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, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to indulge in a sweet drink. The combination of cherries and chocolate creates a delightful flavor profile that will warm your heart and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Decadent Flavor: The mix of chocolate and cherries makes every sip a delicious experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this drink fits right in.
• Customizable Toppings: Enjoy it with whipped cream and extra cherries or add your favorite toppings!
• Family-Friendly: A treat that both kids and adults will love, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this luscious hot chocolate, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will ensure that you can prepare your drink smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for easy cooking without constant supervision.
• Measuring cups: Accuracy in measuring ingredients ensures the perfect balance of flavors.
• Mixing spoon: A good spoon helps combine all the ingredients well for a smooth consistency.

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Ingredients

For the Base

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

Step 2: Cook

1. Set your slow cooker to HIGH.
2. Let it cook for 2 hours. The higher temperature enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Serve

1. After cooking, stir the mixture again to combine any settled ingredients.
2. Pour into serving mugs and top with whipped cream and additional cherries as desired.

Now you have a delightful cup of Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate ready to enjoy! Perfect for sipping while snuggled up on your favorite couch or sharing with friends during chilly nights.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Serving your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this delicious drink.

Fun Presentation Ideas

• Mason Jars: Serve in mason jars for a rustic touch. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Cherry Skewers: Thread maraschino cherries onto skewers for a fun and easy garnish.

Tasty Toppings

• Whipped Cream: Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
• Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream for a gourmet look.
• Crushed Nuts: Add crushed almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy contrast to the smooth drink.

Perfect Pairings

• Cookies: Serve with chocolate chip cookies or biscotti to complement the flavors.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh fruit slices, like strawberries or bananas, offer a refreshing balance.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

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

• Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for rich flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste before serving and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink.
• Mix Well: Stir thoroughly after cooking to combine all flavors and ensure smoothness.
• Keep Warm: If serving later, keep the slow cooker on warm to maintain the right temperature without cooking 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 cozy experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies that complement the chocolatey goodness of your drink.
2. Marshmallow Treats: Chewy marshmallow treats are sweet and fun, perfect alongside hot chocolate.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast to the rich sweetness of the hot chocolate.
4. Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers deliver refreshing bites that balance the richness of the drink.
5. Puffed Pastry Bites: Flaky pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings make delightful finger food.
6. Brownies: Rich brownies provide an indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with hot cocoa.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Skipping the stirring step: Not stirring the mixture well before cooking can lead to uneven melting of chocolate and cocoa. Always ensure you mix thoroughly for a smooth hot chocolate.
• Using low-quality chocolate: Poor quality chocolate chips can ruin the flavor. Invest in good semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best taste experience.
• Not adjusting sweetness: Everyone has different preferences for sweetness. Taste your hot chocolate mixture before serving and adjust the sugar if needed.
• Overcooking the mixture: Cooking on HIGH for too long can scorch the chocolate. Stick to the recommended 2 hours to keep it creamy and delicious.
• Neglecting garnishes: Serving without whipped cream or extra cherries misses out on enhancing flavor. Don’t skip these toppings to elevate your drink!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container to prevent absorbing odors.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate?

Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is a rich and creamy drink made with milk, chocolate chips, cherries, and cocoa powder, all cooked together in a slow cooker.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! You can substitute dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer flavor; just adjust sugar levels based on your taste.

How do I make this hot chocolate vegan?

To make a vegan version of Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, replace whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to customize your hot chocolate with toppings like crushed nuts, marshmallows, or flavored syrups for an extra touch!

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different chocolates or toppings to suit your taste. Give it a try for your next cozy gathering or chilly evening!