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Home » Recipes » Recipes » Creamy Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Creamy Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Published: Nov 19, 2021 · Modified: Mar 28, 2023 by Lynn Polito · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

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Creamy, chocolatey, and so much better than the powdered version, this decadent Instant Pot Hot Chocolate is so easy to make! Keep this hot chocolate warm in the Instant Pot and create a fun and festive hot chocolate bar for your holiday party!

A close up of the instant pot hot chocolate with pine cones around it

Confession, I've never been a fan of those packets of hot chocolate. They just never tasted good to me. Here in New England, we get a lot of snow, so to have a steaming cup of hot chocolate ready when you come in from the snow was always the dream, but I never got much joy out of those little packets.

The Instant Pot has changed all that! Add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot right as you are walking out the door to play in the snow, and if you're like my kids, you'll be back in the house in about 10 minutes and your hot cocoa is ready to be enjoyed!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients You'll Need
  • Hot Chocolate vs. Hot Cocoa
  • Equipment You'll Need
  • Let's Make Instant Pot Hot Chocolate!
  • How To Make a Hot Chocolate Bar
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Other Recipes To Try!
  • 📖 Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

An overhead view of Instant Pot Hot Chocolate Ingredients
  • Milk and Heavy Cream- I like a mixture of milk and heavy cream to make this hot chocolate super decadent!
  • Chocolate Chips- Semi sweet is the way to go, but if you have dark chocolate they would be great too!
  • Vanilla- For a little extra flavor.
  • Sugar- To sweeten up the hot chocolate.
  • Salt- To bring out all the flavors.

Hot Chocolate vs. Hot Cocoa

These two drinks are often used interchangeably, but hot chocolate is a more decadent and rich drink, while hot cocoa tends to be less sweet and thinner. Often, hot cocoa is made from powdered chocolate instead of chocolate chunks.

This recipe would be considered hot chocolate because it is made with milk and chocolate chips. It is rich and velvety.

An overhead side view of the Instant Pot hot chocolate with marshmallows on top of the mug

Equipment You'll Need

  • Instant Pot- This recipe will fit into a mini Instant Pot if you have one. To double this recipe you'll need at least a 6 quart Instant Pot.
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Mugs

Let's Make Instant Pot Hot Chocolate!

Set the Instant Pot to "Saute" and add all the ingredients into the Instant Pot. Stir for 2 minutes to heat the milk gently and to begin melting the chocolate chips.

The chocolate chips are added to the Instant Pot
Add the chocolate chips
The powdered cocoa is added to the Instant Pot
Add the cocoa powder
The sugar is added to the Instant Pot
Incorporate the sugar
A spoon is stirring the ingredients
Stir everything to combine

Close the lid of the Instant Pot, cancel "saute" mode, and set the pressure to "high" for 0 minutes. After 0 minutes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 10-15 minutes. Serve with lots of marshmallows and whipped cream!

How To Make a Hot Chocolate Bar

If you're having a holiday party this year, you need to have a hot chocolate bar! It's so fun for the kids and adults! Here are some things to have on your hot chocolate bar:

  • Marshmallows
  • Whipped Cream
  • Chocolate Chips
  • White chocolate chips
  • Candy Canes
  • Cookies
  • Sprinkles
  • Chocolate Syrup

And don't forget about the adults! Have some liquor handy to spike this hot chocolate!

  • Bourbon
  • Irish Cream
  • Kahlua
  • Drambuie
  • Godiva Chocolate Liquor
  • Peppermint Schnapps
A hand is grabbing the handle of the Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Tips and Tricks

  • To lighten up this recipe, use 2% milk or all whole milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream.
  • There will be a layer of milk once you open the lid. It's perfectly fine! If you would like, strain the hot chocolate to make it silky smooth, or mix well to combine.
  • Don't quick release this hot chocolate! Quick releasing the Instant Pot will cause the hot chocolate to come up through the release nozzle and spray all over your kitchen. It's best to allow the Instant Pot to naturally release on it's own.
  • Make it white hot chocolate! Remove the cocoa powder and instead of semi sweet chocolate chips, use high quality white chocolate.
  • Since there are only a few ingredients, make sure to use the best quality! High quality cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and milk are essential!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Mexican Hot Chocolate?

Yes! To make this Mexican Hot Chocolate, simply add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ⅛ teaspoon of nutmeg and ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne.

How do I reheat Instant Pot Hot Chocolate?

Add the cold hot chocolate to a saucepan and gently reheat the hot chocolate over medium heat. When the hot chocolate is heated through, serve!

Why should I use the Instant Pot to make hot chocolate?

This Instant Pot hot chocolate recipe is a set it and forget it kind of recipe. Instead of having to stir constantly and make sure the chocolate doesn't burn, you can add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and go enjoy the cold weather! When you're ready to warm up, come in and enjoy this decadent drink!

A close up of the instant pot hot chocolate with pine cones around it

Other Recipes To Try!

Did you love this Instant Pot Hot Chocolate? I'd so appreciate it if you would give this recipe a 5-star review! That will help other hungry readers find my recipes!

And don't forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook and share this recipe on Pinterest! Thanks for sharing this journey with me and enjoy these delicious recipes!

More Instant Pot Recipes

  • The Instant Pot Sausage and Potatoes are on a plate on a cutting board.
    Instant Pot Italian Sausage and Potatoes
  • A plate of Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls is in front of the Instant Pot.
    Soft Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls
  • A plate of Instant Pot German Potato Salad is on a cutting board.
    Instant Pot German Potato Salad
  • The pork tenderloin is on a plate covered in gravy in front of the Instant Pot.
    Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin (From Frozen!)
  • Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
  • Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Dip
  • Sourdough Rolls
  • Sourdough Bread
  • Rice Dressing with Bacon

📖 Recipe

A close up of a mug of hot chocolate

Creamy Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Creamy, chocolatey, and so much better than the powdered version, this decadent Instant Pot Hot Chocolate is so easy to make! Keep this hot chocolate warm in the Instant Pot and create a fun and festive hot chocolate bar for your holiday party!
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 339kcal
Author: Lynn Polito

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • ½ cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • ¼ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • ¼ cup Sugar
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla
  • ⅛ teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  • Set the Instant Pot to "Saute". Add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir to combine and to gently heat the milk and melt the chocolate chips.
  • After 0 minutes, close the Instant Pot lid, cancel "saute" mode, and set the Instant Pot to "high" pressure for 0 minutes.
  • Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for at least 10 minutes.
  • There will be a layer of milk once you open the lid. It's perfectly fine! If you would like, strain the hot chocolate to make it silky smooth, or mix well to combine.
  • Open the Instant Pot and serve!

Notes

  • If there is pressure leftover be VERY careful when releasing the pressure.  The hot chocolate will sputter up the top of the release valve and spray all over.  
  • To lighten up the hot chocolate, use 2% milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 788IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LynnsWayofLife or tag #lynnswayoflife!
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Comments

  1. Donna

    November 22, 2021 at 1:15 am

    5 stars
    Genius! This tastes amazing, and is going to come in super handy on xmas day when I am hosting and there will be a lot of kids 🙂

    Reply
  2. Sherry Ronning

    November 21, 2021 at 12:01 am

    5 stars
    What a fun way to make hot chocolate! My kids loved it!!

    Reply
  3. Kim

    November 20, 2021 at 7:15 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and so good! The nephew loved it!

    Reply
  4. Jennifer

    November 20, 2021 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    Love this! So much better tasting when it's homemade!

    Reply
  5. Mandy Applegate

    November 20, 2021 at 2:26 am

    5 stars
    I'm getting so much more use out of m instant pot since I discovered your site, this is another of my favorites!

    Reply
  6. Linda

    November 20, 2021 at 12:18 am

    5 stars
    Love this hot chocolate especially on a cold rainy day. Best part is this can be done in 5 minutes!

    Reply
  7. Sarah

    November 19, 2021 at 10:07 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've made hot chocolate in my slow cooker, but I loved how quick this was. You have no idea how impatient kiddos can get and this was ready so fast!

    Reply
  8. Cindy

    November 19, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    5 stars
    This was absolutely tasty. So such better than the packaged stuff and it was super easy too!

    Reply

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Hey there! I'm Lynn and I'm based just outside of Boston. I'm a wife and mom of two with a passion for cooking and creating homemade food for my family.

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