Decadent Bittersweet Cocoa Delight
Indulge in the luxurious warmth of our Decadent Bittersweet Cocoa Delight, crafted effortlessly in your trusty crock pot. This delightful beverage combines rich half-and-half and creamy milk with the inviting warmth of cinnamon, simmering together to create a velvety chocolate experience. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home, this 'set it and forget it' recipe welcomes you back with its comforting aroma, inviting each sip to melt away the day’s worries. Whether you’re savoring it by the fire or serving it at a holiday party, elevate your hot chocolate game with this exquisite blend of flavors. Don’t forget the marshmallows for that extra touch of joy!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Half-and-half or light cream
4 cups (none)
Milk
4 cups (none)
Cinnamon sticks
2 (none)
Bittersweet chocolate pieces or chopped bittersweet chocolate
1 (12 ounce) package (chopped (if using whole bars))
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (none)
Marshmallows
to taste (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1
1. In a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, combine the half-and-half and milk with the cinnamon sticks. Stir gently to mix, then cover and cook on the low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours, or on the high-heat setting for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
2
2. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove and discard the cinnamon sticks. If you notice any ‘skin’ forming on the surface, skim it off using a spoon and discard.
3
3. Add the bittersweet chocolate pieces to the warm mixture. Using a whisk, stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is silky smooth.
4
4. Stir in the vanilla extract, giving it one final mix to ensure even distribution of flavor.
5
5. Serve immediately in mugs, or keep warm covered on the warm setting or low-heat setting for up to 2 hours. For an extra touch of indulgence, float marshmallows on top of individual servings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Bittersweet Cocoa Delight?
It is a rich and luxurious hot chocolate beverage made by simmering dairy and cinnamon in a slow cooker before whisking in bittersweet chocolate.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need half-and-half or light cream, milk, cinnamon sticks, bittersweet chocolate pieces, vanilla extract, and marshmallows.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 3- to 4-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
How long does it cook on the low-heat setting?
On the low-heat setting, it should cook for 5 to 6 hours.
How long does it cook on the high-heat setting?
On the high-heat setting, it should cook for 2-1/2 to 3 hours.
Can I use light cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, the recipe allows for either half-and-half or light cream.
How much milk is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of milk.
How many cinnamon sticks are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cinnamon sticks.
What kind of chocolate should I use?
Use bittersweet chocolate pieces or chopped bittersweet chocolate bars.
How much chocolate is needed?
You will need one 12-ounce package of bittersweet chocolate.
When do I remove the cinnamon sticks?
Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks after the initial slow cooking period is complete.
How do I handle the 'skin' that forms on the surface?
If a skin forms on the surface of the milk, simply skim it off with a spoon and discard it.
How is the chocolate incorporated?
Whisk the chocolate pieces into the warm milk mixture continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
When is the vanilla extract added?
Stir in the vanilla extract after the chocolate has been fully melted into the mixture.
How should the cocoa be served?
Serve immediately in mugs, optionally topped with marshmallows for an extra touch of joy.
Can I keep the beverage warm for a party?
Yes, you can keep it warm by covering the slow cooker and using the warm or low-heat setting.
How long can the cocoa stay on the warm setting?
It can be kept on the warm or low-heat setting for up to 2 hours.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is an easy 'set it and forget it' recipe suitable for gatherings.
What preparation is needed for chocolate bars?
If you are using whole bittersweet chocolate bars instead of pieces, they should be chopped before use.
What is the texture of this drink?
The beverage is described as having a velvety and silky smooth chocolate experience.
Is this recipe good for the winter?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a winter drink and comfort food.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Beverages.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Are marshmallows required?
No, marshmallows are optional and can be added to individual servings to taste.
What is the total amount of dairy used?
The recipe uses a total of 8 cups of dairy: 4 cups of half-and-half and 4 cups of milk.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it cooks?
Stir gently at the beginning to mix the dairy and cinnamon, but then cover and let it cook undisturbed.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday parties?
Yes, it is explicitly recommended for serving at holiday parties or gatherings.
What is the primary benefit of using a slow cooker for this?
It allows the flavors of the cinnamon and dairy to meld beautifully with minimal effort.