Dessert Hot Chocolate (Crockpot) With An Adult Version

Dessert Hot Chocolate (Crockpot)

This is not everyday hot chocolate — this is Dessert Hot Chocolate.
Rich, slow-warmed, and deeply chocolatey, it’s meant to be sipped slowly in smaller mugs, the way you’d enjoy a warm chocolate dessert after dinner. Using gentle heat allows the cocoa to bloom and the chocolate to melt smoothly into the cream, creating a velvety texture without scorching.

Cook it just long enough to enjoy, then keep it warm while the flavor continues to deepen.

Yield

6–8 small dessert servings

Ingredients

4 cups whole milk
1½ cups heavy cream
⅓ cup high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process recommended)
½ cup dark chocolate, finely chopped or high-quality chocolate chips
⅓ cup maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt

Optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, shaved chocolate, cocoa dusting

Instructions

Add milk and heavy cream to the crockpot. Whisk in cocoa powder until fully dissolved and smooth.
Add chopped chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir gently.
Cover and cook on LOW for 30–40 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and rich.
Once ready to serve, switch the crockpot to WARM. Stir occasionally and ladle into mugs.

Texture & Flavor Notes

At 30–40 minutes, the hot chocolate is already luxuriously creamy and drinkable. As it rests on WARM, the cocoa continues to bloom and the chocolate fully melds, creating a thicker, café-style dessert drink without becoming heavy or grainy.

Adult Add-Ins (Optional, Per Mug)

For an adult version, add alcohol after pouring, directly into individual mugs. This keeps the base family-friendly and allows everyone to customize their drink.

Add ½–1 oz per mug:

Baileys Irish Cream — smooth, creamy, and the most natural pairing
Dark Rum — warm and rich without overpowering the chocolate
Peppermint Schnapps — festive and bright (use lightly)
Amaretto — subtle almond notes that pair beautifully with cocoa
Bourbon or Whiskey — bold and cozy for a true grown-up finish

Stir gently and top as desired.

Kitchen Tips

Always cook on LOW, never HIGH
Dutch-process cocoa gives the smoothest, deepest flavor
Serve in smaller mugs — this is intentionally rich
Keep on WARM for gatherings; flavor improves as it sits

Nutritional Information (per serving, without alcohol)

Calories 320, Protein 7g, Fat 22g, Carbs 28g, Fiber 4g, Sugars 19g, Sodium 120mg