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To create a rich and creamy salted caramel hot chocolate, gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - A pinch of flaky sea salt - Whipped cream (for topping) - Optional: Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting this cozy drink. Whole milk and heavy cream give a smooth and creamy base. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add depth and richness. Salted caramel sauce brings a sweet and salty twist that makes this drink special. Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while flaky sea salt adds a delightful contrast. Topping with whipped cream creates a fluffy finish. Dark chocolate shavings are a fun touch for extra flavor and looks. Gather these ingredients, and you are on your way to a delightful treat. This hot chocolate is not just a drink; it’s a warm hug in a mug! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heating the milk and cream Start by taking a medium saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Set the heat to medium. Warm the mixture gently, stirring often. You want it hot but not boiling. 2. Incorporating chocolate and caramel When the milk and cream are warm, it’s time to add flavor. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce. Keep whisking until everything melts together. The mix should look creamy and smooth. 3. Adding flavorings Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt for that perfect salty touch. Mix well to ensure all flavors blend evenly. 1. Pouring into mugs Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs or heatproof cups. Make sure to share equally, so both cups are filled with this rich drink. 2. Topping with whipped cream and caramel Now, it’s time for the fun part! Top each mug with a fluffy layer of whipped cream. Then, drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top. This adds a sweet, sticky finish that is simply delightful. 3. Adding decorative garnishes For a fancy touch, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over the whipped cream. This adds both beauty and extra chocolate flavor. Your salted caramel hot chocolate is now ready to enjoy! To make the best salted caramel hot chocolate, focus on the consistency. You want it creamy, not too thick or thin. Start with whole milk and heavy cream for that rich texture. Heat them gently together, stirring often. You should see steam rising, but don’t let it boil. Using high-quality chocolate is key. I like semi-sweet chocolate chips for a nice balance of sweetness and richness. They melt well and blend smoothly into the drink. Always whisk them in gradually for the best results. You can add fun flavors to your hot chocolate. Try a dash of peppermint extract for a minty twist. A sprinkle of cinnamon can add warmth, too. For toppings, think beyond whipped cream. Drizzle more salted caramel sauce on top for that extra sweetness. Dark chocolate shavings add a nice crunch and look great. You can even use crushed nuts for texture and flavor. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor in your hot chocolate. Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of salted caramel sauce based on your sweetness preference; less for a more intense chocolate flavor. Whip Your Cream: For an extra fluffy topping, whip the cream until soft peaks form before adding it to your hot chocolate. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes like crushed nuts, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added texture and flavor. {{image_4}} You can enjoy a vegan version of salted caramel hot chocolate. First, swap whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk. Almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk work well. Each adds a unique flavor and texture. Next, choose vegan chocolate options. Look for semi-sweet chocolate chips that are dairy-free. Many brands offer these, so you can find one that suits your taste. Check the label to ensure they are vegan-friendly. If you want to cut back on sugar, you can easily make this drink healthier. Start by swapping regular caramel sauce with a sugar-free version. You can find these in stores or make your own. For sweetening, choose natural sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia. These alternatives can help you enjoy the flavor without the extra sugar. Adjust the amount based on your taste, and remember that a little goes a long way. By making these small changes, you can still enjoy a rich and cozy drink while meeting your dietary needs. To store your salted caramel hot chocolate, let it cool first. Pour the drink into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, note that the flavors will still be great. Just remember to give it a good shake before using it. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover hot chocolate, pour it into a saucepan. Heat it over low heat. Stir it gently as it warms. This helps keep the texture smooth and creamy. If you find it too thick, you can add a splash of milk. This will bring it back to the right consistency. Enjoy your cozy treat! You can use whole milk or coconut milk. Both options will still give you a rich flavor. If you want a thicker drink, add a bit of butter to the milk. This will help mimic the creaminess of heavy cream. Yes, you can! Prepare it as normal, then let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it, just reheat it gently on the stove. Stir well to mix everything before serving. You can find premade salted caramel hot chocolate at most grocery stores. Look for it in the drink mix aisle or near the coffee section. Some cafes also offer it as a seasonal drink, especially in winter. This blog post covered how to make a rich salted caramel hot chocolate. I shared ingredients like whole milk, chocolate chips, and whipped cream to create a delicious drink. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and serving it, plus tips to get the best flavor. We also talked about interesting variations for vegan or low-sugar options. In the end, you can enjoy hot chocolate in many ways, perfect for any occasion. Try these tips and make your own delightful version!

Decadent Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

A rich and indulgent hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and salted caramel.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt
  • to taste whipped cream
  • to taste dark chocolate shavings

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Warm the mixture gently, stirring occasionally until it’s hot but not boiling.
  • Once the milk and cream mixture is warm, gradually whisk in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and salted caramel sauce. Continue to whisk until all the chocolate has melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  • Stir in the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of flaky sea salt, ensuring it’s well incorporated for a harmonious flavor throughout.
  • Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the luscious hot chocolate into two mugs or heatproof cups, ensuring an even distribution.
  • Generously top each mug with a fluffy layer of whipped cream, and then drizzle a generous amount of the additional salted caramel sauce over the whipped cream to enhance the indulgence.
  • For an elegant finish, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over the whipped cream, adding both visual appeal and a rich chocolate flavor.

Notes

For an extra touch, use high-quality chocolate chips.
Keyword caramel, dessert drink, hot chocolate