This salted caramel hot chocolate is a warm hug in a mug! It combines rich chocolate with sweet caramel and a pinch of salt for that perfect balance.
Whenever I need a pick-me-up, this drink does the trick. Plus, who can resist topping it off with whipped cream? It’s like a cozy cafe right at home! ☕️✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, 2% or almond milk works well too. Just keep in mind, almond milk might slightly alter the flavor.
Heavy Cream: This adds extra creaminess. Half-and-half is a great substitute if you want to reduce fat a bit, or you can skip it altogether for a less rich drink.
Cocoa Powder: Make sure it’s unsweetened cocoa for balanced sweetness. You can also use Dutch-process cocoa for a smoother flavor, just remember to check the sweetness!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Chocolate chips melt well but feel free to use dark chocolate for a richer taste. Milk chocolate is sweeter, so adjust the sugar if you prefer that.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought adds convenience, but homemade is easy! Just melt sugar until golden, then carefully add butter and cream. Substitute with butterscotch sauce for a fun twist!
How Do I Get My Marshmallows to Stay on Top?
Topping off your hot chocolate with marshmallows seems straightforward, but getting them to stay in place and look great is key! Start by whisking your hot chocolate ingredients well to create a creamy base.
- To help your marshmallows stick, lightly drizzle some caramel on the surface of the hot chocolate before adding them.
- Place your marshmallows in a mound, allowing them to puff up slightly above the mug rim for that Instagram-worthy look!
- Finally, a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top will help them stick and make your drink look extra amazing.
Enjoy the cozy vibes with your perfectly topped salted caramel hot chocolate! ☕️
How to Make Delicious Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt (plus extra for rimming)
For Toppings:
- Mini marshmallows
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for drizzling
- Coarse sugar, for rimming the mugs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salted caramel hot chocolate takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. After a quick stir and simmer, you can enjoy this warm, comforting drink in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mugs:
Start by preparing your mugs. Take a little caramel sauce and rub it around the rim of each mug. Then, dip the rims into a mix of coarse sugar and a tiny pinch of sea salt to create a fancy salted sugar crust. Set the mugs aside to let the caramel set a bit.
2. Make the Hot Chocolate Base:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the brown sugar, then place over medium heat. Whisk continuously as the mixture heats up, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid becomes hot but not boiling.
3. Add Cocoa and Chocolate:
Now, it’s time to bring in the chocolate magic! Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until it’s fully incorporated with no lumps. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips next, stirring gently until everything is melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy.
4. Add Flavor:
Stir in the vanilla extract and add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the delicious salted caramel flavor. Mix well to combine.
5. Serve Up the Goodness:
Carefully pour the hot chocolate into your prepared mugs. Fill them up, but leave a little room for the toppings!
6. Top It Off:
Heap a generous amount of mini marshmallows on top of each mug. Feel free to go as high as you want—it’s all about the marshmallow love!
7. Drizzle Caramel:
Now for the finishing touch! Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallows, letting it drip enticingly down the sides of the mug. This will make your hot chocolate look as amazing as it tastes.
8. Enjoy Right Away:
Enjoy your salted caramel hot chocolate immediately with a spoon! Savor the cozy combination of rich chocolate, sweet caramel, a crunchy pinch of sea salt, and fluffy marshmallows. It’s the perfect treat for chilly days!
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Without Heavy Cream?
Yes! You can simply use more whole milk in place of the heavy cream. This will result in a slightly lighter hot chocolate, but it will still be delicious and creamy!
Can I Use Different Types of Milk?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess will vary, so choose one that you enjoy!
How Do I Store Any Leftovers?
If you have leftover hot chocolate, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of milk to refresh the creaminess!
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Vegan?
Definitely! Substitute whole milk with a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich texture!
