Crockpot Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate for Easy Entertaining Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra festive touch, you can garnish the whipped cream with crushed candy canes or a dusting of cocoa powder.

These additions not only look beautiful but also add a pleasant textural contrast to the smooth, creamy drink, enhancing the overall presentation for your guests or family members during the holidays.

If you find the hot chocolate is too thick after cooking, simply stir in a small amount of warm milk until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it is too thin, you can add a few extra chocolate chips and let it sit on the warm setting for an additional fifteen minutes.

Variations

• Mocha Peppermint: Stir in two tablespoons of instant espresso powder along with the milk to create a sophisticated mocha version of this peppermint bark drink. The coffee adds a nice depth that balances the sweetness of the white chocolate.
• Double Chocolate: For an even richer experience, replace the white chocolate chips with additional semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. This variation intensifies the cocoa flavor, making it a dream for true chocolate lovers who prefer a less sweet beverage.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly until warm, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Allow any leftover hot chocolate to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container.

Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The chocolate mixture can be kept for up to three days, though the texture is best when consumed shortly after preparation.

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can combine the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and keep it in the refrigerator for a few hours before turning it on. Just remember to add a little extra time to the cooking phase, as the ingredients will be starting from a cold temperature.

Serving ideas

Serve the hot chocolate in your favorite mugs, ensuring that each portion is topped with a generous amount of whipped cream.

You can also offer a variety of toppings like shaved chocolate or cinnamon sticks on the side, allowing your guests to customize their mugs to their own personal preferences and style.

Consider serving this drink alongside a platter of simple cookies or shortbread.

The buttery, neutral flavor of a classic shortbread cookie pairs perfectly with the rich, intense chocolate and cool peppermint notes, creating a balanced and delightful dessert experience that is ideal for cold evenings or special holiday gatherings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate for Easy Entertaining

Prep 5 minCook 2 hTotal 2 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 4 cups whole milk
• whipped cream for serving

Instructions

1. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips at the bottom of the slow cooker ceramic insert. Scatter the white chocolate chips evenly over the top of the dark chips to create a layered effect before adding any liquids.
2. Pour the peppermint extract over the chocolate chips, followed by the whole milk. Use a measuring cup to pour the milk slowly to ensure all ingredients are well distributed within the slow cooker insert.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for two hours, whisking occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Serve hot in mugs topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

42 g

Sodium

85 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.