This cozy salted caramel hot chocolate is a warm hug in a mug! It mixes rich cocoa with sweet caramel and a dash of salt for the perfect treat. Topped with whipped cream, it’s pure bliss!
Plus, who can resist that sweet-salty combo? I love making this for movie nights at home—it’s like a dessert and a drink all in one! Grab your favorite blanket, and enjoy! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives this hot chocolate a creamy texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, use almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy alternative. I personally love using oat milk because it adds a subtle sweetness!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use hot cocoa mix, but reduce the sugar since it’s usually sweetened. For extra richness, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess and richness. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could swap it for half-and-half, or for a non-dairy option, try coconut cream—it works surprisingly well!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt well and create a luscious texture. Dark chocolate is also a great choice if you prefer a deeper flavor. Feel free to mix in some milk chocolate if you like it sweeter.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce is fine, but homemade is unbeatable! If you’re cutting down on sugar, try a date caramel or even a sugar-free version. It’s just as yummy!
How Do I Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate?
Creating the perfect hot chocolate is all about combining the right ingredients and techniques. Follow these steps for a smooth and delicious treat:
- Start with medium heat to gently warm the milk, stirring consistently to avoid scorching it.
- When adding the chocolate and cream, keep stirring until fully melted. This ensures a silky texture.
- Mix in the vanilla and caramel off the heat to preserve their flavors and aromas.
- Don’t skip the salt—it enhances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
Enjoy this step-by-step process, and you’ll have a delightful cup of salted caramel hot chocolate to savor!
How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (preferably flaky sea salt)
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzle)
- Mini marshmallows, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and cooking, making this a quick and delicious treat. Get ready to indulge in some warm, creamy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to blend everything together over medium heat until it’s smooth and just warm, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent any lumps!
2. Melt in the Goodness:
Next, add the heavy cream and chocolate chips into the warm mixture. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted, and everything is well combined, about 2 to 3 minutes. This is where the magic happens, and it will smell heavenly!
3. Flavor It Up:
Once you’ve removed the pan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, caramel sauce, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to mix it well, as this is where your salted caramel flavor really starts to come together!
4. Serve Up Your Treat:
Pour the delicious hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Feel free to pick a large one—you’ll want to savor every sip!
5. Top It Off:
Don’t hold back on the mini marshmallows! Add them generously on top of your hot chocolate. Next, drizzle some caramel sauce over the marshmallows, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful look.
6. Final Touches:
Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle to enhance that scrumptious salted caramel flavor. It looks great and tastes even better!
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while it’s still warm, and enjoy your rich, velvety salted caramel hot chocolate. Perfect for cozy evenings or a special treat any day! Cheers!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work great as substitutes. Just keep in mind that each type of milk may slightly change the flavor and creaminess of the final product.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the hot chocolate, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk for creaminess if needed.
How to Store Leftovers?
Any leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
Definitely! Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar or caramel sauce if you prefer a less sweet hot chocolate. You can also enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a little extra cocoa powder if you’d like.
