Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of rich chocolate wafting through your home, promising a cozy start to your day. With our Crockpot Hot Cocoa Oatmeal, you can turn your breakfast into a delightful indulgence that feels like dessert! This creamy, chocolatey oatmeal is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare in your slow cooker. Perfect for chilly mornings or as a sweet treat any time of day, this recipe will have you and your family eagerly anticipating breakfast. Ready to elevate your morning routine? Let's dive into the recipe that will make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Mini marshmallows (for serving)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and a 4-quart slow cooker. Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In the slow cooker, combine rolled oats, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are completely dissolved and well incorporated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting. This gentle cooking method will help develop rich, creamy flavors without burning.
- Allow oatmeal to cook for 6 hours. During the first 2-3 hours, stir occasionally to prevent any ingredients from settling or sticking to the bottom.
- After 6 hours, check the consistency. If the oatmeal is too thick, gently stir in a little additional milk to reach desired creaminess.
- Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the oatmeal rest for 10-15 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Serve warm in individual bowls, topping each portion generously with mini marshmallows for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- Optional: Garnish with a light dusting of additional cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for enhanced chocolate flavor.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time in the morning, you can measure out all your dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. Just add the wet ingredients in the morning and start the slow cooker!
- Milk Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, to suit your dietary preferences or to add a unique flavor twist.
- Stir Occasionally: During the first few hours of cooking, stir the mixture every hour or so. This prevents the oats from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the oatmeal before serving and adjust the sugar to your liking. You can add more sugar or even a splash of maple syrup for an extra sweet touch.
- Toppings Galore: Don’t stop at mini marshmallows! Consider adding whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fun twist on your hot cocoa experience.
- Leftover Magic: If you happen to have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk for a delicious snack or quick breakfast throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
