This Skinny Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe is perfect for any winter event, Christmas party, or cozy snow day! Made with a few lower-calorie swaps, this hot cocoa still tastes rich and creamy, but with slightly fewer calories.
Serve this with my Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies or Black Bean Brownies for a rich treat at home!
Skinny Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe
If you love a cozy mug of hot chocolate on a chilly day, you'll love this Skinny Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe! This easy slow cooker recipe makes rich, creamy, chocolatey hot cocoa with a lighter twist. It's perfect for holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, snow days, or simply enjoying a warm drink at home.
Made with simple ingredients, this lighter hot chocolate is easy to prepare and stays warm in your slow cooker, making it perfect for serving a crowd. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, too, from fluffy marshmallows to a dollop of light whipped cream. If you are making it for Christmas, as we do, you can easily make it more colorful with festive Christmas sprinkles.
The best part? You can enjoy that classic homemade hot chocolate flavor without all the extra calories of traditional recipes made with heavy cream and lots of sugar. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or looking for a cozy winter treat, this Low Calorie Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is an easy, delicious recipe you'll want to make all season long! The twins BEG for me to make this while they are out playing on a snow day.
Skinny Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe Share on X
Why You'll Love this Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe...
- Lighter and delicious: Enjoy rich chocolate flavor in a lighter homemade hot cocoa.
- Easy to make: Just whisk together the ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work.
- Perfect for a crowd: Keep the hot chocolate warm in your Crock Pot so everyone can serve themselves.
- Made with simple ingredients: You don't need a fancy hot chocolate mix to make a delicious cup.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Perfect for the holidays: This is a fun addition to Christmas parties, family gatherings, and winter celebrations.
Ingredients:
Here's an overview of what you'll need to make this Skinny Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe, but keep scrolling for the full recipe amounts.
- Cocoa Powder: This provides that classic rich chocolate flavor without adding extra sugar.
- Chocolate Chips: A small amount of chocolate chips gives this the real-deal, rich, creamy chocolate flavor.
- Milk: Skim milk or 1% milk helps keep this recipe lighter while still making it creamy. You can also use your favorite unsweetened milk alternative or whole milk.
- Half and Half: I like swapping out one cup of the milk for half and half to keep this creamy. If you are really trying to keep it light, you can sub this for another cup of milk. You can also go the other direction and swap the half and half for heavy cream to make it more indulgent.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk gives this the consistency and sweetness the Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate needs. When I am trying to make this lighter, I find the low-calorie or skim sweetened condensed milk, but any will work. The calorie counts below are for Skim Sweetened Condensed Milk.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the hot cocoa a homemade taste.
- Pinch of Salt
Toppings:
- Mini marshmallows
- Light whipped topping
- Sugar-free chocolate shavings
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Crushed peppermint candy
- A drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup
- A cinnamon stick for stirring
Instructions:
This is an overview of the instructions for this Skinny Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe, but the full, detailed, printable recipe is below in the recipe card.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, milk, half-and-half, and vanilla extract to a Crockpot. Whisk all of the ingredients together. Turn on high. I like this one!
- Cook on high for 1-2 hours until the chocolate is melted and the ingredients are combined. Occasionally whisk the cocoa to help it melt together.
- Serve with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
- If you're serving this at a party, switch your slow cooker to the WARM setting once the hot chocolate is heated through. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth and creamy.
Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe Variations
I love this Skinny Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe as written, but here are some fun variations.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add a small splash of peppermint extract. Start with just a little because peppermint extract is strong.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for a warm, slightly spicy twist.
- Mocha Hot Chocolate: Stir in a little instant espresso powder to create a delicious coffee-and-chocolate combination.
- Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate: Use an unsweetened plant-based milk, such as almond milk or soy milk. Choose a creamy milk for the best results.
- Extra Chocolatey Hot Cocoa: Whisk in a small amount of dark chocolate or sugar-free chocolate chips. This adds richness, but it also increases the calories.
FAQ
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Stir it well before stirring.
Freezing
I would not try to freeze this.
Can I make low-calorie hot chocolate in a Crock Pot?
Yes! A slow cooker is a great way to make homemade hot chocolate. Combine milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, chocolate chips, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Heat on LOW until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
How do I make hot chocolate lower in calories?
Use skim or low-fat milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a zero-calorie sweetener you enjoy. Watch out for high-calorie additions like heavy cream, large amounts of chocolate, and generous toppings.
Exact calories depend on your ingredients and serving size, so calculate the nutrition information using the specific products you use.
Can I make this hot chocolate ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of your gathering, refrigerate it, and gently reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. Stir well before serving.
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes! Unsweetened almond milk is a good option if you want a dairy-free version. The texture will be a little different from hot chocolate made with dairy milk, but it can still be delicious.
How long can I keep hot chocolate warm in the Crock Pot?
Once heated through, you can generally keep hot chocolate on the WARM setting for serving. Stir occasionally and follow your slow cooker's instructions for safe holding temperatures. Avoid leaving it out for prolonged periods after the cooker is turned off.
Can I use regular sugar instead of a sugar substitute?
Yes! Regular granulated sugar works well. The recipe will no longer be as low in calories, and the nutrition information will change. Add the sugar gradually and taste until it's sweet enough for you.
Skinny Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe
This Low Calorie Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is an easy way to enjoy one of winter's coziest drinks with a lighter twist. With simple ingredients, rich cocoa flavor, and minimal hands-on prep, it's perfect for everything from a quiet night at home to a festive holiday party. Can you imagine sipping this while watching Elf or White Christmas? <--- two of my favorite Christmas movies
Make a batch, set out your favorite toppings, and enjoy a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate with family, kids, and friends. It's an easy, comforting treat you'll want to make all winter long. Enjoy!
Serve it With:
- Chocolate Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
- Cake Mix Cookies
- Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Chocolate Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
- Black Bean Brownies
- Apple Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Grandma's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you make this Skinny Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Crock Pot Skinny Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 14 ounces can skim sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups skim milk, 2% milk, or milk substitute
- 1 cup half and half
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- toppings: marshmallows, low fat whipped cream, sprinkles
Instructions
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, milk, half and half, and vanilla extract to a Crock Pot. Whisk all of the ingredients together. Turn on high.
- Cook on high for 1-2 hours until the chocolate is melted and the ingredients are combined. Occasionally whisk the cocoa to help it melt.
- Serve with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
- If you're serving this at a party, switch your slow cooker to the WARM setting once the hot chocolate is heated through. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth and creamy.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for Later:
Akaleistar says
That hot chocolate looks so good!
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
this is such a great idea!!!! i love hot beverages like tea and anything chocolate, so this will be awesome.
Sarah says
I have to say I have never made hot chocolate in a crock-pot, chocolate pudding yes but not hot chocolate. This would be perfect for large groups, I should have tried this when we were up north the weekend after Thanksgiving, trying to mix and make hot cocoa for 11 kids was interesting, especially when adults wanted a mug too!
Renee @ Bendiful Blog says
Yumm Yumm Yummm this looks delicious and I would have never thought to use a crock pot! perfect for entertaining!
Jess @hellotofit says
Condensed milk?! Oh my! I bet this tastes amazing 🙂
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
Hot Chocolate + Crock Pot = Two of my favorite things!! I know this one will be great! 🙂
Jen@jpabstfitness says
Hot chocolate is my favorite! Pinning now 🙂
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
I need this RIGHT NOW! I am such a hot chocolate fan and that recipe sounds so good. I LOVE those sprinkles!
Annmarie says
I've never tried crockpot hot chocolate- what a great idea!
Heather @Fitncookies says
Did you know hot chocolate is my favorite? And that I've never seen white Christmas?? Obviously I should make this and watch it right now! We actually just finished Home Alone 🙂 always a classic! But really, I never knew you could make hot chocolate in a crock pot! Genius!
Mandi Korn says
You are making want a crock pot more and more…..great recipe:o)
Runaway Bridal Planner says
Yum I never have thought about making hot chocolate in a crock pot, love the idea! Definitely going to try this!!!
Linda @ the fitty says
Would unsweetened almond milk work? I try to avoid sugar!
And does tbis taste any different in the cockpit as opposed to cooking over a regular pot or even a microwave?
Annette Curti says
This looks fantastic! What size crockpot do you use? BTW, I have a loaf of your Cocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Bread in the oven. We love it.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Never would have thought of using a crock pot for hot chocolate! Hey why not it's like a big bath of chocolate-ooh that 's an idea!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Not 100% sure why you are putting it into mugs. The way I see it, just drink it straight from the crockpot. This is for one, right? Plus, it'll keep it nice and warm 😀
Paula Fox says
I can't wait to try the crock pot hot coco! Sounds devine,
Blane Sherer says
I know : the countdown is officially on for Christmas !
I usually respond quickly to your blog, but there
are times when I'm not able to do it right away. I
appreciate the way you go back later and respond
to those who have responded to you after your first
round of responses. I know at Thanksgiving I responded
later and I shared more personally than I usually do. I appreciated
you responding to those late responses from me and I appreciate
that you take the time to regularly do that. Thank you Julie !