Description
Experience the luxurious richness of authentic Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo), a thick and creamy chocolate drink made with dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and milk. This indulgent treat is perfect for cozy evenings and is traditionally served thick enough to be sipped or eaten like pudding.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Mixture
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (70-74%), finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
Milk
- 1 3/4 cups 2% milk
Garnish (optional)
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Get ready: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped dark chocolate, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a small pinch of kosher salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/4 cup of 2% milk until smooth.
- Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the remaining 1 3/4 cups of 2% milk until it simmers gently, with bubbles forming around the edges. Slowly add the chocolate mixture into the simmering milk. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until the chocolate fully melts and the mixture becomes smooth, approximately 4 minutes.
- Add the slurry: Whisk the cornstarch and milk slurry into the chocolate mixture. Continue stirring constantly to prevent lumps and to help the chocolate thicken, which takes about 1 minute.
- Let cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the hot chocolate cool for 5 minutes. If a thin skin forms on the surface, whisk it gently to smooth it out.
- Serve: Pour the Italian hot chocolate into heat-proof cups or mugs. Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream if desired, and serve immediately while warm and rich.
Notes
- Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.
- Italian hot chocolate thickens further as it cools, so consider serving smaller portions.
- To reheat, gently warm over low heat in a small saucepan or enjoy it like pudding with a spoon.
- This drink is very rich and decadent; choose small cups rather than large mugs for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 150 ml)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
