What's better than a steaming mug of creamy hot chocolate? One infused with sweet salted caramel, of course! This salted caramel hot chocolate is an indulgent drink, perfect for skating parties, cool-weather camping trips, cozying up at home, and more.
So long, plain hot chocolate. The addition of a spoonful of salted caramel (and an extra drizzle on top) takes everyone's favorite cool-weather drink to the next level.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chocolate--You can use dark or milk chocolate for this drink, depending on your preference. Dark chocolate will give it a slightly bitter taste, and is perfect if you don't have a sweet tooth. If you prefer a creamier, sweeter version, use milk chocolate.
- Milk--I recommend using whole milk, but reduced fat will work, too.
- Brown sugar, cream, butter, vanilla--This is cooked together to make your caramel (technically butterscotch sauce). You'll have extra, but it's terrific spooned over ice cream, stirred into lattes, drizzled over cheesecake . . . you get the idea.
How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
- Combine the sugar, cream, butter, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan and set over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from the heat.
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until bubbles appear on the edges of the milk. Don't let the milk boil. Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the chopped chocolate and whisk until smooth.
- Pour 2 tablespoons caramel into the bottom of each mug. Pour the warm hot chocolate over and stir well. Top with whipped cream and extra caramel sauce.
FAQs
If you want to get ahead, prepare the salted caramel sauce up to 1 week before using. Store it in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. Warm it over low heat before pouring into your mug.
Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Extra caramel sauce is terrific for drizzling over ice cream, or use it to make caramel apple dip.
- Chop your chocolate very finely so that it melts quickly and easily.
- This recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets.
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Recipe
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
For the salted caramel sauce
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the hot chocolate
- 2 cups milk preferably whole
- 4 ounces dark or milk chocolate finely chopped
- Whipped topping for serving (optional)
Instructions
Make the salted caramel sauce
- Combine the sugar, whipping cream, butter, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Make the hot chocolate
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk until hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally. You should see steam coming off the top and small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot.
- Remove from the heat and immediately whisk in the chopped chocolate until melted and smooth.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the bottom of each mug. Pour the hot chocolate over the caramel and stir well to combine.
- Serve immediately, topped with whipped topping, if using, and an extra drizzle of salted caramel.
Notes
- Prepare the caramel sauce up to 1 week before using. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container.
- Extra caramel sauce is terrific for drizzling over ice cream, or use it to make caramel apple dip.
- Chop your chocolate very finely so that it melts quickly and easily.
- This recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets.
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