Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (Printable)
A velvety, warming blend of chocolate and caramel with a touch of sea salt, perfect for sipping on chilly nights.
# What You Need:
→ Dairy Base
01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Chocolate & Caramel
03 - 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
04 - 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
→ Sweetener & Flavor
05 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 tsp sea salt, plus extra for garnish
07 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
→ Toppings
08 - Whipped cream
09 - Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
10 - Flaky sea salt for garnish
# Steps:
01 - Combine whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Warm until steaming but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
02 - Add chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and granulated sugar to the warm milk mixture. Whisk continuously until chocolate and caramel are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
03 - Stir in sea salt and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or saltiness according to personal preference.
04 - Pour the finished hot chocolate evenly into two serving mugs, leaving some space at the top for toppings.
05 - Top each mug with whipped cream, drizzle with additional caramel sauce, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in fifteen minutes flat when the craving hits hard
- The salty sweet combination feels like something from a fancy coffee shop
02 -
- Never let the milk reach a rolling boil or it will form an unappealing skin on top
- Room temperature chocolate incorporates more smoothly than cold chocolate straight from the pantry
03 -
- Heat your mugs with hot water before pouring to keep the drink warmer longer
- Make a big batch and keep it warm in a slow cooker for parties