How to Make Rich & Velvety Homemade Hot Chocolate
By Rebecca St.Clair
Bring back those nostalgic winter vibes with this old-fashioned homemade hot chocolate recipe. Full of deep rich chocolate flavour and smooth creamy texture. Don’t forget whipped cream, marshmallows, or a drizzle of chocolate on top!
The perfect cold weather drink to warm you up. This classic homemade hot chocolate is made with real cocoa, warm milk, and a touch of sweetness. This cozy drink will turn chilly nights into something special. This hot chocolate is pure indulgence.
With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this dreamy hot chocolate in minutes. It’s simple enough for weeknights but feels like a café-worthy treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients – Made with only a handful of simple ingredients.
Sugar content – Adjust the sugar content or use your favourite sugar alternative.
Comforting – A classic drink to fill chilly nights with cozy indulgence.
Rich – The perfect cold weather treat.
How to store homemade hot chocolate
Fridge
- Allow the hot chocolate to cool to room temperature.
- Pour it into an airtight jar or container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Stir before reheating as chocolate may settle at the bottom.
Freezer
- Allow the hot chocolate to cool to room temperature.
- Pour into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, whisking until warmed through.
Homemade hot chocolate substitutions
Chocolate
The rich cocoa flavour in this recipe can be made with either cocoa powder or baker’s chocolate. I use a mixture of both to get the smooth buttery chocolate and rich cocoa flavours.
Sugar
Use more or less sugar to achieve your desired level of sweetness. For a healthier hot chocolate, replace the sugar in this recipe with your favourite sugar alternative.
Since not all sweeteners have the same level of sweetness, use this chart for popular sugar alternatives.
Ingredients
Milk – I used 2% milk for this recipe.
Chocolate – Use a mixture of Baker’s chocolate and cocoa powder.
Sugar – I used brown sugar for a rich caramel flavour.
Salt – To balance the sweetness.
Vanilla – I used half a vanilla been, but this can be replaced by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How to make homemade hot chocolate
- In a medium sauce pot, add 4 cups of milk and heat over low heat. This is just to warm the milk, do not boil.
- In a large sauce pot over medium heat, add in 2 squares of unsweetened Baker’s chocolate, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
- Whisk in 1 cup of hot water, half a vanilla bean (or 1 tsp of vanilla extract), and 1/3 cup of cocoa powder.
4. While whisking occasionally, bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer 3 minutes or until the mixture is melted together.
5. Whisk in the hot milk and, if using, remove the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the hot chocolate.
6. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and pour into mugs.
7. Serve hot with your favourite toppings.
Homemade Hot Chocolate
The perfect cozy drink to turn chilly nights into something special. This hot chocolate is pure indulgence.
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk 1 L
- 1 oz Baker's chocolate 30 g
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 g
- 1/4 cup brown sugar 50 g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (or 1/2 vanilla bean) 5 ml
- 1/3 cup cocoa 40 g
- 1 cup hot water 250 ml
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pot, add 4 cups of milk and heat over low heat. This is to heat the milk, do not boil.
- In a large sauce pot over medium heat, add in 2 squares of unsweetened Baker's chocolate, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
- Whisk in 1 cup of hot water, half a vanilla bean (or 1 tsp of vanilla extract), and 1/3 cup of cocoa powder.
- While whisking occasionally, bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer 3 minutes or until the mixture is melted together.
- Whisk in the hot milk and, if using, remove the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the hot chocolate.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Serve hot with your favourite toppings.
Notes
The sugar in this recipe can be replaced by your favourite sugar alternative.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 154Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 9mgSodium 96mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 2gSugar 19gProtein 7g
Nutrition information isn't always accurate.
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