This Classic Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy and delicious. Homemade Hot Chocolate is really very easy to make and tastes just like in cafe shops. I have tried many versions of hot chocolate and this one is hands down the best. Using real dark chocolate or milk chocolate with less cocoa powder and cornflour slurry makes this drink extra creamy and delicious.
What is Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate is a rich and popular winter beverage. The right amount of milk, cocoa powder and dark chocolate is enough to make cafe style hot chocolate at home. A perfect hot chocolate is creamy, thick and absolutely delicious and is a must have in the winter that you will crave for more. Here I have shared all the tips and tricks to make the best luxurious hot chocolate at home withe basic minimal ingredients that you have. This is one of the easiest and quickest hot chocolate recipe that you can make in just few minutes. Chocolate is said to uplift any bad mood and yes this hot chocolate drink can do magic too. Good quality dark chocolate is must to make best tasting hot chocolate so make sure to use a good brand.
Hot Chocolate Video
Homemade Hot Chocolate
This hot chocolate recipe is very simple with 3 easy steps :
Boil milk Add ingredients Stir and mix
Generally cornflour is mixed with water to make a slurry and used to thicken to get the creamy texture. But when I used it I always find an after taste so after few trials found that adding less the slurry and cocoa powder and more of dark chocolate does the trick.
Types of Chocolate to use
For a perfect enjoyable hot chocolate real chocolate is the key :
Couverture chocolate – Couverture refers to any high-quality chocolate that has more percentage of cocoa butter. Cacao chocolate – The more percentage of cacao in it the bitterness will be more. But cacao chocolates are more intense flavored so I would suggest to use chocolate which has less percentage of cacao in it. Compound chocolate – Compound chocolate also works well for hot chocolate, use good quality preferably dark chocolate. Chocolate chips – I would suggest to use chocolate chips the last option if you cannot source any of the above options.
Hot Chocolate vs Hot Cocoa
Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa may sound and look similar but they are not the same. Hot chocolate is more rich as it uses more of chocolate in the drink whereas hot cocoa is not very rich and creamy like hot chocolate. Hot Cocoa uses very simple ingredients like milk, coco powder, vanilla and sweetener, some recipes may use milk powder additionally. To be precise hot cocoa is a low fat version of hot chocolate. You will see a lot of hot cocoa premix available in stores. Based on the addition of ingredients both hot chocolate and hot cocoa has difference in taste, flavor and consistency.
Similar Recipes
White Hot chocolate Hot chocolate mix Hot cocoa Chocolate milk
Hot Chocolate Ingredients
Milk – Use full cream milk for best results. You can use farm fresh milk or packed milk. If using raw fresh milk boil then proceed with the steps. Cocoa powder – Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder which has an intense chocolate flavor. Vanilla essence – Vanilla essence gives a great flavor so add original pure vanilla extract or essence. Sweetener – I used white granulated sugar. Adjust sugar quantity according to the sweetness in the chocolate. Chocolate – Use good quality compound chocolate or even chocolate chips. You can use either dark chocolate or milk chocolate or a mix of both. Cornflour – Cornflour is mixed with water and added to make the drink thick and creamy.
Hot Chocolate topping ideas
Hot Chocolate can be topped up with
Whipped cream Chocolate Shavings / Chocolate chips Marshmallows Cocoa powder
How to make Hot Chocolate Step by Step
1.To begin with first add 1/2 teaspoon cornflour along with 2-3 teaspoon water. 2.Mix well to form a slurry without any lumps. Set aside. 3.Add 1 cup full cream milk to a sauce pan. I used boiled milk, you can use raw fresh milk too in that case boil and then proceed. 4.Next add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to it. 5.Add 2 teaspoon sugar. Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of the chocolate. 6.Whisk well. 7.Now add prepared cornflour slurry. 8.Whisk well so that no lumps are formed. 9.Let it boil for few minutes until slightly thick. 10.Now add 1/4 heaped cup dark chocolate, give a quick mix. 11.Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence and mix it. 12.Boil for 2 minutes. 13.Thick creamy and delicious hot chocolate is ready. 14.Pour into serving mug and Serve! Top it up with marshmallows / whipped cream with grated chocolate and Serve hot! Enjoy homemade hot chocolate!
Expert Tips
Milk – Always use full cream milk, boil and use it to avoid cream forming on top. If it forms keep whisking to break it. Coco powder – Use good quality unsweetened coco powder. Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate gives taste, flavor and color to this drink so it is very important that you choose premium dark chocolate. You can skip cornflour slurry and add more of chocolate if you prefer. In that case for 1 cup milk add 1/2 to 3/4 cup dark chocolate but you cannot drink more as it will be very strong. Lot more of chocolate I feel an overdose so this is perfect to have often too. You either use compound chocolate(chop into bits) or add chocolate chips too. Topping – You can either top it up with marshmallow or dust cocoa powder or add fresh whipped cream. In addition you can top hot chocolate with marshmallows or dust cocoa powder.
Flavors & Variations
This is the classic version of hot chocolate I have shared here. But the variations are endless :
Mocha – Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder to make mocha hot chocolate. Top it with whipped cream and dust little coffee powder, cocoa powder. Peppermint – Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint essence to make Peppermint hot chocolate. Top it with whipped cream and some crushed peppermint candies. Cinnamon – Cinnamon and chocolate are best combo so do try this variation too. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder.
Serving & Storage
The name hot chocolate is just enough to tell this drink should be served and consumed fresh and hot. However you can make hot chocolate mix and store it for future use.
1.When is the best time to have hot chocolate?
There is no specific time to have hot chocolate, but this is so comforting to have it during winter especially when its raining or snowing. Evening times are the best, you can replace tea and have hot chocolate for a change.
2.How long can I store hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate should be made fresh and consumed immediately. I would not recommend storing it – However if you have leftovers you can store in fridge for 1 day when serving heat it in a sauce pan and enjoy. If you have any more questions about this Hot Chocolate Recipe do mail me at [email protected]. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter . Tried this Hot Chocolate Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.
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