Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (Printable)
A decadent blend of chocolate and caramel with a hint of sea salt for the perfect cozy beverage.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy Base
01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Chocolate & Caramel
03 - 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
04 - 1/4 cup caramel sauce
→ Sweetener & Flavor
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Toppings
08 - Whipped cream
09 - Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
10 - Flaky sea salt for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Combine milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Warm until steaming but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
02 - Add chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and sugar to the warm milk mixture. Whisk continuously until chocolate and caramel are completely melted and mixture is smooth and glossy.
03 - Stir in sea salt and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness to personal preference.
04 - Pour hot chocolate into two serving mugs. Top generously with whipped cream, drizzle with additional caramel sauce, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The salty sweet hit feels like getting hugged from the inside out
- Takes less than 15 minutes from pantry to mug
- Whipped cream on top is basically a requirement not optional
02 -
- Never let the milk reach a rolling boil or it will scorch and the texture becomes unpleasantly grainy
- The mixture thickens as it cools so serve immediately while it is still hot and pourable
03 -
- Warm your mugs with hot water while the hot chocolate cooks so it stays hot longer
- Whisk in a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising spicy undertone