A hot cocoa bar is the perfect addition to any fall or winter party!
Hot cocoa is such a treat during the colder months of the year. To make your own hot cocoa bar, start with a basic hot cocoa recipe, set out tons of toppings, pretty mugs, and everybody gets to customize their own mug of hot cocoa.
Since there are so many sugar-filled toppings for the hot cocoa bar, I like to start with a very basic and less sweet hot cocoa recipe. You can make this in any amount, and then pour it into a slow cooker to keep it warm during your party. If you’ll be serving the cocoa all at once, you can pour it into a fancy carafe, or ladle it straight from the stove into your guests’ mugs.
One of my favorite hot cocoa recipes I’ve ever made was peanut butter cocoa, so I have smooth peanut butter in my hot cocoa bar. You can use any of your favorite toppings. I’ve listed some ideas here, and I would love to read your additions in the comments below!
I think the best part of this hot cocoa bar is watching the kids go absolutely wild and build ridiculous over the top hot cocoa! The kids have so much fun when they’re not held to limitations, and since we only really do this once or twice a year, I let them go for it! I do give them the tummy ache warning before they get started, and remind them to listen to their bodies.
Hot Cocoa Bar
Hot Cocoa Bar is perfect for any fall or winter party!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
toppings:
- crushed peppermints
- crushed toffee
- marshmallows
- sprinkles
- creamy peanut butter
- whipped cream
- caramel sauce
- chocolate sauce
- ground cinnamon
- pumpkin spice
- nutmeg
Instructions
- In a pot over medium heat, whisk together the cocoa powder and sugar, making sure to break up any lumps.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until heated through.
- Remove from the heat, whisk in the vanilla, and serve immediately with desired toppings.