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To make the perfect salted caramel hot chocolate, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Whipped cream (for topping) - Flaky sea salt (for garnish) - Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy drink. Whole milk and heavy cream give it a silky texture. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add depth, while cocoa powder brings out a bold chocolate flavor. Salted caramel sauce adds sweetness and a touch of saltiness. The vanilla extract enhances all these flavors, making each sip delightful. Whipped cream on top makes it look fancy and taste even better. Flaky sea salt adds a nice crunch and contrast. Finally, chocolate shavings or cocoa powder finishes the drink with a beautiful touch. Enjoy this indulgent treat any time you want to warm up! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating milk and cream Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it gently. You want it to steam, not boil. This part makes your drink creamy. 2. Melting chocolate and mixing in ingredients Once your milk and cream are hot, lower the heat to low. Now, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk them together until they melt fully. The mixture should look smooth and glossy. 3. Adjusting sweetness Next, stir in 1/3 cup of salted caramel sauce and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well and let it warm for about 2-3 minutes. Now is a good time to taste your hot chocolate. If you want it sweeter, add more caramel sauce. 4. Serving the hot chocolate Remove the saucepan from the heat. Grab your mugs and pour the hot chocolate into them. Top each mug with a big dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle some extra salted caramel sauce on top. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and some chocolate shavings. Enjoy your treat! - Choosing the right types of chocolate: I like to use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich and balanced flavor. You can also mix in dark chocolate for a deeper taste. Experiment with different chocolates for fun twists! - Customizing sweetness levels: Start with the salted caramel sauce in the recipe. Taste your hot chocolate before serving. If it's not sweet enough, add more caramel. You control the sweetness! - Best practices for garnishing: Always top with whipped cream for a creamy finish. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds sweetness and flair. Finally, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes each sip special. Try adding chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder to impress your guests. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor in your hot chocolate. Homemade Caramel: If you have time, try making your own salted caramel sauce for an extra special touch. Whipped Cream Variations: Experiment with flavored whipped cream, such as vanilla or hazelnut, to elevate the taste. Serving Suggestions: Pair your hot chocolate with a slice of chocolate cake or cookies for a delightful treat. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salted caramel hot chocolate without dairy. Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk and cream. Both options give a lovely creaminess without the dairy. I enjoy almond milk for its light nutty flavor. Oat milk has a thicker texture, which is great for a rich drink. For chocolate, go for dairy-free chocolate chips. Many brands offer smooth options that melt well. Make sure to check the labels. You want to find chocolate that suits your taste and keeps it dairy-free. If you want a fun twist, try adding a splash of liqueur. A bit of Irish cream or hazelnut liqueur can add a lovely kick. Just pour in a small amount, about 1 to 2 ounces, into your hot chocolate before serving. For a cozy evening, I recommend pairing with bourbon or dark rum. These spirits enhance the sweetness and richness of the drink. You can also top it with whipped cream for a festive touch. Enjoy your cozy drink with a twist! To store your salted caramel hot chocolate, let it cool first. Pour any leftovers into a clean container. Seal it tightly with a lid. I recommend using glass jars or airtight plastic containers. Place the container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty. When you want to enjoy it again, you can reheat it. Pour the hot chocolate into a saucepan. Warm it over low heat. Stir gently until it’s hot. Avoid boiling, as it can alter the texture. If it seems thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Your salted caramel hot chocolate stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. After that, it may lose its flavor and creaminess. Always check for any odd smells or changes before drinking. Enjoy it while it’s still delicious! Can I use different types of chocolate? Yes, you can! Dark chocolate adds a rich taste. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter flavor. Use your favorite to make it special. How can I make it sugar-free? To make it sugar-free, use sugar-free chocolate chips and sugar-free caramel sauce. You can also add a sugar substitute if you like. What’s the best brand for salted caramel sauce? Some top brands are Torani, Smucker’s, and Ghirardelli. They offer great flavors and save time. You can also make your own at home. Can I prepare it in advance? Yes, you can! Make the hot chocolate and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat it gently. Stir well before serving. This post shared how to make delicious salted caramel hot chocolate. We covered the right ingredients, from whole milk to chocolate shavings. I gave you steps to prepare and serve it perfectly. You learned tips for customizing flavor and the best ways to store leftovers. Don’t forget the fun variations, like dairy-free choices or spiked versions. Enjoy making your perfect cup of hot chocolate. Take your time and let your taste guide you.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

A rich and creamy hot chocolate topped with salted caramel and whipped cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.33 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 serving whipped cream
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt
  • 1 serving chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to steam, but do not let it boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder until fully melted and smooth.
  • Stir in the salted caramel sauce and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and glossy. Allow it to warm through for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Taste the hot chocolate and adjust sweetness by adding more caramel sauce if desired.
  • Remove from the heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
  • Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream, then drizzle a little extra salted caramel sauce on top.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

Notes

Adjust sweetness with additional caramel sauce if desired.
Keyword caramel, dessert, hot chocolate