Table of Contents
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of French Hot Chocolate. This decadent drink is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day, offering a luxurious twist on the classic hot chocolate. With its intense chocolate flavor and creamy texture, French Hot Chocolate is sure to become a favorite in your household.
I first discovered French Hot Chocolate during a trip to Paris. The moment I took my first sip, I was transported to a world of pure chocolate bliss. The richness and depth of flavor were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magical experience in my own kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you.
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Let’s dive into the art of making the perfect French Hot Chocolate.
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Also, ensure that your chocolate is chopped into small, even pieces for easier melting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 1 ½ cups |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Espresso powder (optional, but delicious for intensifying chocolate flavor) | ½ teaspoon |
| Bittersweet chocolate (at least 70%), chopped | 8 ounces |
| Giant bowl of whipped cream for serving |
Step-by-Step Guide
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder until small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted. If needed, return the sauce to low heat to ensure the chocolate melts completely.
- Serve the French Hot Chocolate warm, topped with lots of whipped cream.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, choose high-quality chocolate. The flavor of the chocolate really carries the drink, so it’s worth splurging on a good brand like Guittard. Avoid using chocolate chips, as they contain stabilizers and do not melt as well.
If you have leftovers, allow the French Hot Chocolate to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
For a delightful pairing, try serving your French Hot Chocolate with Flaky Gluten Free Croissants. The combination is simply divine.
Print
French Hot Chocolate: Gluten & Dairy Free
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the luxurious taste of Paris with this French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud). Unlike standard hot cocoa made with powder, this rich drinking chocolate is made by melting high-quality dark chocolate directly into hot milk. It is thick, velvety, and intensely chocolatey. This version is completely gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a decadent treat everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups dairy-free milk (full-fat canned coconut milk creates the thickest texture, or use almond/oat milk)
5 oz (140g) high-quality dairy-free dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional, depending on chocolate sweetness)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt (crucial to enhance the chocolate flavor)
Coconut whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat Milk: Pour the dairy-free milk into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat until it is steaming and small bubbles appear around the edges, but do not let it come to a rolling boil.
2. Melt Chocolate: Reduce the heat to low. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan. Whisk continuously and vigorously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Season: Remove from heat. Whisk in the vanilla extract and the pinch of sea salt. Taste carefully—if your dark chocolate is very bitter, add the maple syrup or sugar now and whisk until dissolved.
4. Serve: Pour immediately into small cups (it is very rich, so small servings are best). Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Chocolate Quality: Since this recipe has few ingredients, use the best quality gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate bar you can find. Do not use chocolate chips as they often contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting.
Thickness: For an authentic thick French texture, use at least half canned coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative.
Spiced Version: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the heating step for a warming kick.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking constantly to re-emulsify.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
While bittersweet chocolate is recommended for its rich flavor, you can use semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste. Just make sure it’s at least 60% cocoa.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives, such as almond milk and coconut cream. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—a luxurious and indulgent French Hot Chocolate recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re curling up by the fire on a cold winter’s night or treating yourself to a special afternoon pick-me-up, this rich and creamy drink is sure to hit the spot.
For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.