Authentic Rich & Creamy French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud)
Make truly luxurious, velvety French hot chocolate at home. This recipe uses dark chocolate and cream for a thick, decadent sipping chocolate experience, just like in a Parisian café.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), chopped
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place the chopped dark chocolate into a medium saucepan.
- Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the saucepan with the chocolate.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Do not let it boil.
- Whisk in the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Continue to heat gently, whisking occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the hot chocolate thickens slightly. You are looking for a rich, velvety texture.
- Remove from heat. Taste and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs immediately. Serve warm.
Notes
- For an extra decadent treat, top with fresh whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- If you want a thinner consistency, reduce the heavy cream by half a cup and substitute with more whole milk.
- Use a whisk to incorporate air for a slightly frothier texture before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg