Description
This Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda) is luxuriously thick, almost like a melted chocolate pudding in a cup. Made with real chocolate, milk, and a touch of cornstarch, it’s smooth, velvety, and deeply chocolatey. Serve it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa, or even a dash of cinnamon for an extra indulgence!
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
4 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for thickening)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
For Serving:
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Cocoa powder or cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
-
Prepare the Thickener:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold milk until smooth. Set aside.
-
Heat the Milk & Cocoa:
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the remaining milk (but don’t let it boil).
- Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, stirring continuously.
-
Melt the Chocolate:
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until fully melted and smooth.
-
Thicken the Hot Chocolate:
- Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly.
- Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until the hot chocolate thickens to a velvety, pudding-like consistency.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Notes
- Extra Thick Version: Add an extra ½ tablespoon of cornstarch for an even richer, spoonable texture.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use oat milk or almond milk and dairy-free dark chocolate.
- Spiked Version: Add a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or Amaretto for an adult twist!