This Crockpot Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate is a cozy drink that’s perfect for chilly days. It combines creamy white chocolate and pumpkin spice for a heartwarming treat.
It’s so easy to make, just toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer while you enjoy the smell wafting through your home! I love sipping on this while wrapping gifts! 🎁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Whole milk is my go-to for this recipe as it gives a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, 2% milk also works fine. For dairy-free alternatives, oat milk or almond milk can be a good choice, though they may change the taste slightly.
White Chocolate: Use high-quality white chocolate chips for best results. If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can substitute with dark chocolate. Just keep in mind it will shift the flavor profile to be less sweet and more intense.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient and a popular choice. If you prefer, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just roast it first and blend it until smooth. Make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling though, as that contains added sugars and spices.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend has cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. If you don’t have it, you can mix 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp ginger for a quick substitute. This is really about balancing the warm spices to suit your taste!
How Do I Ensure My Hot Chocolate is Smooth and Creamy?
To achieve that velvety texture, it’s essential to mix your ingredients well. When cooking, stir occasionally to prevent sticking or clumping. If lumps form from the pumpkin puree, using an immersion blender right before serving is a fantastic way to smooth everything out.
- Start by gently heating the milk and white chocolate mixture, stirring frequently.
- Keep the heat low and allow for a slow cook to help blend flavors well.
- Whisk or blend once everything is melted, which will give that luxurious feel.
Taking these steps will give you a creamy, dreamy hot chocolate that’s perfect for fall and winter gatherings!
Crockpot Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 5 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 2-3 hours to cook in the crockpot. It’s simple to make, and once it’s cooking, you can relax and enjoy the yummy aroma in your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In your crockpot, pour in the 5 cups of milk, and add the 12 oz of white chocolate chips. Next, sprinkle in the 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree, the teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, the teaspoon of vanilla extract, and finally, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Give it all a good stir until everything is nicely combined.
2. Cooking Time:
Once mixed, cover the crockpot and set it on low heat. Let it cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. You want to make sure the chocolate melts completely and everything heats up evenly; this way, the flavors will blend beautifully!
3. Smooth It Out:
After the cooking time, take an immersion blender and blend the mixture for a few seconds to remove any lumps of pumpkin and make it extra smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular whisk will work too! Taste your hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or spices if needed.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the warm white hot chocolate into mugs and top generously with whipped cream. For a pretty finish, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Enjoy every sip of this cozy pumpkin pie-inspired beverage!
Can I Use Different Types of Milk?
Yes! While whole milk gives a rich and creamy taste, you can use 2% or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that non-dairy milks may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with a dairy-free milk of your choice (like almond, coconut, or oat milk) and use dairy-free white chocolate chips. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well to recombine the mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Pie Spice?
No problem! You can easily make your own blend by mixing 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ginger. Adjust according to your taste preferences, as spices can really enhance the flavor of the drink!
