Hot Chocolate

Our Hot Chocolate is decadently rich, creamy, and pure comfort in a mug without heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk. You get that deep, chocolatey flavour you love but with half the calories and none of the guilt.

This homemade hot chocolate has a special ingredient that makes it extra smooth and irresistibly delicious, the kind of hot chocolate recipe people will beg you to share.

What Makes This Recipe Work

This Hot Chocolate is the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. It’s rich enough to feel like a treat, yet light enough to enjoy any time of day. You don’t need fancy ingredients or cream to make it taste luxurious, just a few pantry staples and a touch of love.

What makes this the best hot chocolate recipe is how easy it is to make from scratch. This homemade hot chocolate turns out smooth, velvety, and deeply chocolatey every single time, giving you that cozy café-style experience right at home.

What Goes Into This Hot Chocolate

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Making Hot Chocolate from scratch is surprisingly easy and so much more satisfying than using a store-bought mix. Every sip feels cozy and luxurious, thanks to a few simple ingredients that bring out that rich chocolate flavor.

• Milk: Use 2% or full-fat milk for the creamiest texture. The fat content helps give your homemade hot chocolate that smooth, comforting finish.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The heart of this hot chocolate recipe. Start with 1/3 cup for a milder flavor or go up to 1/2 cup if you love it extra rich.
• Sugar: Sweetens and balances the cocoa’s intensity. You can use regular white sugar or a natural granulated sweetener for a lighter version.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds depth and richness without needing heavy cream. It’s the secret to achieving that indulgent café-style feel while keeping it simple.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Hot Chocolate

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1. Whisk the Base: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar until the cocoa dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

2. Simmer Gently: Bring the milk to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Continue steaming for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the texture to thicken slightly.

3. Add Richness: Stir in the evaporated milk and let it warm through the cocoa mixture for another 2 minutes, keeping the heat low to prevent scorching.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Pour your Hot Chocolate into mugs and enjoy it as is, or top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a cozy finish.

There’s nothing better than a cup of Hot Chocolate paired with something sweet, warm, and comforting. Try it with Churro Lava Cakes for the ultimate chocolate indulgence, or go classic with Banana Bread French Toast, where the sweetness of the bananas and hint of cinnamon balance perfectly with the deep cocoa flavor.

If you prefer something a little more playful, pair your homemade hot chocolate with Nutella Stuffed Baked Banana Bread Donuts or Maple Pecan Sticky Buns. Each bite melts into the richness of the drink, making every sip of this hot chocolate recipe feel like a cozy café treat.

Tips For Making Hot Chocolate

• Whisk constantly while heating to keep the cocoa smooth and lump-free. I love doing this because it gives the drink that silky texture you get from a café.
• Don’t let it boil. A gentle simmer is enough to melt the cocoa and sugar without curdling the milk or creating a film on top.
• Use good-quality cocoa powder. It makes all the difference between an average cup and the best hot chocolate recipe you’ll ever make.
• Add a pinch of salt. It may sound strange, but it brings out the chocolate’s depth and makes your homemade hot chocolate taste even richer.