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- 4 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice - Whipped cream (for topping) - Chocolate shavings (for garnish) - Cinnamon sticks (for stirring, optional) To create a rich and creamy hot chocolate, I use whole milk and heavy cream. The blend gives it a smooth texture. Next, I add pumpkin puree, which brings that warm fall flavor to each sip. The semi-sweet chocolate chips melt perfectly, giving sweetness and depth. I balance this with granulated sugar for extra sweetness. A touch of vanilla extract adds warmth, while pumpkin pie spice enhances the seasonal taste. For toppings, I like whipped cream to make it extra rich. Chocolate shavings add a fun touch. Plus, using a cinnamon stick for stirring is a festive option. Each ingredient plays a role in making this hot chocolate a true delight. - First, in your slow cooker, combine 4 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Whisk them together until they blend well. This mix gives your hot chocolate its creamy base. - Next, add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Also, toss in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. - Stir the mixture well until the chocolate chips melt a bit and everything blends nicely. This step ensures every sip is rich and tasty. - Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking time helps all the flavors come together. - Remember to stir the hot chocolate occasionally. Stirring helps keep the chocolate from sticking and burning. It also makes sure the flavors mix well. - Once it's ready, serve the hot chocolate in mugs. Top each with a generous swirl of whipped cream. This adds a light touch and extra creaminess. - For a fun garnish, sprinkle on some chocolate shavings. If you want a special touch, add a cinnamon stick for stirring. - Pair your hot chocolate with cookies or muffins for a cozy treat. Enjoy! Adjusting sweetness Sweetness is key to a great hot chocolate. I like to start with half a cup of sugar. After cooking, taste it. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more sugar. Stir it well to mix. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! Keeping it creamy To keep your hot chocolate creamy, use whole milk and heavy cream. They give a rich flavor. If you want it even creamier, try adding more cream. You can also whisk it well to blend the ingredients. This step helps make your drink smooth and tasty. Choosing the right slow cooker Pick a slow cooker that fits your needs. A 4-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe. It holds all the ingredients without spilling. Make sure it has a low setting for even cooking. This helps the chocolate melt nicely. Cooking time adjustments Cook your hot chocolate on low for 2 to 3 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it for a shorter time on high. Just watch it closely and stir often. This way, you ensure the chocolate melts and the flavors mix well. Serving as a dessert You can serve this hot chocolate as a fun dessert. Pour it into small cups. Top it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It’s a sweet treat for any gathering. Making it a coffee drink Want to kick it up a notch? Turn your hot chocolate into a coffee drink. Just stir in a shot of espresso. This twist adds a new layer of flavor. It’s perfect for coffee lovers! {{image_2}} You can make this hot chocolate dairy-free. First, use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. For the cream, try coconut cream. It adds a rich taste without dairy. For sweeteners, replace granulated sugar with maple syrup or agave syrup. These natural sweeteners blend well and add a unique flavor twist. To switch up the taste, add a splash of mint extract for a refreshing twist. You can also drizzle in caramel syrup for a sweet kick. These flavors mix well with pumpkin spice. You might want to try different spices too. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can enhance the warmth of the drink. Experiment with what you like best! For an adult version, add a splash of whiskey or rum. These spirits bring warmth and depth to the drink. You can also try coffee liqueur for a mocha flavor. Festive additions like a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick can make it more fun. This small touch adds both flavor and a holiday vibe! To store your leftover hot chocolate, pour it into a clean container. Make sure it cools first. Seal the container tightly to keep out air. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to four days. When you want to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well before serving. You may need to add a bit of milk to bring back its creamy texture. You can freeze hot chocolate for later! First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion when it freezes. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To serve, heat it gently on the stove, stirring to mix the flavors back together. This delicious hot chocolate can stay fresh for about four days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it lasts much longer, up to three months. Look for signs of spoilage. If you see changes in color or smell a bad odor, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your pumpkin spice hot chocolate while it’s fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Each type gives a unique taste. Dark chocolate adds richness, while milk chocolate makes it sweeter. Just adjust the sugar based on your choice. To make the hot chocolate less sweet, reduce the sugar. Start with half the amount. You can also use unsweetened chocolate chips. Taste as you go, and add only what you need. Yes, you can prepare the hot chocolate in advance. Make it and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stove. Stir well before serving to mix the flavors. If you don’t have pumpkin puree, use sweet potato puree or butternut squash. Both give a nice flavor and texture. You can also blend cooked pumpkin or squash to create a smooth puree. Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each will change the taste a bit. Just make sure to choose unsweetened versions to control the sweetness. This post covered the essential ingredients and steps to make a delicious pumpkin hot chocolate. I shared tips for perfecting the recipe, including how to adjust sweetness and creaminess. You can also explore variations like dairy-free options and different flavor twists. Lastly, I provided key storage tips to keep your drink fresh. Remember, with these tools, you can create a delightful treat for yourself or guests any time. Enjoy experimenting and making this recipe your own!

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Warm up this fall with a delicious Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate recipe that's perfect for cozy gatherings! Made with rich ingredients like whole milk, pumpkin puree, and semi-sweet chocolate, this creamy treat is a must-try. In just a few hours, you'll have a delightful drink topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Click through for the full recipe and treat yourself to a cup of autumn bliss!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Whipped cream (for topping)

Chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Cinnamon sticks (for stirring, optional)

Instructions
 

In a slow cooker, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Whisk together until well blended.

    Add the pumpkin puree, semi-sweet chocolate chips, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice to the slow cooker.

      Stir the ingredients together until the chocolate chips are mostly melted, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

        Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. As it heats, the chocolate will melt completely and the flavors will meld.

          After cooking, give the hot chocolate a final stir taste, and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.

            Serve hot in mugs, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream, and sprinkle with chocolate shavings. For a festive touch, add a cinnamon stick for stirring.

              Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 2 hrs 30 min | Servings: 6-8