This salted caramel hot chocolate is a warm hug in a mug! Rich chocolate meets creamy milk, topped with a drizzle of sweet caramel and a pinch of sea salt for that perfect balance.
Honestly, nothing beats sipping this cozy drink, especially on a chilly day. I like to top mine with whipped cream and extra caramel—because why not? ☕️
Making this hot chocolate is so easy! Just mix, heat, and enjoy. It’s the perfect treat for me-time or sharing with friends. Grab your favorite mug and relax!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Whole milk gives the richest flavor and creaminess, but you can swap it for almond, oat, or soy milk if you prefer dairy-free options.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half will work. Coconut cream is a great alternative for a dairy-free treat, adding a subtle coconut flavor.
Dark Chocolate: Choose a good quality dark chocolate. If you want a sweeter drink, you could use semi-sweet chocolate chips, or even milk chocolate for a creamier taste.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use chocolate syrup instead; just reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel is great if you have the time! If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly too. For a unique twist, try using toffee sauce.
How Do I Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate?
Making a perfect hot chocolate is about achieving that rich, creamy texture and balanced sweetness. Here are the essential steps:
- Heat Gently: Don’t let the milk boil. Heating too fast can scorch the milk, so keep it to medium heat and whisk to prevent sticking.
- Melt Chocolate Well: Stir continuously when adding chocolate chips. This ensures a smooth and creamy base.
- Flavor Balance: Adding vanilla and salt enhances the chocolate flavor. The pinch of salt is crucial for that salted caramel taste.
- Serve Immediately: Pour into mugs while hot and top with marshmallows or whipped cream for a delightful finish. Remember, topping should be generous!
By following these steps, you can whip up a hot chocolate that’s perfect for cozy nights or a festive treat with friends!
How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup good quality dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- Mini marshmallows, for topping
- Optional: whipped cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This indulgent drink takes about 10 minutes of preparation time. You’ll need a few minutes to heat and mix the ingredients until smooth and creamy. It’s best served immediately—perfect for a cozy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Milk and Cream:
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly. We want the mixture to heat up but not boil—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
2. Adding the Chocolate:
Once the milk and cream mixture is hot, lower the heat slightly. Add in the dark chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where your hot chocolate starts to get rich and delicious!
3. Flavoring the Hot Chocolate:
Stir in the pure vanilla extract, pinch of sea salt, and half of the caramel sauce. Mixing these ingredients will elevate the flavors and bring that salted caramel taste to your drink.
4. Serving the Hot Chocolate:
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Get ready to make it extra special!
5. Topping Off:
Top each mug generously with mini marshmallows. If you like whipped cream, go ahead and add a dollop of that too!
6. Finishing Touch:
Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the marshmallows for that exciting salted caramel finish. It looks beautiful and makes each sip delightful!
7. Optional Salt Sprinkle:
If you want an extra salty-sweet kick, sprinkle a light pinch of sea salt on top of the marshmallows.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your luscious and creamy Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate immediately while it’s warm and cozy. Gather around with friends or enjoy some well-deserved me-time with this decadent treat!
This recipe creates a perfectly balanced drink that combines the sweetness of caramel and chocolate with a touch of sea salt, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds!
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk you prefer. Just remember that different milks may slightly alter the taste and creaminess of the hot chocolate.
How Can I Store Leftover Hot Chocolate?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creaminess.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hot chocolate mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving and add the toppings fresh for the best experience.
Is It Possible to Make This Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply use dairy-free substitutes like almond milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate. There are many great brands of vegan caramel sauce available that work perfectly too!
