Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

This easy recipe for Instant Pot Hot Chocolate will show you how to make hot cocoa from scratch in just a few minutes. Skip the store-bought powder and make your own homemade version instead. Great to make hot chocolate for a crowd!

Every year, my family and I see a light show at a local park during the holiday season. It’s always FREEZING cold this time of year and having a warm cup of hot cocoa in hand is always a good idea. The hot chocolate they sell at the event is so expensive and doesn’t have much flavor.

Since I’m making hot chocolate for a crowd, I might as well use the hot chocolate instant pot method to make a large batch so everyone can enjoy on Christmas or even Christmas Eve!

If you’ve never made hot chocolate in the Instant Pot before, don’t worry. It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes to make the best hot chocolate for a crowd!

☕Hot Chocolate vs Hot Cocoa

Hot cocoa is made using cocoa powder, which is chocolate pressed free of all its richness, mixed with milk or water and sugar. This results in a lighter, slightly less rich beverage. On the other hand, hot chocolate, sometimes called drinking chocolate, is made from melted chocolate bars or chocolate chips combined with milk or cream. This creates a thicker, creamier, and often more decadent drink, rich in the full fat and flavor of its chocolate base. Instructions for making hot chocolate in the instant pot with chocolate chips are also included!

🍫What You’ll Need

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This gives the drink its classic rich chocolate flavor.
• Water – Helps turn the mixture into a drinkable form that dissolves the cocoa powder.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens up the hot chocolate to taste.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a light layer of vanilla that evens out the chocolate flavor.
• Sea Salt – A small pinch of salt helps enhance the flavor of the cocoa powder.
• Whole Milk – Gives this hot drink a rich and creamy texture. You can also use non-dairy milk for a vegan version.

☕How To Make Hot Chocolate In Instant Pot

1️⃣Make the chocolate concentrate: Add the water, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and sugar to the instant pot. Turn to SAUTE mode. Whisk until the sugar and cocoa powder dissolve into the water.

2️⃣Mix in milk: Add in the milk and vanilla extract and whisk until fully combined. Turn the instant pot to KEEP WARM setting.

3️⃣Taste and adjust: Taste the hot chocolate and add more sweetener if desired. Add more milk if you enjoy less chocolate flavor. Serve hot or leave it in the instant pot on KEEP WARM if serving guests. Ladle into mugs and enjoy!

🍪Hot Chocolate Using Chocolate Chips

To make Instant Pot Hot Chocolate using chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder for 10 servings.

1. Start by adding about 6-8 ounces of milk or water per serving into the Instant Pot – this equates to approximately 60-80 ounces in total.
2. For the chocolate, replace the cocoa powder with chocolate chips; a good rule of thumb is to use about ½ to 1 ounce of chocolate chips per serving, so you’ll need around 5-10 ounces of chocolate chips in total. Stir the chocolate chips into the liquid until they are well combined.
3. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the beverage is heated through.
4. Be careful not to let it boil. Once done, switch to the ‘Keep Warm’ mode to maintain the perfect serving temperature.

✅Instant Pot Hot Chocolate With Swiss Miss

Making Instant Pot Hot Chocolate with Swiss Miss packets is a convenient and quick way to serve a crowd. For 10 servings, you’ll need about 10 packets of Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix.

1. Start by pouring either milk or water into the Instant Pot – use about 6 to 8 ounces per packet, depending on your preference for richness.
2. Add the cocoa mix packets to the liquid. Stir to combine, ensuring the powder dissolves completely.
3. Close the lid and set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function, warming the mixture until hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Once heated, switch the Instant Pot to the ‘Keep Warm’ setting, ready to serve your hot chocolate at the perfect temperature. Enjoy a cozy, chocolatey treat with minimal effort!

🌶️Flavor Variations

Set up a hot chocolate bar with all your favorite toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, and more. Let your guests customize their own mug of hot cocoa!

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate – Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
• Cinnamon – Stir in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm and spicy flavor.
• Chili Powder – Add a pinch of chili powder to give your hot chocolate a kick for a Mexican hot chocolate variation.
• Dairy-Free – Use almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk in place
• Vegan – Use vegan chocolate chips or a dairy-free chocolate bar in place of the cocoa powder.
• Mocha – Add instant coffee or espresso powder to the recipe for a mocha flavor.
• Salted Caramel Sauce – Drizzle some salted caramel sauce into the hot chocolate for a sweet contrasting flavor that pairs well.
• With condensed milk – Stir one small can of sweetened condensed milk into the mixture before adding the sugar. Adjust for sweetness.

👶🏻Make it a fun activity: Set up a hot chocolate bar station with all your favorite toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, and more. Let your guests customize their own mug of hot cocoa.

🥠What Do You Eat With Hot Chocolate?

• Mini Marshmallows
• Whipped Cream
• Biscotti
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Shortbread Cookies
• Pretzels
• Croissants
• Peanut Butter Nutella Cookies
• S’mores
• Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
• Donuts
• 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies
• Rice Krispie Treats
• Cheese Straws
• Pumpkin Spice Pecans
• Candied Bacon
• Granola Bars
• Peanut Butter Sandwiches
• Cinnamon Rolls

❔FAQ

What’s the best cocoa to use for hot chocolate?

We recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the best flavor. However, any type of unsweetened cocoa powder will work in this recipe.

How long is homemade hot chocolate good for?

Leftover hot chocolate will last in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Be sure to whisk it well before serving as the cocoa powder may have settled at the bottom. You can also freeze hot chocolate for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I make instant pot hot chocolate ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the hot chocolate as usual and then cool it before storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in the Instant Pot using the ‘Sauté’ function until it’s warm, then switch to ‘Keep Warm’ to maintain the perfect serving temperature.

🍋More Instant Pot Drinks

• Instant Pot Iced Tea
• Instant Pot Hot Lemonade
• Instant Pot Coffee Concentrate
• Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider