Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pumpkin hot chocolate is everything you want in a fall drink: rich, indulgent, and full of warm flavors. The combination of white chocolate and pumpkin creates a creamy, decadent base, while the pumpkin pie spice adds that signature fall touch. With minimal ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, this is the perfect treat for a chilly day, a holiday gathering, or whenever you’re craving a comforting drink that tastes like the season itself.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 6 cups milk
- 1 12 oz package high-quality white chocolate chips
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients
In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, milk, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. - Mix together
Whisk the mixture until everything is well combined and smooth. - Add chocolate chips
Stir in the white chocolate chips until they’re fully incorporated into the mixture. - Slow cook
Set the slow cooker to low for 3 hours or high for 1.5 hours, stirring frequently. - Serve
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, if desired. Enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 8 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high
Total time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Substitute white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of heavy cream and milk, and swap the white chocolate for a dairy-free variety.
- Spiced-up Flavor: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Boozy Version: Stir in a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for a grown-up twist on this classic drink.
storage/reheating
Store leftover pumpkin hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it’s hot again. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much after storing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the hot chocolate.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pumpkin puree to avoid the added sugar and spices found in pumpkin pie filling, which could affect the flavor and consistency of your hot chocolate.
How can I make this drink less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or use unsweetened chocolate chips in place of the white chocolate.
Can I make this in a stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this on the stovetop by combining the ingredients in a large pot and heating over medium-low heat until everything is melted and smooth, stirring frequently. It should only take about 10-15 minutes.
How long will this drink stay warm in the slow cooker?
If you keep the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting, the hot chocolate should stay warm for several hours, making it perfect for parties or long-term sipping.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is family-friendly, but keep in mind it is quite sweet due to the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk.
Can I freeze this hot chocolate?
Yes, you can freeze it. Let the hot chocolate cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I prevent the chocolate from separating?
Stir the hot chocolate frequently while it cooks to ensure the chocolate chips melt evenly and don’t separate. If it does separate, just whisk it back together.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy drink for fall. It’s creamy, sweet, and full of those iconic pumpkin pie flavors, making it the perfect treat to enjoy on crisp autumn days or holiday gatherings. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep, you can indulge in a rich and comforting drink that brings the warmth of fall into your home. Whether served as a special treat or a daily indulgence, this hot chocolate will quickly become a seasonal favorite!
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Drink
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate is a rich and creamy fall drink made with white chocolate, pumpkin puree, and aromatic pumpkin pie spice. This indulgent treat is perfect for cozy evenings or seasonal gatherings, offering all the comforting flavors of autumn in every sip.
Ingredients
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups heavy cream
6 cups milk
1 12 oz package high-quality white chocolate chips
1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, milk, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in white chocolate chips until fully incorporated.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 3 hours or high for 1.5 hours, stirring frequently.
- Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, and enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, substitute white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
Use coconut milk and coconut cream for a vegan version.
For extra spice, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of cayenne pepper.
Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for a boozy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
