This homemade Instant Pot Hot Chocolate takes minutes to make and tastes better than any mix! Using the sauté function, milk and real chocolate combine to make the creamiest, richest hot chocolate you've ever tasted. Skip the powdered mix and make this cozy drink that's perfect for cold winter days!
If you love homemade drinks, try my Starbucks Peppermint Mocha or Toasted White Chocolate Mocha next!
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Pair this creamy hot chocolate with this yummy Coffeehouse Marble Bundt Cake.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Rich and creamy: Real chocolate and heavy cream create the most luxurious texture.
- Perfect sweetness: Easily adjust the sugar to taste while cooking.
- Great for family gatherings: The 'Keep Warm' setting makes serving guests super easy.
Ingredients and Substitutions
All ingredients for this recipe are shown in the pic above and special notes are made in the bulleted list below to assist you.
- Milk. I used 2% milk for the perfect balance of richness and creaminess. Whole milk will make it extra rich, or you can use 1% for a lighter version. You can also use non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version.
- Heavy Cream. You can also use half-and-half to make it lighter.
- Chocolate Chips. I used semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best chocolatey flavor, but you can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
- Cocoa Powder. You can't make homemade hot chocolate without cocoa! Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa.
- Sugar. I used white sugar. Start with less - you can always add more while cooking. You can also use cane sugar, coconut sugar, or your favorite sweetener.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
- Step 1: Pour 5 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream into your Instant Pot inner pot. Add 1 cup chocolate chips, ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Step 2: Press the 'Saute' button and adjust to the 'Less' or 'Low' setting. Whisk ingredients together, making sure to break up any cocoa powder clumps.
- Step 3: Heat for 8-10 minutes, whisking frequently, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Watch carefully to prevent scorching.
- Step 4: Press 'Cancel' and switch to the 'Keep Warm' setting. Whisk until perfectly smooth and creamy. Taste and add more sugar if needed. Note: If topping with whipped cream or marshmallows, you may not need to add more sugar.
- Step 5: Pour into mugs and top with desired toppings. Keep on the 'Keep Warm' setting for serving, stirring occasionally to prevent skin from forming on top. Enjoy!
Serving suggestions
Set up a hot chocolate bar by setting out the following:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
- Candy cane pieces
- Caramel drizzle or chocolate sauce
- Sprinkles
Serve with cookies and 3-Ingredient Hot Cocoa Dip for a cozy winter treat!
Variations
- Extra Rich. Replace semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate chips or add extra cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Mexican Style. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a couple of cinnamon sticks and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Mint Chocolate. Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract.
- White Chocolate. Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.
- Dairy-Free. Use your favorite non-dairy milk (coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk) and coconut cream instead of milk and heavy cream.
- Mocha. Add 1-2 tablespoons instant espresso powder for a coffee kick.
Top tips
- IMPORTANT: Do not pressure cook this recipe, as it may cause the milk to boil or scorch.
- Keep the temperature on the lowest Saute setting.
- Whisk frequently to prevent milk from sticking to the bottom.
- Look for steam (not bubbles) as your signal that it's hot enough.
Other cooking methods
- Stovetop: Add all ingredients to a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk frequently until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is steaming (about 10-12 minutes). Do not let the mixture boil. Keep on the lowest heat setting to serve, stirring occasionally.
- Slow Cooker: Add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, whisking occasionally. Once the chocolate is melted, switch to the WARM setting. Whisk until completely smooth. Keep on warm setting for up to 2 hours.
Note: For both methods, whisk frequently to prevent the milk from scorching and ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
Storage
Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or microwave, whisking well to recombine.
Recipe FAQs
Whisk continuously while heating to break up the lumps of cocoa.
The Instant Pot can safely keep it warm for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
Yes, just make sure the ingredients don't fill the pot more than ⅔ full. You will need to extend the heating time slightly.
More cozy winter drinks
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Printable Recipe
Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 5 cups milk (1% or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ to ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, candy cane pieces
Instructions
- COMBINE: Add milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, the lower amount of sugar, and vanilla extract to your Instant Pot. Whisk well to combine.
- HEAT: Select the 'Saute' function and adjust to the lowest setting. Whisk ingredients together, breaking up any cocoa powder clumps.
- COOK: Heat for 8-10 minutes, whisking frequently, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is steaming but not boiling.
- FINISH: Press 'Cancel' and switch to the 'Keep Warm' setting. Whisk until perfectly smooth. Taste and add more sugar if needed. Note: You may not need to add more sugar if you're topping the hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream.
- SERVE: Pour into mugs and add desired toppings. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Whisk frequently while heating to prevent milk from sticking.
- Watch carefully for steam (not bubbles) to indicate it's done.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently, whisking to recombine.
- Use non-dairy milk, coconut cream, and non-dairy chocolate chips for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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