I have a more in-depth Hot Chocolate recipe and post.
This hot chocolate is made with real ingredients—just chocolate, milk, and vanilla—finished with a simple three-ingredient whipped cream. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for cold weather.
After watching a weekend of chocolate programming on the Food Network, I got a craving for real, liquid chocolate—hot chocolate made from real chocolate bars, not powdered mixes. Store-bought mixes often contain many processed ingredients, and some even include partially hydrogenated oils. Real hot chocolate is simple to make and far better in flavor and texture. Note: hot cocoa (made from cocoa powder mixed with water) differs from hot chocolate, which is made by melting actual chocolate into warm milk and yields a richer drink. Here’s an easy method for making it at home.
REAL Hot Chocolate with Homemade Whipped Cream
Servings:
4
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
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Ingredients
For the hot chocolate:
- 10 oz semisweet chocolate
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
For the whipped cream:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp frangelico
Instructions
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Chop the chocolate into small, even pieces. Small shavings melt more quickly and evenly in warm milk; chocolate chips and large chunks can leave unmelted bits.
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In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla to about 190°F (scalding). If you don’t have a thermometer, heat until the milk steams aggressively and bubbles form at the edges but it isn’t boiling. Divide the chopped chocolate between your mugs, pour the scalded milk over it, and let it sit for a minute so the chocolate melts. Stir until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk for a thinner drink or more chocolate for richer flavor.
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If any small pieces remain, briefly warm the mug in the microwave to finish melting, then stir again for a silky texture.
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To make the whipped cream, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken, then add the sugar and Frangelico (or another liqueur or vanilla). Whip to soft peaks and spoon over the hot chocolate. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 46g,
Protein: 8g,
Fat: 36g,
Saturated Fat: 21g,
Cholesterol: 36mg,
Sodium: 65mg,
Potassium: 574mg,
Fiber: 5g,
Sugar: 35g,
Vitamin A: 450IU,
Calcium: 191mg,
Iron: 4.5mg
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is intended as a guideline for informational purposes only.