Silky Smooth Instant Pot Hot Chocolate (in 5-Minutes!)

Instant pot hot chocolate is one of those recipes that makes me wonder what took me so long to come up with it!

I mean, it’s perfect for the season of gathering when you want to make cozy drinks for a group without having to stand over a stove or commit a ton of time to perfecting each cup.

My recipe for instant pot hot chocolate achieves that intensely rich and silky smooth textures we crave by combining both cocoa powder and chopped chocolate. The double dose of chocolate creates the perfect balance of bold flavor with a velvety finish.

While most recipes leave the base of hot chocolate to just milk or just water, I’m bumping it up with some heavy cream. This not only balances out the bold chocolate but creates a creamy, indulgent texture that feels next level decadent.

I LOVE hot chocolate everything! From my favorite Easy, Fun & Festive DIY Hot Cocoa Bombs to this 10 Minute Warm & Gooey Hot Chocolate Dip, I’m looking for any excuse to make hot chocolate anything!

Why You’ll Love this Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Hands-Off Bliss! Once you set up the Instant Pot with all your ingredients and put it on the right setting, you can forget about it! It requires less hands-on attention compared to stovetop methods and is super convenient if you have a lot of recipes going at once or when preparing hot cocoa for a group.

So Quick! The Instant Pot can quickly heat and blend ingredients for hot chocolate making it great hand-off time-saver!

Keeps it Warm! I hate it when I don’t drink my hot cocoa in time and then it gets cold and I have to reheat it. Then I get distracted with something, I have to reheat it again. The Instant Pot keeps the hot chocolate warm after cooking, making it easy to serve and enjoy over an extended period.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Whole Milk and Heavy Cream. These ingredients provide a creamy and luscious base to the hot chocolate. The fat content in heavy cream adds an extra layer of richness of the drink.

Agave Nectar, Honey, Maple Syrup, or Coconut Sugar. Grab your favorite sweetener! Sweetener balances the bitterness of cocoa powder and chocolate.

Cocoa Powder. You’re here for the hot cocoa, no? Cocoa powder provides the primary chocolate flavor. It adds a bold richness to the drink.

Chopped Chocolate (Milk, Semisweet, or Dark). I’m a fan of semi-sweet, but you pick your fave! Chopped chocolate enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a silky texture. The choice between milk, semisweet, or dark chocolate allows for customization based on your personal preference.

Vanilla. Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a sweet aroma to the drink.

Salt. Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor while adding depth and complexity to the taste.

How to Make Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Combine Ingredients.

Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the Instant Pot.

Add the sweetener of your choice (agave nectar, honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar) to the milk and cream.

Incorporate the cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the mixture.

Set to “Sauté” Mode.

With the lid open, set the Instant Pot to “sauté” mode. This will allow the ingredients to heat up and melt together.

Stir the mixture continuously to ensure even melting and to prevent any sticking to the bottom.

Cook Until the Instant Pot Hot Chocolate is Simmering.

Continue stirring and cooking until the chocolate is completely melted, and the entire mixture is heated through. You should notice the mixture just starting to simmer, indicating that it’s thoroughly blended and heated.

Cancel “Sauté” Function.

Once the chocolate is melted, cancel the “sauté” function on the Instant Pot to stop the cooking process.

Set to “Keep Warm”

Switch the Instant Pot to the “keep warm” function. This will maintain the hot chocolate at a nice serving temperature until you’re ready to enjoy it.

Enjoy your Yummy Instant Pot Hot Chocolate!

Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs, and be sure to distribute the chocolatey goodness evenly.

Top each mug with your desired toppings, whether it’s marshmallows, crushed candy canes, whipped cream, or other favorites.

How to Store Leftover Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Refrigeration: Transfer leftover hot cocoa to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will slow down the growth of bacteria and help preserve the quality of the drink.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy the leftover hot chocolate, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir the hot chocolate as it reheats to ensure even warming and to maintain its smooth consistency.

Freezing: While hot chocolate can be frozen, it may alter the texture slightly. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to account for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively, you can pour the leftover hot cocoa into ice cube trays to be frozen and used in your next iced coffee or glass of milk!

Switch up your Instant Pot Hot Chocolate Flavor!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add a splash of peppermint extract or crushed candy canes for a festive and refreshing twist.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Drizzle caramel sauce into the hot chocolate and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for a rich and nutty flavor.

Mocha Hot Chocolate: Mix in a shot of espresso or instant coffee for a delightful mocha flavor.

Can I Make this in my Slow Cooker/Crock Pot?

Combine Ingredients:

In the slow cooker, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, sweetener of choice, cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Cook on Low:

Set the slow cooker to the low heat setting. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even melting and blending of ingredients.

Cooking Time:

Cook the hot chocolate in the slow cooker for approximately 2 to 3 hours on low. This longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the chocolate to fully melt.

Switch to Warm Setting:

Once the chocolate is completely melted and the hot chocolate is heated through, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting to keep it at a desirable serving temperature.

Can I Make this on the Stovetop?

Combine Ingredients:

In a large saucepan, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, sweetener of choice, cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Heat on Medium-Low:

Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Heat the mixture gradually, stirring continuously to ensure that the chocolate and sweeteners melt and blend evenly.

Bring to a Gentle Simmer:

Continue to heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling, as this can scorch the milk and change the texture of the hot chocolate.

Remove from Heat:

Once the chocolate is fully melted, and the hot chocolate is heated through, remove the saucepan from the heat and serve.