The THICKEST and CREAMIEST Hot Chocolate Recipe EVER! (2024)

FAQs

How do you make hot chocolate thicker? ›

Cornflour/Cornstarch: Mix a small amount with cold milk or water to create a smooth paste. Whisk this into your hot chocolate towards the end of the cooking process until it thickens. Double Cream: Stirring in a splash of double cream can instantly enrich and thicken your drink, giving it a velvety texture.

In mainland Europe (particularly Spain and Italy), hot chocolate is sometimes served very thick due to the use of a thickening agent such as cornstarch.

Italy is another European country that loves its thick hot chocolate. Their version of hot chocolate uses heavy cream and milk like the French. But unlike the French, they go an extra step by adding cornstarch to thicken the mixture even more. The result is a pudding-like consistency that is still pourable.

For instance, when chocolate comes into contact with even the smallest amount of water, it seizes. Similarly, if chocolate is overheated, it will become thick and lumpy.

If the hot chocolate doesn't thicken, add a slurry of cornstarch and milk (dissolve ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold milk) to the hot chocolate and continue stirring over medium high heat until slightly thickened.

The thicker, richer hot chocolate is also called “drinking chocolate”. Belgian ​​hot chocolate is made using melted chocolate, characterized by less sweetness and a thicker consistency. It is made primarily using dark chocolate but also has some milk chocolate mixed in.

Mexican hot chocolate contains spices like cinnamon and chili and chopped bittersweet chocolate to create a very rich but less sweet flavor. Whereas traditional American hot chocolate is usually made with a combination of cocoa powder and/or chocolate and tends to be more on the sweet side.

If you want a truly authentic experience, use Mexican chocolate. This type of chocolate has a lower sugar content and a more intense flavor. If you want a sweeter drink, add more sugar to taste. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the recipe to make it spicier.

Homemade hot chocolate recipes contain very few ingredients, and the largest ingredient is chocolate, so be picky. Use dark or bittersweet chocolate. Milk chocolate will be too sweet, at least for most European tastebuds.

What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›

Marshmallows: The Unsung Hero

Believe it or not, the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate is none other than marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet confections are the unsung heroes of the hot chocolate world, adding a delightful creaminess and hint of sweetness that takes the drink to a whole new level.

Add a small amount of jalapeno (habanero or cayenne if you're brave) to your next cup of hot cocoa for a little heat and bite. Just make sure to go easy on the pepper: the heat of the hot cocoa will warm the spice, making it a little hotter than you might expect.

Using less cream will result in a thicker consistency for your ganache. For instance, instead of using equal parts chocolate and cream, use two parts chocolate to one part cream for a thicker consistency.

Want it thicker? Try adding a teaspoon for cornstarch before blending. Make it a Chocolate Milkshake by adding vanilla ice cream!

For small amounts of chocolate, add unflavored fats such as coconut or canola oil, butter, or shortening. Start by adding 1 teaspoon, and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency.