Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate in a crockpot
This indulgent Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate combines whole milk, heavy cream, milk chocolate chips, and caramel sauce, gently heated for 2–3 hours until velvety smooth. A touch of vanilla and a pinch of coarse sea salt perfectly balance the sweetness.
This is pure indulgence in a mug: velvety salted caramel hot chocolate crowned with fluffy marshmallows and an irresistible drizzle of chocolate and caramel. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy. Just toss everything into the slow cooker 2–3 hours before you need it, and it’s ready the perfect temperature when guests walk in or when you’re ready to treat yourself and the family. Top with whipped cream or mini marshmallows, add an extra swirl of caramel and chocolate syrup, and you’ve got a rich, gourmet hot cocoa that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler—ideal for holiday parties or the coziest nights at home.
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One of the easiest and most reliable ways to keep hot chocolate perfectly warm and ready for a crowd is in a slow cooker. And if you’re already firing up the crockpot, why not make it extra indulgent with this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate? Rich, creamy, and made with real chocolate chips and caramel, it’s delicious on its own and absolutely stunning when served with gourmet toppings at a Cozy Hot Chocolate Bar.
How to Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar
(Perfect alongside the Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate)
Start with the Star:
Keep a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker filled with the hot salted caramel hot chocolate on the “Warm” setting. Place a ladle and a stack of mugs (8–12 oz) nearby.
Layout tips:
- Use a long table or kitchen island.
- Put the slow cooker at one end so the line flows naturally.
- Tiered stands, cake pedestals, and wooden crates add height and make everything easy to reach.
- Label everything with cute chalkboard tags or tent cards.
Essential & Fun Toppings to Include
Bases (offer variety
- The salted caramel hot chocolate (main pot)
- A second slow cooker or carafe of classic hot cocoa (for kids or purists)
- Optional third pot: white hot chocolate or peppermint hot chocolate
Whipped Cream & Marshmallows
- Fresh whipped cream (in a bowl or dispenser)
- Mini marshmallows
- Toasted marshmallows (torch them table-side for wow factor)
- Flavored marshmallows (vanilla bean, peppermint, or caramel)
Drizzles & Sauces (in squeeze bottles)
- Extra salted caramel sauce
- Chocolate fudge sauce
- White chocolate sauce
- Raspberry or strawberry sauce
Sprinkles & Crunch
- Crushed peppermint candy canes
- Toffee bits or Heath bar pieces
- Chocolate shavings (milk, dark, white)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed Oreos or graham crackers
- Cocoa nibs
- Sea salt flakes or Maldon salt
Spices & Flavors (in small shakers)
- Ground cinnamon
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Cayenne or chili powder (for a spicy kick)
- Instant espresso powder
Boozy Add-Ins (21+ section)
- Baileys, Kahlúa, peppermint schnapps, bourbon, spiced rum
- Small shot glasses or pipettes
Stir-Ins & Extras
- Candy canes (as stirrers)
- Cinnamon sticks
- Pirouette wafers or chocolate straws
- Soft peppermint sticks
Finishing Touches
- A bowl of whipped cream vodka or marshmallow vodka for spiking whipped cream
- Holiday mugs, spoons tied with ribbon, and festive napkins
- A sign that says “Mix Your Own Magic”
Keep sauces warm in mini slow cookers or over tea lights, and refill often—this hot chocolate bar will be the hit of any winter gathering!
There’s something magical about gathering around a steaming slow cooker of salted caramel hot chocolate while everyone builds their own perfect mug. Laughter fills the air as kids pile on mountains of mini marshmallows, adults sneak a splash of Baileys or an extra drizzle of caramel, and someone inevitably discovers that a pinch of sea salt plus toffee bits is life-changing. It’s more than just a drink station—it’s an instant cozy memory-maker that turns any chilly evening into a little celebration.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- ¾ cup caramel sauce
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
Topping Ingredients:
- Salted caramel Syrup
- Chocolate Sauce
- Miniature Marshmallows
Equipment Needed:
- Slow Cooker
- Cups
- Spoons
How to make Crockpot Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate:
Add the chocolate chips, milk, and heavy cream to the bottom of your slow cooker.
Next, pour in the caramel sauce. Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted and everything is smooth and steaming hot. Right before serving, stir in the vanilla extract and a generous pinch of sea salt.
Ladle into mugs and top with a handful of miniature marshmallows, then drizzle generously with extra salted caramel sauce and chocolate syrup.
For the ultimate treat, turn it into a hot chocolate bar! Set the slow cooker on “Warm” and place nearby:
- a big jar of mini marshmallows
- squeeze bottles of caramel and chocolate sauce
- any favorite toppings (see suggestions above)
Everyone can customize their own perfect, dreamy cup of salted caramel hot chocolate—easy, fun, and guaranteed to impress!
Variations of the original
Peppermint Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
- Replace vanilla extract with ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract.
- Swap half the milk chocolate chips for peppermint dark chocolate or add ½ cup crushed candy canes during the last 30 minutes (they’ll melt in).
- Serve with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candy on top, and a candy cane stir stick—perfect for Christmas and winter gatherings.
Mocha Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
- Stir in ⅓ cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder and 2–3 tablespoons instant espresso powder (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee) along with the chocolate chips.
- Reduce the milk chocolate chips to 1¾ cups (300 g) to keep it balanced.
- Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a coffee bean for a rich café-mocha vibe.
Boozy Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Add ½–¾ cup (120–180 ml) of your favorite liquor during the last 15 minutes of cooking (stir well). Great options:
- Bourbon or whiskey
- Baileys Irish Cream
- Kahlúa or coffee liqueur
- Spiced rum
Top with whipped cream and a tiny pinch of cinnamon for an adults-only treat.
All three variations cook in the slow cooker using the same 2–3 hours on low method as the original recipe.
With its creamy, slow-simmered richness and that irresistible sweet-salty dance of caramel and sea salt, this Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is pure comfort in a mug. Whether you’re curling up with a blanket on a chilly night or serving it at a festive gathering, one sip is all it takes to turn any moment into something cozy and unforgettable. Go ahead—ladle it out the warmth and watch everyone come back for more.
🥣 Recipe
Equipment
- Cups
- Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- ¾ cup caramel sauce
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Add the milk chocolate chips, whole milk, and heavy cream to your slow cooker.
- Next, pour in the caramel sauce. Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted and everything is smooth and steaming hot.
- Right before serving, stir in the vanilla extract and a generous pinch of sea salt.
- Ladle into mugs and top with a handful of miniature marshmallows, then drizzle generously with extra salted caramel sauce and chocolate syrup.
Notes
- a big jar of mini marshmallows
- squeeze bottles of caramel and chocolate sauce
- any favorite toppings (see suggestions above)
Nutrition
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