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 brings comfort in every sip. The unique combination of chocolate and cherries creates a heavenly experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this delicious drink in no time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves eight, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy it as a cozy drink on cold nights or as a fun addition to holiday celebrations.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of chocolate and cherries delivers a sweet yet balanced flavor that satisfies your cravings.
• Garnish Appeal: Top it off with whipped cream and extra cherries for a visually stunning presentation.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for easy hands-off cooking, ensuring your hot chocolate simmers to perfection without constant supervision.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon helps combine ingredients thoroughly, ensuring you get an even distribution of flavors.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right balance of flavors in your hot chocolate.

Ingredients

To create this indulgent beverage, gather the following ingredients:

Dairy Base

• ½ gallon whole milk

Chocolate Components

• 11 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup sugar

Fruity Flavor

• 12 oz. jar maraschino cherries (juice and all; this is about 23 cherries and ¾ cup juice)

Garnishes

• 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 the slow cooker.
2. Stir the mixture until well combined.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

1. Set your slow cooker to HIGH heat.
2. Cook for 2 hours. Heating at a high temperature helps release the cherry flavor fully into the hot chocolate.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once cooked, stir the mixture again before serving.
2. Pour into cups and top with whipped cream and additional cherries for garnish.

Enjoy this decadent treat as you unwind or share it with friends!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Serving this delightful Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can elevate your cozy drink experience. Here are some fun and creative ways to enjoy it.

With Whipped Cream

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

Garnished with Cherries

• Add a few extra maraschino cherries on top for a burst of flavor and a pop of color that makes the drink even more inviting.

In Festive Mugs

• Serve in colorful or themed mugs to create a festive atmosphere, especially during holidays or gatherings.

With a Sprinkle of Cocoa

• Dust the top with some cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish that enhances the chocolate flavor.

Served with Cookies

• Pair your hot chocolate with your favorite cookies, like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles, for a delicious treat combination.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is always perfect, follow these helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips to enhance the overall flavor of your hot chocolate.

• Stir Occasionally: Give the mixture a stir every 30 minutes while cooking to ensure all ingredients are well combined and melted evenly.

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before serving. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar according to your taste preference.

• Choose Fresh Cherries: If you want an extra cherry kick, consider adding fresh cherries along with the maraschino ones for added freshness.

• Heat Thoroughly: Make sure to cook on HIGH as instructed, as this helps release the cherry flavors into the hot chocolate effectively.

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 the experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
   These classic cookies complement the rich chocolate flavor perfectly and are easy to make in advance.

2. Brownies
   Fudgy brownies are an indulgent pairing that brings out the richness of the hot chocolate.

3. Marshmallow Treats
   Chewy marshmallow treats offer a delightful contrast in texture and sweetness that goes hand-in-hand with hot cocoa.

4. Fruit Skewers
   Fresh fruit skewers provide a refreshing balance to the rich drink; opt for strawberries, bananas, or pineapple chunks.

5. Mini Muffins
   Bite-sized muffins, like blueberry or banana nut, make for a nice sweet snack alongside your warm beverage.

6. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can be surprisingly delightful against the sweetness of chocolate-covered cherry hot chocolate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Ingredient Substitution: Using the wrong type of chocolate can alter the flavor. Stick to semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best results.

• Bold Overcooking: Cooking for too long on high heat can scorch the chocolate. Always set a timer and check at the 2-hour mark.

• Bold Skipping Ingredients: Forgetting to add the cherry juice can lessen the cherry flavor. Make sure to include all components from the jar for a richer taste.

• Bold Inadequate Stirring: Not stirring often enough can lead to uneven flavors. Stir well before serving to combine all ingredients nicely.

• Bold Ignoring Garnishes: Serving without whipped cream or extra cherries misses a chance to enhance presentation and flavor. Always add garnishes for a touch of elegance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep in an airtight container.
• Can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Pour into freezer-safe containers.
• Will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different types of milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version while still maintaining creaminess.

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

You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth, or use different types of chocolate for varied flavors!

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for convenience.

What should I serve with this hot chocolate?

Consider pairing it with cookies or pastries that complement its rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate is a perfect treat for cozy evenings. Its rich flavor and creamy texture will surely delight anyone who tries it. Plus, feel free to customize it with your favorite additions like spices or different chocolates! Enjoy this versatile drink any time you need a sweet escape.