Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

$- 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for topping) - Whipped cream, for an indulgent garnish To make the best salted caramel hot chocolate, you need quality ingredients. Whole milk and heavy cream make it rich and creamy. The semi-sweet chocolate chips add a deep chocolate flavor. Unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chocolate taste without adding extra sugar. Caramel sauce brings sweetness and a unique flavor. Vanilla extract adds warmth, while sea salt balances the sweetness. Finally, whipped cream gives a delightful finish. These ingredients combine to create a drink that is both comforting and luxurious. When you gather everything, you set the stage for a cozy treat. Remember, using good quality chocolate and caramel makes a big difference. Enjoy the process of making this delightful drink! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by pouring 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream into a medium-sized saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently. Heat it until it is warm, but do not let it boil. If it starts to bubble, take it off the heat. This step is key for a creamy texture. Once the dairy mixture is warm, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Use a whisk to stir the mixture. Whisking helps the chocolate melt smoothly. Keep stirring until everything is mixed well and silky. This makes the hot chocolate rich and tasty. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Whisk again until everything is blended well. Now, taste your hot chocolate. If you want it sweeter, add more caramel sauce to reach the right flavor for you. Once you have the flavor you love, remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, filling them generously. Top each mug with a big dollop of whipped cream. For a final touch, drizzle some caramel sauce on top and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt. This step gives a nice contrast to the sweet flavors. Enjoy your warm drink! To make your salted caramel hot chocolate really creamy, use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream. I recommend using 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. This ratio gives the drink a rich texture without being too heavy. When it comes to chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips work best. They balance sweetness with a rich chocolate flavor. If you want to try something different, use dark chocolate for a deeper taste. Spices can really elevate your drink. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth to the hot chocolate. You can also think about toppings. Instead of just whipped cream, try adding crushed cookies or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Serving salted caramel hot chocolate at holiday gatherings is a great idea. Use festive mugs and add a decorative spoon for a touch of fun. Pair it with desserts like brownies or gingerbread cookies. These treats enhance the rich flavors of your hot chocolate. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your hot chocolate is greatly influenced by the chocolate you choose. Opt for good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer taste. Customize Your Sweetness: Everyone has a different preference for sweetness. Start with the recommended amount of caramel sauce, then adjust to your liking by adding more gradually. Chill Your Mugs: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your mugs in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring in the hot chocolate. This contrast will keep your drink warmer longer! Add a Flavor Twist: Experiment with different flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or substitute the vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a festive twist. {{image_4}} You can easily make a dairy-free version of salted caramel hot chocolate. Almond milk or coconut milk works great. Both give a creamy texture. Almond milk adds a nutty flavor, while coconut milk makes it richer. For chocolate, look for vegan options. Many brands offer dairy-free chocolate chips. They still melt well and taste amazing. Want to mix it up? Try peppermint salted caramel hot chocolate. Just add a few drops of peppermint extract. It adds a refreshing kick, especially in winter. If you like a bit of heat, go for spicy salted caramel hot chocolate. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. This twist warms you up and gives a fun flavor contrast. If you want a lighter drink, reduce the caramel sauce. You can use less than a quarter cup. This way, you still enjoy the flavor without all the sugar. For sweetening, think about using stevia. It’s a natural sweetener and has no calories. Just remember to start with a small amount and taste as you go. To keep your salted caramel hot chocolate fresh, cool it down first. Pour it into an airtight container. Make sure it is clean and dry. For best results, use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These will help keep flavors intact. Store your hot chocolate in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the hot chocolate. You can use a saucepan on low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. If you want, you can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. To refresh the flavor, add a splash of milk or more caramel sauce. This will help bring back the smooth and rich taste. Salted caramel hot chocolate is a rich, creamy drink. It blends deep chocolate flavor with sweet caramel. The sea salt adds a nice touch, enhancing the taste. You make it using whole milk, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and caramel sauce. The mix creates a warm hug in a mug, perfect for chilly days. Yes, you can make it vegan! Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream. There are also vegan chocolate chips available. For caramel, look for dairy-free options. These swaps keep the flavor rich and delicious while meeting vegan needs. To lower the sweetness, reduce the caramel sauce. Start with less and taste as you go. You can also use unsweetened cocoa powder. If you want a darker chocolate taste, this helps balance the sweetness. Remember, it's easy to add more, but hard to take away! Many cafés serve great salted caramel hot chocolate. Try local coffee shops or dessert places. Chains like Starbucks often have seasonal versions. For packaged options, check brands like Ghirardelli or Godiva for mixes. They provide a tasty hot chocolate experience at home. In this post, we explored how to make delicious salted caramel hot chocolate. We covered each ingredient, from whole milk to whipped cream. The steps for heating dairy and melting chocolate are key. Tips for perfect creaminess and flavor helped enhance your drink. We also discussed variations for dietary needs and festive touches. Now, you have everything you need to enjoy or share this treat. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!$

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

A rich and indulgent hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
to taste whipped cream

Instructions

Begin by pouring the whole milk and heavy cream into a medium-sized saucepan. Place it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated to just below simmering—be careful not to let it boil.
Once the cream mixture is warm, gradually add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Using a whisk, stir continuously until the chocolate has melted completely and the mixture is silky smooth.
Next, incorporate the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and sea salt into the hot chocolate. Continue to whisk until all ingredients are fully blended and the mixture is evenly heated.
Taste your decadent hot chocolate! If you would like it sweeter, feel free to mix in more caramel sauce to reach your desired level of sweetness.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, then carefully pour the rich hot chocolate into mugs, filling them generously.
Crown each mug with a lofty dollop of whipped cream, making it look irresistibly inviting.
To finish, drizzle a beautiful stream of caramel sauce over the whipped cream and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for that perfect contrast of flavors.

Notes

Serve with a decorative spoon and extra toppings for an indulgent experience.

Keyword caramel, dessert, hot chocolate