This warm and cozy salted caramel hot chocolate is a sweet hug in a mug! Rich chocolate combined with creamy caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt makes it so delicious.
Who doesn’t love a drink that feels like a treat? I like to top mine with whipped cream and extra caramel drizzle—it’s like a mini dessert you can sip! ☕️🍬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives the hot chocolate its creamy texture, but you can use any milk you prefer. Almond or oat milk works well for a dairy-free version.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds a deep chocolate flavor. For a sweeter touch, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, which is milder.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate provides richness. If you need a substitute, try chocolate chips or even a milk chocolate bar for a sweeter drink.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel makes this recipe quick and easy, but homemade caramel is wonderful if you have a bit more time! You can drizzle it over your cup for extra sweetness.
How Do I Get the Smoothest Hot Chocolate?
Getting that silky, smooth hot chocolate is key! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Whisk vigorously while heating the milk, cocoa, and sugar to ensure everything combines well.
- When adding chocolate, remove the pan from heat. This prevents the chocolate from seizing and keeps it melty.
- Stir in the caramel slowly to avoid clumping.
Enjoying your hot chocolate with these tips will have you sipping perfection every time!
How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 100 grams (about 3.5 oz) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (preferably flaky sea salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- Mini marshmallows, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salted caramel hot chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s very quick to whip up, so you can indulge in your cozy drink without waiting long!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar. Stir continuously until both the cocoa powder and sugar are completely dissolved and the mixture is warm, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Once the milk mixture is warm, remove the saucepan from heat. Add the chopped chocolate, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Mix in the Caramel:
Add the caramel sauce to the chocolate mixture and stir until it is fully blended in. This is where the magic happens, and your hot chocolate becomes rich and sweet!
4. Serve and Decorate:
Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top it generously with mini marshmallows for that extra fluffy touch. Drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the marshmallows for a delicious finishing touch.
5. Final Touch:
If you like, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance that salted caramel flavor. This will give your hot chocolate an amazing contrast between sweet and salty!
6. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth and sweetness of your homemade salted caramel hot chocolate! Perfect for a chilly day!
Can I Use a Non-Dairy Milk in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all make great substitutes. Just remember that the flavor and creaminess might differ slightly depending on the milk you choose.
How Can I Store Leftover Hot Chocolate?
If you have any leftovers, store the hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hot chocolate mixture and keep it in the fridge without the toppings. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve, then add the marshmallows and caramel sauce for that fresh flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. Just adjust the amount according to your preferred sweetness, as sugar alternatives can vary in sweetness levels!
