Hot Chocolate Bar

My kids absolutely love hot chocolate. I’m being totally honest, since making my slow cooker hot chocolate, I’ve become a bit of a hot chocolate snob. It is just so delicious and nothing else quite compares.

Making that hot chocolate recipe and pairing it with cute decor and toppings makes for a really fun setup at a holiday party. Everyone can put together their own cup of hot chocolate and get cozy. Your guests will adore this delicious set up.

How to Make a Hot Chocolate Bar

Here are the simple steps to make your own hot chocolate station! For the full recipe and detailed instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Make the hot chocolate. Add all the hot chocolate ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low. Read more on this below.
• Prepare your toppings. I share all of my favorite supplies and topping ideas below. I think it’s helpful to label each one so there is no question about what they are.
• Set everything up. I recommend setting the crockpot of hot chocolate on one end of your table or counter next to the cups or mugs, then the selection of toppings. Don’t forget a ladle for serving.

Hot Chocolate Bar Supplies

There are a few things I bought for our hot cocoa bar. If you are looking to recreate what you see, you can check out some of the links below. But like everything in life, do what works for you. There are lots of ways to scale this back and have it still be beautiful.

• Crockpot: I own three of these, and I love them so much. Having the hot chocolate in a slow cooker that can be right there with all the fixings works so well.
• To go cups: These are festive and fun. They come with lids and sleeves that say “Happy Holidays.” The only downside is that they are 16 ounces. So if you are having a big gathering, I would consider going with eight-ounce cups. While you can certainly go with mugs, I love paper cups with lids, especially if you are hosting kids.
• Disposable spoons: These are fun red and green striped spoons that are perfect for stirring all the mix-ins.
• Small wooden scoops: I love these! They are the perfect size for the different mix-ins. They are big enough to use, but small enough that you won’t over-scoop.
• Red and white twine: I used this to tie on all the tags, and it definitely adds a little something extra to the whole setup.
• Squeeze bottles: This is a little extra. You could definitely just put out the bottles that caramel sauce and fudge sauce come in. But for the pretty presentation, I do like these.
• Mason jars: From all my years of being a content creator I have a huge stash of mason jars in all sizes that are great for this. Don’t feel pressured to do the same. But if you’d like that look, Ball jars are where it’s at.

Hot Chocolate Bar Sign & Decor

Some of what you see is decor that I had around the house, and some was created just for this Hot Chocolate Bar setup.

• Hot Chocolate Bar printable: I made this on Canva. You can print it out here.
• Tags for fixings: I made the tags in Canva as well. You can print out the exact ones I used here. Or I made a blank template that you can use to write in the toppings you pick.
• Small houses and trees: Those were found at Target. I love the houses because they are super lightweight and won’t break, but they light up and are fun.
• Felt wreath: I found that at Trader Joe’s. I found the pom pom garland there as well, but it was years ago. This one is similar.
• Picture frame: This is from Ikea.

How to Make Hot Chocolate

Here is a brief overview of how my delicious creamy hot chocolate comes together in your slow cooker. You can also make hot chocolate on the stove if you want it to come together quicker, but I love having it in the slow cooker to keep warm. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Combine all ingredients. Put all ingredients into your crockpot.
• Whisk to combine. Give it a good stir until the cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk are mixed well.
• Cook the hot chocolate. Cook on low for about three hours, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning, and allow all chocolate chips to melt.
• Keep warm and enjoy! After the three hours on low, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting for up to two hours to keep it warm as you serve. Enjoy!

Hot Chocolate Bar Toppings

Here are some ideas for hot chocolate bar toppings. You definitely don’t have to use all of them, and can totally add other things, too.

• Whipped cream: You can make it from scratch with just two ingredients, or use a can for easy serving.
• Mini marshmallows
• Peppermint sticks or candy canes: These are a great way to add a festive touch and peppermint flavor.
• Mini chocolate chips
• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate syrup (or white chocolate sauce)
• Kosher salt (salted caramel anyone?)
• Toffee bits
• Peppermint chips
• Sprinkles
• Cinnamon sticks

Spiking Hot Chocolate

Make this an adult beverage with the option to add some alcohol to your hot chocolate. Fortunately, many things pair well with creamy hot chocolate! A few good options are Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, Crème de Cocoa, Godiva liqueur, RumChata, Fireball, Whiskey, or Bourbon. 

Add the alcohol to your mug just prior to drinking, I don’t recommend adding it to the whole batch in the slow cooker as it doesn’t need to cook with the rest of the ingredients.

Other Cozy Drink Recipes

• Eggnog Latte
• Hot Toddy
• Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider

If you make my hot chocolate recipe or use any of my DIY hot chocolate bar ideas, I would love to hear what you think!