How To Make This Viral French Hot Chocolate at Home
If you’ve seen the viral TikTok of a woman preparing a French hot chocolate, then you know it’s an absolute must-try — not just during the winter but all year round. This hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and shockingly smooth and only requires a few steps to make. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe if you’re looking to whip up a delicious plant-based hot chocolate. But the ingredients are a bit specific, so you’ll want to make sure you gather the right ones.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this viral French hot chocolate at home. This recipe will surely be a hit with friends and family, and it’s the perfect way to end a long, cold day. We’ll also provide some tips on customizing it to make it even more delicious. So, get ready to melt some chocolate and get whisking — the perfect cup of French hot chocolate awaits!
Ingredients
- Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is the key to making a delicious cup of French hot chocolate. Use good quality chocolate for the best results.
- Milk of choice: You can use any type of milk in your French hot chocolate. Dairy, almond, oat, and coconut milk all work well.
- Maple syrup: A little bit of maple syrup goes a long way to add some sweetness to balance out the slightly bitter chocolate in this gourmet drink.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds depth and flavor to the beverage. Be sure to use organic or natural extract if possible.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps to bring out the sweetness in the raw cacao and brings balance to the drink’s flavor profile.
- Espresso powder: This recipe calls for a little bit of espresso powder to incorporate a subtle coffee flavor and bring out the warmth of the chocolate. If you’re not a fan of coffee or are trying to limit your caffeine intake, you can opt to leave this out.
- Spices: Cinnamon is the primary spice used in this recipe, but you can choose any spices you prefer to add complexity to your French hot chocolate. Nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and cayenne pepper are all great choices for extra flavor or heat.
- Coconut cream: To complete your French hot chocolate, coconut cream (which comes from a can of chilled coconut milk) helps maximize its creaminess.
Tools and Equipment
To make your French hot chocolate, you’ll need a large pot to hold all ingredients and enough room for stirring. A whisk is essential for ensuring the ingredients mix properly and avoids lumps in your French hot chocolate. You’ll need measuring spoons in order to get the proportions right when adding ingredients to your French hot chocolate. You may also need a knife to chop up the dark chocolate to help it melt down more quickly and evenly. If you don’t want to go through the process of heating everything manually, consider investing in a hot chocolate maker.
Directions
If you’re using a bar of dark chocolate, prepare it by chopping it into smaller chunks. You’ll need at least 3.5 to 4 ounces of it, which should be placed in a pot. Next, add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup (more or less based on your desired sweetness), a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract. For extra flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of espresso powder, a pinch of cinnamon, and any other spices you prefer. To achieve optimal creaminess and consistency, add ¾ cup of milk of your choice (the recipe’s author uses almond milk for a plant-based beverage) and ¼ cup of coconut cream. This final ingredient can be obtained by chilling a can of coconut milk in the fridge, resulting in a thickened cream that settles on top of the milk.
Once you’ve combined all the ingredients in a pot, heat it over low heat and constantly stir with a whisk to mix them as they melt together. Be careful not to let the mixture boil to prevent the chocolate from burning or becoming bitter-tasting. Continue heating it until you’ve reached your desired temperature and an evenly melted texture. And there you have it — a perfectly silky cup of homemade French hot chocolate. So, now grab a spoon and start enjoying this cozy treat!
Optional Toppings
Everyone loves marshmallows floating on top of their hot cocoa. Adding a few will make it even more delicious. You can also top your French hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence if you want something rich and creamy. Add some chocolate shavings on top before serving for an extra special touch. Want something even creamier? Place a scoop of ice cream on top for an icy-cold twist on this classic dessert drink.
Conclusion
Making French hot chocolate at home is a great way to warm up on a chilly evening or satisfy a sweet tooth at the end of a long day. With just a few ingredients and the right technique, you can make an incredibly delicious and creamy hot chocolate that’s sure to become a family favorite. For added sophistication, try one of the optional toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or ice cream. Bon appétit!