Rich and Velvety French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud)
Make a truly decadent, cafe-style French hot chocolate. This recipe uses dark chocolate and cream to achieve a thick, luxurious sipping chocolate perfect for cozy winter evenings.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place the finely chopped dark chocolate into a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the saucepan with the chocolate.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Do not let it boil.
- Once the chocolate is fully incorporated, add the sugar and salt. Continue to whisk gently until the sugar dissolves, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- For the thickest, most velvety texture, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to briefly blend the mixture until it is frothy and uniform. Alternatively, whisk vigorously by hand.
- Pour the rich hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Serve immediately as a luxury hot cocoa experience.
Notes
- For an extra decadent treat, top your Chocolat Chaud with freshly whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- If you prefer a slightly thinner consistency, increase the whole milk by 1/4 cup.
- Use a good quality dark chocolate; the flavor of the final drink depends heavily on the chocolate you choose.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 110