Decadent Dark Hot Chocolate
This hot chocolate is the richest, most luxurious, smoothest hot chocolate ever. It is made with actual dark chocolate which results in a thiccc and creamy drink. This is the ultimate chocolate lover’s hot chocolate so if you really want to treat yourself this holiday season (as you should) try this decadent dark hot chocolate.
I don’t know about you but as much as I enjoy hot cocoa, if the only liquid available for my cocoa is hot water, I will 100% of the time decline it. When I want to drink hot cocoa, I want it to be rich therefore I won’t accept anything other than milk, and preferably full fat. Even further, after trying hot chocolate bombs a year ago, I experienced an extra level of a rich. I don’t know how I could go back to hot cocoa anymore. I must now have real chocolate in my chocolate drink which is what led me to this recipe.
A few things to keep in mind:
- You need a decent quality dark chocolate and I suggest 70%. This recipe is really for a dark chocolate lover so if you are not a huge fan of dark chocolate you can use a lower percentage or even milk chocolate. If you use milk chocolate, omit the sugar in this recipe if not it may be too sweet. The final result won’t be as thick as with dark chocolate but it will still be delicious.
- You can add peppermint extract to this and top it with crushed candy canes to make it extra seasonal. But you can even add other flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg espresso powder and even cayenne for a spicy hot chocolate.
- Strain your hot chocolate if you want to take an extra measure to make sure it is smooth, especially if you add spices.
- You can top your hot chocolate with whipped cream (follow the link for my recipe) or marshmallows or both. And of course you can add any additional toppings of your choice to this decadent dark hot chocolate.
- As a bonus tip, if you refrigerate this, it becomes even thicker like a mousse and you can eat it with a spoon.
Decadent Dark Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 8 oz 70% dark chocolate chopped or broken into pieces
- a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract optional
- crushed candy cane for topping optional
Instructions
- In a sauce pan, make a slurry by mixing sugar, cocoa powder and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until combined.
- Add the rest of the milk then place sauce pan over medium heat and whisk until fully combined.
- When milk starts to steam and little bubbles begin to form at the edge of the pan, turn the heat off and add chocolate, salt and extracts then mix until completely melted and smooth.
- Mix until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth.
- Serve immediately topped with whipped cream or marshmallows and crushed candy cane if desired.
