This salted caramel hot chocolate is pure comfort in a cup. Rich chocolatey goodness mixes with the sweet, buttery taste of caramel for a treat that warms you up!
You can’t help but smile with every sip—who knew something could taste so cozy? I like to top mine with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt. Yum! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: For a creamier drink, use whole milk. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, 2% milk or almond milk can be great alternatives. I find oat milk also adds a nice creaminess!
Heavy Cream: This gives the hot chocolate a rich texture. If you’re avoiding heavy cream, coconut cream is a great dairy-free swap that adds a light flavor. You can even skip it for a lighter drink.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate is my go-to, but feel free to use dark chocolate for a richer taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, milk chocolate also works well!
Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought caramel for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade caramel is so rewarding! For a healthier twist, use date syrup or a sugar-free caramel syrup.
Sea Salt: The salt enhances the caramel flavor and balances sweetness. If you don’t have sea salt, kosher salt can substitute, but I wouldn’t recommend table salt as it’s too fine.
How Do I Get the Chocolate to Melt Smoothly?
To melt chocolate perfectly, it’s all about patience. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by heating the milk and cream on medium heat until just simmering.
- Once it’s hot, reduce the heat to low before adding the chopped chocolate. This prevents the chocolate from seizing up.
- Stir continuously to help the chocolate melt evenly. Don’t rush this step; take your time!
Remember, it can be tempting to turn up the heat, but keeping it low ensures a smooth, velvety hot chocolate without burnt bits. Enjoy your cozy drink!
Delicious Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (plus a pinch for garnish)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Mini marshmallows, for topping
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Shaved chocolate or chocolate chunks, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful hot chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or satisfying a sweet craving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Base:
In a medium saucepan, pour in 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Set the heat to medium and warm the mixture until it starts to bubble slightly around the edges but isn’t boiling. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil over!
2. Melting the Chocolate:
Once your milk and cream are warm, reduce the heat to low. Add the 4 oz of chopped chocolate to the pan. Stir continuously with a whisk or spoon until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is silky smooth.
3. Adding Sweetness and Flavor:
Next, stir in the 1/4 cup of caramel sauce, the 1/2 tsp of sea salt, and the 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and dreamy!
4. Pouring and Topping:
Carefully pour the rich hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Top each mug with a generous heap of mini marshmallows. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream too!
5. Final Touches:
For that finishing touch, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the marshmallows and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. This little detail makes all the difference!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your salted caramel hot chocolate is ready to be enjoyed. Serve immediately and savor every warm, gooey, and delicious sip. Perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with any milk of your choice, like almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just be aware that different milks may slightly alter the taste and creaminess.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Vegan?
Yes, you can! Use dairy-free milk (like almond or coconut milk) and opt for dairy-free chocolate and vegan caramel sauce. It will still be deliciously rich!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover hot chocolate, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for a smooth texture.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet hot chocolate, simply reduce the amount of caramel sauce you add. You can also swap it for unsweetened cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor without added sugar.