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Build A Hot Chocolate Bar

December 06, 2024

Holiday parties and family gatherings are on the horizon. We’ve got your next shindig covered with hot chocolate charcuterie crafted to bring joy to any holiday event. A hot chocolate bar is a great attraction to feature at a holiday party or even at a more intimate affair that brings friends and family together over the holidays and builds lasting memories with the kiddos. Our guide features our favorite slow cooker hot chocolate recipe plus all the essentials and must-have fixings for everyone to make the hot chocolate of their dreams. Just remember there is no right or wrong way to arrange your hot chocolate bar. Just have fun with it!

Ingredients

6 cups milk of your choice
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and stir well to blend the cocoa powder and sugar.
Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t stick.
Once fully warmed and smooth, switch the slow cooker to the "warm" setting for serving.

Now that you have a delicious batch of hot chocolate, it’s time to create your bar. Here are some great examples of treats and confectionary accouterments that will make your hot chocolate bar a deluxe experience.

Table adorned with bowls of candy canes, marshmallows and sprinkles.

Flavors

Before your guests begin to dress up their hot chocolate, give them the option to add an extra layer of flavor with syrups! We recommend J.T. Copper’s Barista Box which contains four premium handcrafted syrups that will elevate any beverage with flavors of vanilla, caramel, or sweet mint.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a must-have for any hot chocolate bar and are easy to find at your supermarket. From classic mini marshmallows to the jumbo-sized perfect for melting, and even vegan or festive-shaped options, you’ll be competing to see how many you can add to your mugs.

Add the whip

You simply cannot have a hot chocolate bar and not have whipped cream. You can have a couple of cans handy, or you can blow your guests away with a bowl of homemade whipped cream. Next, be sure to leave out some caramel and chocolate sauce that guests can drizzle on top of their whipped cream. Some other great garnishes include festive sprinkles, cacao nibs, crushed graham crackers or peppermint bits will make any hot chocolate look gourmet. The final item that needs to be a part of your hot chocolate bar is a glass of candy canes. Candy canes are great for stirring your hot chocolate while also flavoring your beverage with that sweet peppermint flavor.

Baked Goods

No hot chocolate bar is complete without a selection of cookies to be enjoyed with a mug of creamy hot chocolate. Pair classic gingerbread and decorated sugar cookies for a nostalgic touch. Make sure to include some chewy indulgent treats with a batch of magic cookie bars, rich fudgy brownies, or luscious espresso truffles. If you are looking for cookies that are perfect for dipping, leave out some stroopwafels, buttery shortbread, or pirouettes that will make for a delicious addition to any hot chocolate.

Chopped Sweets

Take your hot chocolate bar to the next level with an irresistible spread of toppings and garnishes. We recommend crushed peppermint sticks which can be purchased or made using a food processor or, in a pinch, a ziploc bag and a hammer. Some other great garnishes include festive sprinkles, cacao nibs, crushed graham crackers or your favorite candy bits will make any hot chocolate look gourmet. The final item that needs to be a part of your hot chocolate bar is a glass of candy canes. Candy canes are great for stirring your hot chocolate while also flavoring your beverage with that sweet peppermint flavor.

A light dusting

If you like to add a little bit of “seasoning” to finish your hot chocolate, then we recommend having a section at the end of the bar for spices and powders that your guests can dust on their whipped cream or stir in. A few of these finishing spices would include cinnamon, nutmeg, matcha powder, cocoa powder, and pumpkin spice.

Build your bar

Dedicate a table or section of your table that is easy access for your guests to graze and grab treats.
Use a tablecloth in case of any spills or dropped food items.
Place your slow cooker of hot chocolate on the table and set it to warm.
Set the table with jars, bowls, or containers that will hold all of the toppings and garnishes. Make sure there are serving spoons for each!
Remember that there’s no right or wrong when it comes to making a hot chocolate bar, our only recommendation is to make it as colorful and festive as possible!

We know that you and your loved ones will have a blast crafting delicious mugs of hot chocolate. Spend more time with family and less time reheating your hot chocolate during the festivities when you enjoy your hot chocolate at the perfect temperature in an Ember Mug 2.