This Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is the cozy drink you’ve been dreaming of! It’s rich and creamy, with a lovely blend of chocolate and caramel flavors topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.
I love curling up with a cup of this tasty treat, especially on chilly days. It’s like a warm hug in a mug! Plus, it’s super easy to make—your friends will think you’re a hot chocolate genius! ☕️✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich creaminess, but almond, oat, or skim milk can also work. I often mix in some coconut milk for a subtle flavor twist!
Chocolate: Use good quality chocolate for the best taste—semi-sweet or bittersweet works great! Dark chocolate is perfect if you love a deeper flavor. For a quick fix, chocolate chips are fine too.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce saves time, but homemade is amazing if you have a recipe handy! You can replace it with creamy peanut butter for a unique twist.
Sea Salt: This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you don’t have sea salt, kosher or regular salt can work too, but use it sparingly to keep the flavor balance just right.
How Do You Make Sure Your Hot Chocolate is Smooth and Creamy?
The key to a perfectly smooth hot chocolate is controlling the heat. Start by warming the milk and cream gently, making sure it doesn’t boil. This helps in blending the chocolate nicely without clumping.
- Heat milk and cream together until steaming, not boiling. This usually takes 5-7 minutes.
- Lower the heat before adding chocolate and whisk continuously until melted. You want a velvety texture!
- Finish by stirring in caramel sauce off the heat, which keeps the flavors bright.
A little patience during this process goes a long way in getting that perfect creamy hot chocolate!
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, finely chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt, plus a pinch for garnish
- Mini marshmallows, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salted caramel hot chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy night in or a special treat anytime during the colder months!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk and Cream:
Start by pouring the milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and warm the mixture until it starts steaming but be careful not to let it boil—nobody wants scalded milk!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Once the milk mixture is steaming, lower the heat slightly and add the finely chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips). Whisk continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This will create a rich chocolate base!
3. Add the Flavors:
Now, it’s time to mix in that delicious caramel sauce and the vanilla extract. Sprinkle in your 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and stir everything together until it’s all well combined and heated through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
4. Pour into Mugs:
Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat and pour that luscious hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Don’t skimp—make each one extra generous!
5. Top with Marshmallows:
Grab those mini marshmallows and pile them up on top of each mug! Feel free to go wild with the amount; it’s the best part!
6. Drizzle and Garnish:
Finish off your hot chocolate by drizzling extra caramel sauce over the marshmallows and adding a pinch of sea salt on top. This little touch elevates the flavor perfectly!
7. Enjoy Your Dreamy Drink:
Serve these delightful mugs of salted caramel hot chocolate immediately. Grab a cozy blanket, and get ready to savor every warm, chocolatey sip. Enjoy!
Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk works great as a substitute for whole milk. Just be aware that it may have a slightly different flavor, so choose an unsweetened variety if you prefer a less sugary taste.
How Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply replace the whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate and vegan caramel sauce. This will give you a rich, creamy hot chocolate without any animal products!
Can I Store Leftover Hot Chocolate?
Yes! If you have leftovers, store the hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Get creative! You can use whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor kick. Drizzling chocolate or caramel sauce on top also adds a beautiful finish. Enjoy experimenting!
