Polar Express Hot Chocolate Recipe

User Reviews

5

72 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    3 hrs

  • Total Time

    3 hrs 5 mins

  • Servings

    12

  • Calories

    602 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert, Drinks

  • Cuisine

    American

Polar Express Hot Chocolate Recipe

This Polar Express Hot Chocolate combines heavy cream, milk, and sweetened condensed milk with semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder for a rich, creamy beverage. Slowly cooked in a slow cooker, the hot chocolate develops a luscious texture that is thicker than standard mixes, offering a decadent treat. The recipe emphasizes gradual ingredient mixing and intermittent stirring to ensure the cocoa powder dissolves fully and to prevent burning. It’s ideal for serving warm with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or crushed candy canes as toppings.

Description

The Polar Express Hot Chocolate Recipe blends heavy cream and whole milk with sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate. The preparation involves first whisking cocoa powder into half the heavy cream, then gradually adding the remaining cream and other ingredients. Cooking on low heat in a slow cooker for several hours melts the chocolate thoroughly and allows flavors to meld. The result is a thick, creamy hot chocolate with a rich chocolate presence, thicker than typical powdered mixes.

Preparation requires stirring every 20 minutes to avoid burning and ensure even mixing. The recipe suggests serving the hot chocolate with traditional toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or candy canes for added texture and flavor. If the hot chocolate thickens over time, adding more milk adjusts its consistency to preference.

For those without a slow cooker, a stovetop method uses a large pot over low heat to achieve similar results by melting chocolate and stirring frequently. Good quality chocolate is recommended to improve melting and flavor. Leftovers store well in the fridge and can be gently reheated on the stove or in a microwave.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 4 cups milk whole
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate finely chopped, baking bar
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • marshmallow for topping, etc
  • Whipped Cream
  • chocolate syrup
  • candy cane

Instructions

  1. Add half of the heavy cream to the slow cooker. Whisk in the cocoa powder until combined. This step will require a few minutes of whisking to incorporate the powder thoroughly into the cream.
  2. Add the remaining cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, chopped chocolate, and vanilla. Stir well to combine.
  3. Cook on low heat for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes or so until the chocolate is melted and fully combined. Keep on the warm setting for up to 3 hours for serving. If the hot chocolate gets too thick while it sits, you can stir in more milk to your desired thickness.
  4. Serve with your desired toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or crushed candy canes!

Notes

  • Add the cocoa powder into half of the heavy cream first for better mixing and to prevent clumping.
  • Stir the hot chocolate every 20 minutes while cooking to avoid chocolate sticking and burning.
  • For a thinner hot chocolate, reduce heavy cream and compensate with milk or 2% milk to suit your desired consistency.
  • Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate or chips for better melting and flavor.
  • Leftover hot chocolate can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated gently on stove or microwave.
  • To make without a slow cooker, melt ingredients slowly over low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 602kcal (30%) Carbohydrates 40g (13%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 46g (71%) Saturated Fat 28g (140%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 13g (65%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 130mg (43%) Sodium 111mg (5%) Potassium 488mg (10%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 33g (66%) Vitamin A 1400IU (28%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 258mg (26%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 602 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 602kcal 30%
Carbohydrates 40g 13%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 46g 71%
Saturated Fat 28g 140%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 130mg 43%
Sodium 111mg 5%
Potassium 488mg 10%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 33g 66%
Vitamin A 1400IU 28%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 258mg 26%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

72 reviews
Excellent

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