When there’s a chill in the air, few things are more comforting than a mug of creamy, luxurious hot chocolate. This slow cooker version amps up the indulgence with a drizzle of caramel and a touch of sea salt, creating a sweet and salty delight that’s perfect for cozy evenings at home or festive holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or 1 can full-fat coconut milk for a creamier, dairy-free twist)
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Pour the milk and heavy cream into your slow cooker and set it to low. Add the chopped chocolate, caramel sauce, sugar (if using), vanilla extract, and sea salt. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then cover the slow cooker with its lid. Let the hot chocolate warm for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to help the chocolate melt smoothly and prevent any scorching on the edges.
Once the chocolate has fully melted and the hot cocoa is velvety in texture, taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as you like. Serve in your favorite mugs, topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a small pinch of sea salt for that irresistible sweet-salty finish.
This recipe is the perfect treat for chocolate lovers who appreciate a hint of sophistication in their desserts. It’s also easy to adapt for a dairy-free diet or any special occasion by choosing the right milk and chocolate alternatives.
The slow cooker method allows you to keep this cocoa warm and ready all evening—ideal for holiday parties or a cozy movie night at home. Take a sip, curl up, and enjoy the blissful combination of smooth, creamy chocolate and that lightly salty kick!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
