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Chocolate Covered Cherry Cocoa

Highlight: Indulgent Desserts for Sweet Endings

This rich cocoa blend combines smooth milk and cream with melted semi-sweet chips and a swirl of maraschino cherry syrup. Slowly cooked to deepen the chocolate flavor and mellow the cherry notes, it creates a luscious, warming beverage ideal for cozy evenings or festive occasions. The drink is stirred regularly to ensure an even melt and silky texture. Optional toppings like whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings add a festive touch. Adjust sweetness or creaminess to taste for a perfectly balanced cup.

The slow, gentle heat melds the flavors together, resulting in a creamy cup full of chocolaty depth and subtle fruity hints. This treat serves well at gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of rich cocoa and cherry-infused warmth with each sip. Storage is simple, and the drink reheats beautifully for multiple rounds of enjoyment.

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Crafted By Sophie
Updated on Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:21:31 GMT
A glass of chocolate covered cherry hot chocolate. Save
A glass of chocolate covered cherry hot chocolate. | myhomemademeal.com

This slow cooker chocolate covered cherry hot chocolate is the ultimate cozy winter drink that brings together the richness of cocoa and chocolate with the bright, sweet flavor of cherry syrup. Perfect for warming up on a chilly night or serving at a party, it’s made effortlessly in the slow cooker so you can enjoy hands-free indulgence.

I first made this during a holiday gathering, and it quickly became the drink everyone requests. The combination of chocolate and cherry is so comforting and a little nostalgic for me.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole milk: provides a creamy base and richness to the hot chocolate
  • 1 cup heavy cream: adds luscious texture and smoothness
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder: key for that rich chocolatey flavor, choose unsweetened for best results
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: melty and gooey, use good quality chocolate to enhance flavor
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar: balances the bitterness of cocoa and enhances sweetness
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherry syrup: adds bright, fruity notes, be sure to drain well
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors with warm sweetness
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: heightens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness
  • Maraschino cherries for topping: optional but adds a festive touch
  • Whipped cream for topping: optional for extra indulgence
  • Chocolate shavings for topping: optional to add texture and decoration
  • Marshmallows for topping: optional for traditional hot chocolate appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the slow cooker:
Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it generously with nonstick spray or rubbing a small amount of butter inside to prevent sticking.
Mix the dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt thoroughly. This helps break up any lumps and ensures even flavor distribution in the hot chocolate.
Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Pour the whole milk, heavy cream, and maraschino cherry syrup into the slow cooker. Add the combined dry ingredients, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. Whisk everything together until mostly smooth.
Cook on low:
Set your slow cooker to the low setting and cook for about 2 hours. Every 30 to 45 minutes, open and stir the mixture well to help the chocolate chips melt evenly and prevent any sticking to the sides or bottom.
Adjust and serve:
Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or cherry flavor as you like. If the mixture becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk for the perfect consistency.
Serve and garnish:
Ladle the warm hot chocolate into mugs. Top with your choice of whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, and marshmallows for a decadent finish.
A glass of chocolate covered cherry hot chocolate. Save
A glass of chocolate covered cherry hot chocolate. | myhomemademeal.com

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the maraschino cherry syrup. It adds just the right pop of fruity sweetness without overpowering the chocolate, making each sip feel special. I have fond memories of making this for family holidays and watching everyone’s faces light up when they try it for the first time.

Storage Tips

Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave and whisk in a bit of milk to keep the texture smooth and creamy. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

For dairy-free or vegan versions swap the whole milk and heavy cream for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and use coconut cream for richness. Substitute regular chocolate chips with vegan chocolate chips to keep it dairy-free. If you cannot find maraschino cherry syrup, you can substitute with a cherry jam or syrup but reduce any added sugar accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This hot chocolate goes beautifully with freshly baked cookies or chocolate chip scones for a delightful afternoon treat. For an adult twist, try stirring in a splash of cherry liqueur or amaretto before serving. It’s also fantastic with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few drops of peppermint extract for a seasonal change.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chocolate works best for this drink?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt smoothly and balance the sweetness well. Using good quality chips enhances texture and flavor depth.

→ Can I substitute the dairy ingredients?

Yes, almond or oat milk with coconut cream provide a creamy dairy-free alternative without sacrificing richness.

→ How do I prevent the chocolate from clumping during cooking?

Whisking dry ingredients beforehand and stirring every 30–45 minutes helps dissolve chocolate evenly for a smooth finish.

→ What toppings complement this chocolate cherry cocoa?

Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, and marshmallows add texture and enhance the festive experience.

→ Can this drink be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well refrigerated and reheats gently with a splash of milk added if it thickens.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cocoa

A comforting chocolate and cherry cocoa with creamy texture and warm flavors, perfect for chilly nights.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
120 minutes
Overall Time
130 minutes
Crafted By: Sophie

Recipe Type: Desserts

Preparation Complexity: Beginner-Friendly

Regional Cuisine: American

Servings Output: 8 Serving Size (8 servings)

Dietary Choices: Suitable for Vegetarians, Gluten-Free Alternative

Everything You’ll Need

→ Dairy

01 4 cups whole milk
02 1 cup heavy cream

→ Chocolate and Cocoa

03 ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

→ Sweeteners and Flavoring

05 ⅓ cup granulated sugar
06 ½ cup maraschino cherry syrup, drained
07 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

→ Seasoning

08 ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Optional Toppings

09 Maraschino cherries
10 Whipped cream
11 Chocolate shavings
12 Marshmallows

Steps to Cook

Step 01

Lightly coat the interior of the slow cooker with nonstick spray or rub a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt to eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution.

Step 03

Pour the whole milk, heavy cream, and maraschino cherry syrup into the slow cooker. Add the whisked dry ingredients, vanilla extract, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is mostly dissolved.

Step 04

Set the slow cooker to LOW heat and cook for approximately 2 hours, stirring every 30 to 45 minutes to facilitate even melting of chocolate chips.

Step 05

Taste and modify sweetness or cherry intensity if desired. If the hot chocolate is too thick, whisk in a small splash of milk to adjust consistency.

Step 06

Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with optional whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, and marshmallows to enhance presentation and flavor.

Extra Suggestions

  1. For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk and coconut cream, and use vegan chocolate chips. Maintain the slow cooker on warm for serving at parties. Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk if thick. This beverage can be frozen and thawed before reheating. Optionally, add cherry liqueur or amaretto for an adult version.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and chocolate which may not be suitable for those with milk or cocoa allergies.

Nutritional Highlights (per portion)

Nutritional information is shared for guidance and isn't meant to replace expert medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 260
  • Fat Breakdown: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrate Breakdown: 34 grams
  • Protein Count: 5 grams