Indulge your taste buds with the ultimate comfort drink that will warm your heart and soul—Vanilla Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate! This decadent concoction combines rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and a luscious swirl of caramel, all topped with a delightful hint of sea salt. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this recipe is quick and easy, taking just 15 minutes to prepare. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a drink that tastes like a gourmet treat from your favorite café. Trust us, once you take a sip, you’ll be hooked!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt for garnish
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to combine the ingredients. Heat the mixture until it is warm but not boiling, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the milk and cream mixture is warm, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- After the chocolate has melted, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of caramel sauce. Continue to stir until the caramel is fully incorporated into the hot chocolate, creating a rich and decadent flavor.
- Once the hot chocolate is well combined, remove the saucepan from heat. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more caramel sauce or chocolate chips.
- Pour the Vanilla Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate into four mugs, filling each mug about three-quarters full. Leave some space at the top for whipped cream and garnish.
- Top each mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the whipped cream and caramel drizzle to enhance the flavors and create a delightful contrast.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your warm, indulgent Vanilla Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate!
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips and pure vanilla extract. The better your ingredients, the richer your hot chocolate will taste.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of caramel sauce according to your taste preference. If you love it sweeter, add more caramel; if you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount.
- Experiment with Toppings: While whipped cream and caramel drizzle are classic choices, consider adding chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve it Warm: This hot chocolate is best served immediately while it’s still warm and comforting. You can keep it warm on low heat if you’re serving a crowd, but avoid boiling it.
- Make it a Treat for Kids: For a fun twist, let kids decorate their mugs with mini marshmallows or colorful sprinkles on top of the whipped cream for a festive touch.
- Pair it Right: Enjoy your Vanilla Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with a side of cookies, brownies, or a slice of cake for the ultimate treat experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 55mg
