How to Set Up a DIY Hot Chocolate Bar

I’ve got a fun idea for you to help any little ones in your life celebrate the holiday season this winter … a Hot Chocolate Bar!

Now, it’s not all 100% real food, but I did what I could to make things somewhat homemade and also dye-free. This would be the perfect addition to a Cookie Swap or Gingerbread House Making Party—all things my girls are totally into right now!

Supplies Needed for a Hot Chocolate Bar

It did take me a little time to pull everything together, but my 6th grader (who loves to help with things like this) loved every minute of it. :) Here’s a list of our supplies:

• Mugs or paper coffee cups
• Insulated carafe (with warm homemade hot chocolate – recipe below)
• Sprinkles (we used dye-free)
• Crushed peppermint
• Toasted coconut
• Chocolate shavings
• Crushed white chocolate pieces
• Little cups and scoops for the toppings
• Candy canes (dye-free)
• Cinnamon sticks
• Grated cinnamon
• Homemade whipped cream
• Homemade chocolate sauce (in a squeeze bottle)
• Marshmallows (we offered both store-bought mini marshmallows and homemade in two flavors: mint chocolate chip and salted caramel)
• Spoons and stirrers (we used wooden disposable spoons)
• Wooden chalkboard sign and other labels (optional)
• Wooden crate and/or tray to help with setup (optional)
• Napkins (recommended, haha)

As you can see on the top row, we also thought it’d be fun to add a little game where the kids could guess how many marshmallows were in the jar. The winner takes all! What’s your guess?

I was excited to have another reason to make homemade marshmallows (besides our end of school year, backyard, movie party with smores). I always include store-bought (dye-free) marshmallows as well, because I know some kids won’t touch anything that looks too different from the norm!

Lastly, I’d say the kids’ creations came together pretty well – they were not scared to pile ’em high! This turned out to be a lot more fun than I was even expecting (and I promise, I thought it’d be fun!). I ended up leaving it set up for the rest of the weekend so my husband and I could indulge as well along with anyone else who stopped by. :) I’ll definitely be doing this again next year! And it will be even easier now that I have all the stuff.

I’d love to know if you’ve ever set up a Hot Chocolate Bar and included anything I did not mention here. If so, please do tell! And here’s that Homemade Hot Cocoa recipe for you (made with maple syrup instead of sugar)…

Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same but 100 Days of Real Food will automatically receive a small commission. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us spread our message!