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- 4 cups milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 12 oz white chocolate chips - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract - 2 crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish) - Whipped cream for topping When making Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, you want the best ingredients. Start with 4 cups of milk. Whole milk gives a rich taste, but any milk works. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to make it creamy. For sweetness, use 12 oz of white chocolate chips. They melt well and mix nicely. The vanilla extract adds warmth and flavor, so measure 1 teaspoon. Peppermint extract gives that classic minty taste; you need just 1/2 teaspoon. Crushed candy canes add crunch and color. Use 2 for the drink and save some for garnish. Finally, top each cup with whipped cream for a sweet finish. - Milk alternatives: You can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a lighter taste. - White chocolate substitutions: If you prefer dark chocolate, it works well too. - Whipped cream options: Use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option. These swaps let you customize the drink to your taste. - Slow cooker - Measuring cups and spoons - Mixing spoon You need a slow cooker to make this hot chocolate. It lets the flavors blend slowly. Measuring cups and spoons help you get the right amounts. A mixing spoon is essential for stirring the ingredients together. These tools make cooking easy and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab your slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. This mix creates a rich, creamy base. Next, add 12 ounces of white chocolate chips. The chocolate will melt and blend beautifully. Don’t forget to include 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. These flavors are key to our festive drink. Now, set your slow cooker to low heat. Let it cook for about 2-3 hours. Stir the mixture every once in a while. This helps the chocolate melt evenly. You want a smooth and creamy texture. Keep an eye on it to make sure nothing burns. Once your hot chocolate is ready, it’s time for fun. Add 2 crushed candy canes to the mix. Stir well to spread the minty flavor. Taste it to see if you like the peppermint strength. If you want more mint, add a bit more peppermint extract. Now, ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each one with whipped cream. For a festive look, sprinkle more crushed candy canes on top. This adds color and crunch, making your drink extra special. Enjoy this warm delight! To get that smooth, creamy texture, choose whole milk and heavy cream. Whole milk adds richness, while heavy cream makes it extra silky. If you prefer a lighter version, try using 2% milk with some cream. When cooking, always use low heat. This helps the chocolate melt slowly and blend well. Stir often to keep everything mixed and creamy. You can customize the flavor with extra spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth. You might also add a touch of almond extract for a unique twist. For candy canes, try using different flavors. Chocolate or raspberry candy canes can give new taste sensations. Crush them fine for easy mixing. Serve the hot chocolate in clear mugs to show off its beautiful color. Top each mug with a heaping dollop of whipped cream. For a festive flair, sprinkle more crushed candy canes on top. You can also add chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This makes the drink even more special and inviting. Pro Tips Use Good Quality White Chocolate: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother and creamier hot chocolate experience. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Before serving, taste the mixture and add more crushed candy canes or chocolate if you prefer it sweeter. Keep It Warm: If you're serving this at a party, keep the slow cooker on warm setting to maintain the temperature without overcooking. Garnish Creatively: Consider adding chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup along with the crushed candy canes for a more decadent presentation. {{image_2}} You can switch the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a richer taste. It adds a nice depth to the drink. Milk chocolate makes it sweeter and creamier. Feel free to try each one. You might find a new favorite! To make this recipe vegan-friendly, use plant-based milk. Almond or oat milk works well. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich texture. Check the chocolate chips, too. Make sure they are dairy-free. This way, everyone can enjoy it! Adding spices can make your hot chocolate special. Try cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A sprinkle of these spices adds a cozy touch. You can also infuse flavors like ginger or clove. They bring out the holiday spirit in every sip! To keep your leftover candy cane white hot chocolate fresh, pour it into a container. Use an airtight container to avoid spills and keep out air. Be sure to let the hot chocolate cool before sealing it. You can also use mason jars or plastic food storage containers. The best way to reheat your hot chocolate is on the stove. Pour it into a small pot and heat it over low heat. Stir gently until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe mug for about 30 to 60 seconds. Stir well and check the temperature before drinking. In the fridge, your hot chocolate will last about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any changes in smell or texture before drinking. If you see any signs of spoilage, it's best to toss it out. Enjoy your sweet treat while it's fresh! Yes, you can make this hot chocolate ahead of time. Prepare it in your slow cooker. Once it’s done, let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stove. Stir it well to bring back the smooth texture. You can also keep it warm in the slow cooker for your guests. This way, everyone can enjoy it fresh and hot. To make this recipe kid-friendly, use less peppermint extract. Kids often prefer a milder flavor. You might also want to skip the crushed candy canes on top. Instead, let them add their own. This gives them a fun way to customize their drink. You can also serve it with colorful straws or fun mugs. This makes the whole experience more exciting for children. I love pairing this hot chocolate with sweet snacks. Here are some great options: - Marshmallows - Sugar cookies - Gingerbread men - Brownies - Mini pretzels These treats add a nice crunch and sweetness. They also make for a perfect cozy night in. Enjoying this hot chocolate with friends or family is the best way to share the warmth! This hot chocolate recipe combines rich flavors and simple steps. You learned the main ingredients, substitutions, and essential tools. I explained how to prepare and cook your drink for the best taste. You discovered tips for creaminess and presentation. Lastly, we touched on variations and storage to keep your treat fresh. Enjoying this creamy delight is easy and fun. Try your own twists, and share it with friends!

Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate

A creamy and festive hot chocolate made with white chocolate and peppermint, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups milk (whole or your choice)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 oz white chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2 peppermint extract
  • 2 candy canes crushed (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 serving Whipped cream for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a slow cooker, combine the milk and heavy cream.
  • Add the white chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the mixture.
  • Stir gently until the chocolate begins to melt and combine with the milk and cream.
  • Turn the slow cooker on low heat and let it cook for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Once the mixture is ready, add the crushed candy canes to the hot chocolate and stir well.
  • Taste and adjust the peppermint flavor if desired, adding more extract if you like a stronger mint flavor.
  • Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top each serving with a generous amount of whipped cream.
  • Garnish with additional crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive touch.

Notes

Adjust the peppermint extract to taste for a stronger mint flavor.
Keyword candy cane, holiday drink, hot chocolate