This cozy drink combines pumpkin pie spices with creamy white chocolate, creating a warm hug in a mug! Perfect for chilly days and super easy to make in your crockpot.
I love how this hot chocolate fills the home with delicious pumpkin scents. It makes my kitchen feel like a fall festival every time! 🍂 I like to top it with whipped cream for a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Using whole milk makes this drink rich and creamy. However, you can use 2% milk or a dairy-free option like almond milk if you’re looking to cut calories or accommodate allergies.
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices. If fresh pumpkin is available, feel free to roast and puree it for an extra fresh flavor!
White Chocolate: I find that good quality white chocolate actually enhances the flavor. If you prefer a less sweet option, use less chocolate or swap for milk chocolate. For a vegan version, look for dairy-free white chocolate chips.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own mix with equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. It adds that quintessential fall flavor!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Creamy Hot Chocolate?
To achieve that dreamy, smooth texture in your hot chocolate, it’s important to mix the ingredients thoroughly before cooking. Here’s how to make it hassle-free:
- Combine everything in the crockpot and give it a good stir. Make sure the white chocolate is well distributed.
- Set your crockpot on low and let it cook gently—this prevents the milk from scorching. Stir every 30 minutes to encourage the chocolate to melt evenly.
- Once everything is warmed through and silky smooth, give it a final stir before serving for that perfect consistency.
Enjoy serving it warm with whipped cream and a sprinkle of your favorite spice for that cozy feel!
Crockpot Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Ground cinnamon or extra pumpkin pie spice, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink will take about 15 minutes to prep and 2 to 3 hours to cook in the crockpot. Just let it do its thing while you enjoy the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
Start by getting your crockpot ready! In it, combine the whole milk, pumpkin puree, white chocolate chips, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together until it’s well blended. The mixture should look nice and creamy already!
2. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it on low heat. Allow it to cook for 2 to 3 hours. Make sure to give it a little stir every 30 minutes. This helps the white chocolate melt properly and blends all the flavors together beautifully.
3. Final Stir and Serve:
Once your pumpkin hot chocolate is hot and smooth, give it another good stir to combine everything once more. Now it’s ready to serve! Ladle the warm hot chocolate into clear mugs for that lovely presentation.
4. Add Toppings:
Top each mug with a generous amount of whipped cream to make it extra special. For the finishing touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or extra pumpkin pie spice on top. Now, it’s time to enjoy your cozy pumpkin pie white hot chocolate!
This recipe makes about 6 servings, making it perfect for sharing. Enjoy it at fall gatherings or snuggle up with it on a chilly night!
Can I Use Almond Milk or Another Non-Dairy Milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk can all be used in place of whole milk. Just keep in mind that the creaminess may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What Should I Do If My White Chocolate Isn’t Melting?
If your white chocolate isn’t melting smoothly, try stirring more frequently to help it along. If it’s still not melting after a couple of hours, you can transfer the mixture to a saucepan and gently heat it on the stove until everything is combined.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before serving again!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Pumpkin?
While pumpkin is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with butterscotch or caramel sauce for a different flavor twist. Just adjust the spices according to your preferences for a delicious variation!
