Description
A rich, salty, and sweet hot chocolate made with dark chocolate and salted caramel sauce, topped with fresh whipped cream. It’s a gourmet comfort drink that is easy to make in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) dark chocolate bars (60-70% cocoa), chopped
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 3–4 tablespoons salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt flakes (for garnish)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold (for whipped topping)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped topping)
Instructions
- Chop the dark chocolate bars into small, even pieces.
- Pour the whole milk into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling (around 160°F/70°C).
- Reduce heat to low, add the chopped chocolate to the warm milk, and whisk gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the salted caramel sauce and the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Simmer for one minute to meld flavors, ensuring it does not boil.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
- In a cold bowl, beat the 1 cup of cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Spoon a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of each mug.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
Avoid using chocolate chips as they contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting. Ensure the heavy cream for whipping is very cold. If the chocolate seizes, whisk in a tablespoon of hot milk to fix it. For a boozy version, add Baileys or vanilla vodka after removing from heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug with whipped c
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: hot chocolate, salted caramel, whipped cream, winter drink, comfort food, easy recipe, dark chocolate, holiday drink