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 combines the indulgent taste of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and maraschino cherries creates a rich, delicious drink that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a cozy nightcap or serve it at parties as a unique hot chocolate option.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe makes enough for 8 servings, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family during special occasions.
• Customizable Toppings: Top with whipped cream and additional cherries to enhance the indulgence!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful beverage, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups
• Ladle
• Serving mugs

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for evenly heating your hot chocolate and infusing flavors without constant monitoring.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon helps combine ingredients thoroughly for a smooth consistency.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving your hot chocolate without any spills.

Ingredients

For the Base

• ½ gallon whole milk
• 11 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 oz. jar maraschino cherries (juice and all) (this is about 23 cherries and ¾ cup juice)
• 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. 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 on HIGH

1. Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let it cook for 2 hours.
2. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and better flavor infusion.

Step 3: Serve

1. Once cooked, give the mixture a final stir.
2. Ladle into mugs, top with whipped cream, and garnish with additional cherries before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously warm Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate! Ideal for those cold days when you need something comforting and sweet.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Serving Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making the experience cozy. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your hot chocolate game.

With Whipped Cream

• Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream for added creaminess and a touch of sweetness.

Garnished with Cherries

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

On a Cozy Evening

• Serve in oversized mugs while snuggled under blankets to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

With Festive Sprinkles

• Sprinkle colorful edible decorations on the whipped cream for a fun, festive twist, perfect for gatherings.

Accompanied by Cookies

• Pair with chocolate chip cookies or any sweet treat to complement the rich taste of the hot chocolate.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can take this cozy drink to the next level. Here are some tips to ensure it’s always delicious and satisfying.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Select high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor.

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before serving and adjust sugar according to your preference.

• Stir Frequently: Stir the hot chocolate every 30 minutes during cooking to ensure even melting and prevent sticking.

• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding crushed nuts or drizzles of chocolate syrup as unique topping options.

• Keep Warm: If serving at a gathering, use the slow cooker’s warm setting to keep your hot chocolate at the perfect temperature without cooking it further.

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 experience. Consider these tasty options that complement its rich flavors perfectly.

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic and sweet, these cookies pair beautifully with hot chocolate.

2. Marshmallow Treats: Chewy marshmallow squares add a fun texture alongside your beverage.

3. Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies provide an indulgent contrast to the creamy drink.

4. Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit adds brightness; consider cherries, strawberries, or bananas on skewers.

5. Cheese Platter: A mild cheese selection can balance sweetness, creating an interesting flavor profile.

6. Nut Clusters: Crunchy nut clusters offer a healthy option that pairs well with hot chocolate’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold Flavor Choices: Using low-quality chocolate chips can ruin the taste. Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

• Bold Cooking Time Misjudgment: Cooking on LOW may not fully develop the cherry flavor. Always cook on HIGH for the recommended time to enhance the taste.

• Bold Cherry Juice Discarding: Not including the cherry juice diminishes the cherry flavor. Ensure you add the entire jar of maraschino cherries with juice for maximum flavor.

• Bold Skipping Stirring: Failing to stir during cooking can lead to uneven melting of chocolate. Stir occasionally to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

• Bold Garnishing Neglect: Forgetting to garnish can make your hot chocolate less appealing. Top with whipped cream and additional cherries for a beautiful presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool before transferring it into the container.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, and heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) and stir until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring consistently until hot but not boiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate special?

This hot chocolate stands out due to its rich blend of chocolate and cherry flavors, creating a comforting drink perfect for cozy evenings.

Can I use different types of milk in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any milk of your choice. Adjust sweetness if needed.

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

Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even experiment with different flavored syrups for added depth!

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute whole milk with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk for a delicious dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with sweet cherries. It’s perfect for gatherings or quiet nights at home. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or flavors!