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Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate

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This coconut milk hot chocolate is a delicious take on a classic winter drink. Creamy and rich, this chocolate treat is sure to WOW your friends and family at your next holiday party. 

 

 

Coconut milk and extract provide hints of coconut flavor while a combination of milk and sweetened condensed milk provide a creamy base that feels and tastes like it just melted off the most delicious chocolate bar you’ve ever eaten. 

The best part about this homemade hot chocolate with coconut milk is that it’s made in the slow cooker! That means it’s mostly hands off preparation and super easy to keep warm and waiting for everyone to indulge.  

 

 

What do you need to make coconut hot chocolate?

  • Canned coconut milk – you’ll want the full-fat stuff for extra richness and flavor! 
  • Sweetened condensed milk – this, with the coconut milk, forms the creamy base of your hot chocolate. It also provides the sweetening. Two in one! 
  • High quality dark chocolate – the better the quality, the better the flavor! 
  • Cocoa powder – can you ever have too much chocolate? I submit you cannot. Bring on the chocolate! 
  • Vanilla extract – vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate in this recipe, while adding subtle vanilla hints. 
  • Coconut extract – there’s nothing like concentrated coconut extract to really amplify the coconut flavor of your hot chocolate! 
  • Salt – I know it seems counterintuitive, but salt is a flavor enhancer and will help the individual flavors of this drink blend and shine! 
  • Whole milk – the rest of your creamy, milky base comes from whole milk. You can substitute lower fat content milks, but it will be less rich, thick, and creamy. 
  • Your favorite toppings – see below for some topping ideas! 

 

 

How do you make coconut milk hot chocolate?

This homemade hot chocolate with coconut milk is easy to make! Using a slow cooker, you can prepare this with minimal involvement and keep it warm for parties or company so people can enjoy this incredible treat throughout your gathering! 

  1. Whisk together ingredients in the crock of your slow cooker. 
  2. Cover & cook, whisking periodically. 
  3. Serve with your favorite toppings! 

 

 

What toppings should I serve with coconut milk hot chocolate?

There are so many toppings to choose from! I love the idea of a hot chocolate bar for winter gatherings and parties. The possibilities are endless! Consider some of the following ideas:

  • Toasted coconut – for more coconut flavor and a bit of texture.
  • Fresh whipping cream – a classic hot chocolate pairing and the perfect blank canvas for additional toppings.
  • Marshmallows – another cocoa classic. Consider gourmet homemade options with fun complementary flavors! 
  • Cinnamon sticks – this is a family favorite and also makes a great straw for sipping. 
  • Whipped coconut cream – a fun — and dairy free — twist on traditional whipping cream. 
  • Cinnamon – a bit of ground cinnamon on a fluffy whipped cream topping is both visually and tastefully appealing. 
  • Pirouette cookies – yummm. It’s like the ultimate version of milk and cookies. 
  • Caramel sauce – coconut, chocolate, caramel, and a dash of sea salt = heaven! 
  • Chocolate syrup – MORE CHOCOLATE, PLEASE. 
  • Coarse sea salt – for a bit more flavor enhancing. 
  • Mini chocolate chips – have I mentioned chocolate enough times yet?
  • Coconut ice cream – a coconut hot chocolate float. Yes, please. 

 

 

Can you use coconut milk for hot chocolate?

Absolutely! We use coconut milk in this recipe. You can also substitute coconut milk for regular milk or water in any hot chocolate recipe. 

Keep in mind that if you’re using canned coconut milk for your hot chocolate, it will be much richer and thicker than what you’d get if you use the stuff you buy in the refrigerated milk aisle. 

If you prefer a bit of coconut flavor but less richness, you can use equal parts canned coconut milk and whole milk or water.

I recommend you give this recipe a try in its entirety! It’s a decadent, creamy dessert drink that is thick and rich and slides down your throat like a velvety warm hug.  

 

 

Is coconut hot chocolate keto?

This canned coconut milk hot chocolate recipe also includes sweetened condensed milk, which is high in added sugars, and is therefore NOT ketogenic. 

There are various other recipes out there if you’re looking for a keto version of hot chocolate, but you won’t find a recipe quite as rich and creamy as this one! 

 

 

Can dogs eat coconut milk?

The experts are divided on this matter. The American Kennel Club says that coconut meat and oil are safe for dogs, just be sure to avoid any bits of shell as it could be a choking hazard.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, however, says it’s only okay in very small amounts and that the flesh and milk contains oils that can cause your pup’s stomach to become upset. 

Since this recipe contains an awful amazing (awful for pets, amazing for humans) amount of chocolate, as well as sweetened condensed milk, you should NEVER feed this beverage to your furry friend. 

 

More Hot Drink Recipes  You’ll Love…

More Coconut Recipes You’ll Love…

 

 

You and your friends will LOVE this coconut milk hot chocolate! It’s layered with delicious flavors and a delicious, fun way to warm up your insides on a cold winter’s night. 

Yield: 15 Servings

Thick & Creamy Coconut Hot Chocolate

zoomed in image of 2 cups of hot chocolate ready to serve.

This coconut milk hot chocolate is a delicious take on a classic winter drink. Creamy and rich, this chocolate treat is sure to WOW your friends and family at your next holiday party. 

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 (13 ounce) cans coconut milk - full fat
  • 2 (14 ounce) cans of sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 ounces of high quality dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons coconut extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 gallon whole milk
  • Whipped Cream (optional)
  • Toasted Coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a crock pot, whisk together coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, dark chocolate and cocoa powder.
  2. Add vanilla extract, coconut extract, salt and milk and whisk again.
  3. Place lid on crock pot and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, making sure the chocolate melts.
  4. When ready to serve, scoop hot chocolate into each cup, top with whipped cream and toasted coconut and devour!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

15

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 314Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 173mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 2gSugar: 24gProtein: 10g
Originally Posted: November 26, 2013

Photos & Text Updated: September 28, 2021

Recipe adapted from the talented How Sweet It Is

 

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Jodie

Saturday 11th of January 2014

Just tried this today and it was amazing!! So creamy and such good flavor. Now to try the frozen version!

Chailyn

Thursday 9th of January 2014

It was like drinking melted chocolate bars. I imagined I was on the polar express:)

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