget this key ingredient when serving!
• Ignoring Garnishes: Additional cherries enhance the visual appeal and flavor. Always add garnishes for that extra touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the hot chocolate to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Oven: Preheat and place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until warmed through.
• Microwave: Warm in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate?

Feel free to add flavors like vanilla extract or almond extract for unique twists on this recipe!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a delicious vegan version of this hot chocolate.

What should I serve it with?

This indulgent drink pairs wonderfully with cookies or pastries for a cozy treat!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is a delightful way to warm up during colder months. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for gatherings or quiet nights in. Feel free to customize it with different toppings or flavors as you see fit—this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!